1 John

First John is an intimate letter written by the Apostle John, focused on assuring genuine believers of their salvation and distinguishing true faith from false claims. The central themes are life, love, and light. John provides three main tests of true Christian faith: the obedience test (Do you obey God’s commands?), the love test (Do you genuinely love fellow believers?), and the doctrinal test (Do you believe that Jesus Christ came in the flesh?). The letter assures believers that they have access to God, that their sins are forgiven, and that they possess eternal life. John encourages fellowship and warns against "antichrists" who deny the true humanity and deity of Jesus.