Day 357 - In the Light: Knowing God Through Truth, Obedience, and Love

Welcome to Day 357 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.

These opening chapters establish clear tests for genuine fellowship with God, emphasizing that true faith is revealed through truth, obedience, and love. Fellowship with God is grounded in the reality of Jesus Christ, who was physically revealed and proclaimed as the source of eternal life. The letter confronts false claims of spirituality by contrasting light and darkness, truth and deception. Believers are taught that obedience to God’s commands and love for one another are not optional but essential evidence of knowing Him. Sin is addressed honestly, with assurance that forgiveness and cleansing are available through Christ’s atoning work. Throughout these chapters, believers are reassured of their identity as God’s children and called to live in righteousness while awaiting the full revelation of Christ.

1 John 1

The first chapter opens by affirming the eyewitness testimony of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His real incarnation and the proclamation of eternal life through Him. Fellowship with God is described as inseparable from walking in the light, which reflects God’s holy and truthful nature. Claims of fellowship without obedience are exposed as self-deception, as darkness cannot coexist with God’s light. The chapter addresses the reality of sin, rejecting both denial of sin and despair over it. Confession is presented as the pathway to forgiveness and cleansing, grounded in God’s faithfulness and justice. The chapter concludes by affirming that acknowledging sin aligns believers with God’s truth rather than placing them in opposition to Him.

1 John 2

This chapter presents Jesus Christ as the believer’s advocate and atoning sacrifice, assuring forgiveness when believers sin. Obedience to God’s commands is identified as evidence of truly knowing Him, while love for others confirms walking in the light. The chapter warns against loving the world’s values, which are temporary and opposed to God’s will. It addresses false teachers, described as antichrists, who deny the truth about Christ and attempt to deceive believers. Believers are encouraged to remain in the truth they have received, relying on the anointing of the Holy Spirit for discernment. The chapter concludes with a call to abide in Christ, living in confidence and righteousness as His return approaches.

1 John 3

The third chapter centers on the believer’s identity as a child of God, emphasizing the depth of God’s love and the future hope of being made like Christ. This hope motivates purity and righteous living, as believers are called to reflect God’s character. Sin is defined as lawlessness, and Christ’s work is shown to destroy the works of the devil and free believers from a life of habitual sin. Love is contrasted with hatred through the example of Cain, highlighting love as the defining mark of God’s family. Practical love is emphasized, calling believers to love not merely in words but in actions and truth. The chapter concludes with assurance that obedience and love provide confidence before God and confirm His abiding presence through the Holy Spirit.