28.6

Affirmation in 1 John (Box 28.5)

The author of 1 John affirms his readers, assuring them that they are doing well and that they enjoy a positive status before God.

• They have had the word of life revealed to them (1:1–2).
• They have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ (2:1).
• They have assimilated the truth of the new commandment (2:8).
• They have received forgiveness of sins (2:12).
• They know the Father, the one who is from the beginning (2:13–14).
• They have overcome the evil one (2:13–14).
• They are strong, and the word of God abides in them (2:14).
• They have been anointed by the Holy One and know the truth (2:20–21).
• They do not need anyone to teach them (2:27).
• They are children of God already, and they will be like Christ (3:1–2; 5:19).
• They have Christ abiding in them, and he has given them the Spirit (3:24; 4:13).
• They are from God and have conquered spirits of the antichrist (4:3–4, 6).
• They are indwelt by one who is greater than the one who is in the world (4:4).
• They have experienced love being perfected among them (4:17).
• They have faith that conquers the world (5:4).
• They believe in the name of the Son of God (5:13).
• They have eternal life (5:13).
• They have boldness before God in prayer (5:14–15).
• They have been given understanding to know God (5:20).
• They are in the God who is true, through his Son, Jesus Christ (5:20).