Part 1 of my study on 1 John chapter 4

1John Chapter 4 (KJV)

1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.19We love him, because he first loved us.20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?21And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

 Verse 1, John the beloved tells the brethren to try EVERY spirit to see whether they are of God. This is because many false prophets had gone out into the world. How about in these last days? Are there many fasle prophets in the world today?

Let's see what scripture says:

Mathew 24:3-4 (KJV)

4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Jesus is speaking of the time after His departure from the earth and also the very last days prior to His second advent.

Matthew 24:11 (KJV)

11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Jesus doesn't say a few or some but He says many! In today's mainstream Christian world, it is not popular to expose false teachers and many professed Christians think that most of the Pastor's in the mainstream Churches couldn't possibly be the men that Jesus is warning about. They will say it's just the Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons and groups like that are fasle teachers. Let's go to scripture and see what qualifies one as a false prophet:

Deuteronomy 13;1-10 (ASV)

1If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he give thee a sign or a wonder,2and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;3thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams: for Jehovah your God proveth you, to know whether ye love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul.4Ye shall walk after Jehovah your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.5And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he hath spoken rebellion against Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of bondage, to draw thee aside out of the way which Jehovah thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put away the evil from the midst of thee.6If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, that is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;7of the gods of the peoples that are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth;8thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him:9but thou shalt surely kill him; thy hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.10And thou shalt stone him to death with stones, because he hath sought to draw thee away from Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

One qualification of a false prophet is to entice people to serve other gods. You might say "Christian Pastor's don't do this", however more and more Christian leaders are telling people that Allah is the same God as the one of the bible. Basically, that Allah and Jehovah are one and the same.

Men like Rick Warren, Dwight Nelson of the SDA denomination promote this heresy. Quiet Hour which is a Seventh-day Adventist missions ministry also does this. They encourage new converts in  Muslim  strongholds to still attend mosques and worship Allah in the name of Jesus.

1 Timothy 4:1 (KJV)

1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

The Holy Spirit speaking with urgency says that some shall depart from the faith in the latter times, giving heed to false doctrines and seducing spirits.

This is the reason why it is so important to test the spirits to see whether they be of God. In today's Churches of Christendom, many are told and encouraged to not test every spirit and that it is actually judgmental to do so. They are told that it is not loving to expose false doctrine and false teachers. You will even be given the label "legalistic". Yet, what does Jesus tell the Church at Ephesus?

Revelation 2:1-2 (KJV)

1Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;2I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

The Son of God praises the Congregation at Ephesus for their discernment and for testing those who said they were apostles and exposing them as liars. What a contrast to today's Denominational Churches who say that we are to just love everyone and pray for false apostles and that to test them and expose them is unloving and judgmental. Do you want to take Jesus word's or the modern day pulpit preachers word's?

According to Jesus, the Christian Congregation does a good work when they test those who say they are ministers of God and also expose them as liars once they have failed the test.

Back to 1 John verse 2, the first test of a right Spirit of God is if it confesses that Jesus came in the flesh. This could be directed at those who believed that Jesus only came as a spirit being or to those who don't believe he came to the earth at all.

Verse 3, it is the spirit of antichrist that says Jesus did not come in the flesh. This could be those who say that He only came in spirit form or those who say that He never existed. This spirit of antichrist was already around during John's time. It was also to come. Even though we know that there is a singular antichrist office (Papacy), this doesn't mean that others cannot have this spirit. Those who deny that Jesus ever existed also have this spirit of antichrist.

Verse 4, John tells the brethren that they have overcome these antichrist's because they belong to Jehovah God and have the Father in them. The one in the world is the devil and God is greater than him. With God living in us through His Spirit we have nothing to fear and we will overcome the wicked who are of the devil who is the prince of this world. Jehovah God is Sovereign over all the universe.

Verse 5, John says that these antichrist's who deny that Christ came in the flesh, such as spiritualistic teachers and those who deny that He (Jesus) existed are of the world. This means that they are not a child of God and that they have worldly principles and not born again. They are ruled by the vain imaginations of men. These false prophets belong to satan's kingdom whereas the saints belong to Jehovah's Kingdom. These false teachers promote the ideologies of the world such as pride, lust and deception.

The reason why many false prophets, pastors and teachers are popular with mainstream society is because they promote the same agenda that appeals to the worldly unbelievers. They teach the principles of self, the pride of life such as moving up the corporate ladder whatever it may cost or doing immoral things to move ahead in career. Esteeming career over the things of God. Seeking worldly gain. They teach sensuality in doing whatever makes you feel good such as lifestyles of fornication and homosexuality.

Verse 6, on the contrary to the false teachers who are of the devil, God's true saints are His precious possession. How can we know that we are of God? The answer is actually very simple, do we believe in the doctrine of the Apostles that was once delivered unto the saints? John the beloved says that He and the other Apostles are of God, meaning that what they teach is directly of divine inspiration from the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Remember, the Apostles dwelt with Jesus for 3 and a half years and as the Son of God was directly instructed by the Father, John and the others were directly taught by Christ. If that wasn't enough, Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit from the Father upon the Apostles with power on the day of Pentecost.

The Holy Spirit then guided the Apostolic Christian Congregation in their ministerial campaigns. Paul who didn't dwell with Christ here on the earth had an incredible life changing
   experience on the road to Damascus. The glory of the Son of God appeared to him and blinded him. Christ spoke directly to Paul in the Hebrew tongue. Following this amazing experience, Paul was taught directly by Christ.

The authority of the Apostles is rock solid and any deviation away from their teachings is heresy.

Jude 1 (KJV)

3Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude, who could very well be the Lord's brother, says that we are to contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints. This contending is supposed to be done with vigor hence the word earnestly. We are to be on the offense in refuting false doctrine. We are not be passive about it. Jude says that the apostles doctrine was the common salvation of the saints. There was no 3,000 denominations, there was one singular faith (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Let's look at the definition of 3 key words used in Jude 3-4.

The word common comes from the Greek word "koinos" (Strongs 2839) and means "belonging to generality, common, ordinary".

The salvation taught by the apostles to the early Congregation was the same (generality) throughout the body of Christ.  It was generally the same salvation preached throughout the various Congregations.

How are to preserve this once andfor all faith taught by the apostles?  Let's go to our next word/s:

The word's "earnestly contend" come from the Greek word "epagonizomai" (Strongs 1864) and mean "earnestly contend, contend"

This definition is pretty straightforward however let's go a little deeper. The above word "epagonizomai" comes from two other greek word's, one of which is "epi" (Strongs 1909) and means "upon, on, in, at, by, before, over, against, of position."

Now let's go to second greek word that "earnestly contend" (epagonizomai) comes from. This word is "agonizomai" (Strongs 75) and means "strive, fight, labour, fervently, to contend, struggle with difficulties and dangers, to endeavor with strenuous zeal, to obtain something, to enter a contest, to contend with adversaries, fight."

Wow! What a powerful definition of "earnestly contend". Brethren, this is supposed to be how we are to fight in defense of the Apostolic doctrines that were laid out for the saints once and for all. We are to be like the prize fighters of old and have gritty determination when we stand for truth and expose error. Do you notice how the mainstream Churches, including the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference, try to tame bible believing Christians into being non passionate about the faith. Do you notice how they emphasize not offending people? Satan uses the denominations of Christendom, including the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference churches, to turn passionate bible believing Christians into waterer down versions of themselves.

They emphasize not offending people and just loving people. They discourage speaking out plainly and directly against false religions, false teachings and false Churches. They always stress on being gentle and accepting of others who promote false beliefs yet Jude says the exact opposite of these milquetoast limp wristed Pastor's and Church members. Jude says to fight vigorously as if you are entering an athletic contest. Have you ever seen a Champion athlete who wasn't super intensely motivated and fought with all his strength to win the prize? The answer is likely no.

True Christian's do not put up with false doctrine and readily call it out. True Christian's have a zeal for the faith and let no one try to water them down. In these last days, Jehovah is looking for Soldiers not sophisticated, theoretical theologians. Are you up for the call? Paul encourages us to be good Soldiers of Christ 2 Timothy 2:3-5 (KJV)

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Brethren, we are in a spiritual war with satan and his kingdom. God the Father has called us to be faithful Soldiers of His Son's army. We are warriors brethren, picking up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The Apostles doctrine is the Word of God. Even if an angel come and teach anything different we are not receive their words of it doesn't line up with what the apostles taught.

Galatians 1:8-10 (KJV)

8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.9As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Paul's stern warning against those who try and pervert the once and for all unchanging gospel should reverberate throughout the Churches of Christendom. Not one single person who has ever lived has any right to move one pillar of the Apostles doctrine.

What was one of the pillars of their doctrine, likely the most important one?

1 John 1:3 (KJV)

3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

The Apostles doctrine was about the Father and Son and their fellowship with each other and others was based in this truth of the Sonship of Christ.

1 John 2:24 (KJV)

24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

In context this passage in 1 John chapter 2 is regarding the Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus and the true begotten Sonship of Jesus.

If we continue in this doctrine of the Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus, then we will continue in them meaning to dwell in them as they also dwell in us through their Spirit. This doctrine of the Father-Son was the foundational doctrineof the Apostles. Jesus even said that it would be (Matthew 16:13-20).

2 John 9-11 (KJV)

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

In context, this passage is talking about the commandments which are love and the Sonship of Christ which is a super prominent theme throughout all the epistles of John. Also, verse 3 in this passage refers to the Father-Sonrelationship between Jehovah and Jesus. How serious is this doctrine of the Father-Son to John the beloved? Anyone who contradicted this foundational truth was to be looked at as a heretic and not even to be welcomed into your home. You are not even to bless them by,saying God speed lest you be partakers of their evil deeds.

Acts 2:41-42 (KJV)

41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

The early Congregation baptized believers right away after receiving the word and confessing that Jesus was the Son of God. After baptism, the continued in the apostles doctrine. They did not learn the traditions of man or the creeds of apostate Judaism but they learned the teaching of the apostles. They fellowshipped with another rooted in the Apostolic doctrine of the Father and Son.

Not convinced that the Apostles teaching has ultimate authority over what anyone else tries to teach? Read this scripture in the book of Revelation:

Revelation 21:14 (KJV)

14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The Apostles doctrine is the foundation of the Christian Congregation and their doctrine is rooted in the literal begotten Sonship of Christ and in the Father-Son relationship.

Back now to verse 7 of 1 John chapter 4, again John reiterates the commandment of love as love is of God. We are to love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. John's emphasis on love is about the brethren loving each other. Just as ministry starts at home for a believer, our love for people starts with our love for the household of faith. How can we love unbelievers when we are not loving each other as brethren? We would exhibit no power as Christians to those on the outside if we can't even love each other.

By loving each other as brothers and sisters first and then loving those outside the household of faith we show that we are born again and a child of Jehovah God.

Verse 8, those who don't love the brethren  don't know God for Jehovah is love. Love and God go hand in hand and you cannot seperate God from the concept of love.

Verse 9, Jehovah's love was clearly seen, appeared and declared (manifested) toward us in that He gave His only begotten Son to die for our sins. Where did this Son come from? The scripture tells us that "God sent His only begotten Son into the world". This Son came from heaven as God had a Son to send. And if Jesus was already God's Son in heaven hence the phrase "God sent" meaning He had a begotten Son to send, all the foolishness that Jesus only became the begotten Son of God at Bethlehem can be exposed for the heresy that it is.

Jesus was both begotten and God's Son before He ever came to this earth which is why the passage states "God sent His only begotten Son into the world". The sending of the only begotten Son preceded the arrival of Him on earth. This means that Jesus was begotten and God's Son prior to be born of the virgin Mary.

"God sent" indicates that what He sent was in His possession prior to the sending. Most Christians believe in the preexistence of Christ but vary on His identity in His pre-existent life. This scripture without controversy makes it clear that He was God's only begotten Son in identity before ever coming to this world.

God's purpose in sending His Son to die as a ransom sacrifice for us is so that we would have eternal life. Not only to have eternal life in the future but also now to live through His Son while we are here in this system of things.

1 John 5:13-14 (KJV)

13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Those who believe on the name of the Son of God have eternal life. I have already gone over how believering on the name of Jesus Christ isn't simply believing in the wording of His name or even believing on Him as the Saviour but it also includes believing on His identity as the literal begotten Son of God. It is His very Sonship that gives Him authority over all things and it is His very Sonship that gives Him His character as it is the essence of who He is. The scriptures over and over again identify Jesus as God’s Son. The meaning of the word name in the greek is "identity, authority and character".

Galatians 2:20 (KJV)

20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Paul knew that the only faith to have was the faith of the Son of God. Paul believed on the name i.e. character and authority and identity of Jesus being the Son of God. Paul didn't believe in someone called God the Son and he did not believe in Jesus being the Almighty God but clearly as he wrote over and over again Paul declared Jesus to be the Son of God. Today's General Conference Pastor's and theologians would be rebuked by Paul for teaching that Jesus isn't really God's begotten Son and that Jesus Sonship is just a metaphor or role play. Paul would chastise them for teaching that Jesus isn't the literal Son of God.

Paul says in this passage that he is crucified with Christ meaning he is dead to this world. Paul says that Christ lives in him which according to Colossians 1:27 is the hope of glory for every Christian. Paul says that he now lives for Christ and that his faith in Christ is based and rooted and founded in Him (Christ) being the Son of God. Without Jesus being God's Son our faith is in vain. Paul is saying here that everything about his life is geared towards preaching, teaching and believing that Jesus is the Son of God.  His life is dedicated in living like the Son of God and following His (Jesus) pattern and keeping the Son of God's commandments.

Paul obviously believed that Christ's identity was that He is the Son of God. It was Paul's faith in this Jesus that he lived by (preached, teached, followed, lived like worshipped and prayed in the name of). Paul's declaration of who Christ is in identity and that faith in this Christ is what we have faith in and live by should be taken as truth over and above all the Sonship deniers in the General Conference.

Why can we trust Paul's declaration of who Christ is in identity? Let's go to Acts 9:

Acts 9:3-6 (KJV)

 3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

The Son of God's  Shekinah surrounded Paul and Jesus spoke directly to him. Unlike all the Sonship deniers in the General Conference, Paul had a direct encounter with Christ visibly via the light that shone from heaven and audibly as the Son of God spoke to Paul in the Hebrew tongue.

Acts 9;17-20 (KJV)

17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.19And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

After being blinded by the light that shined from the brightness of the Son of God, Ananias came to lay hands on Paul so that Paul could receive back his sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost. After the scales were removed from Paul's eyes and he received the Holy Ghost, immediately he was baptized. This shows that upon faith in the Son of God one can be baptized. The teaching that men have to go through a series of bible studies before baptism is a man made doctrine.

The scales from Paul's eyes were removed physically and also spiritually as before being blinded, he was a severe persecutor against the brethren. Paul not only, upon the scales being removed, could literally see again but he also had a new birth experience and could see the things of the Spirit.

With his physical sight restored and his new spiritual sight, it was time for Paul's first sermon. No seminary training for 2 years of 4 year bible college was needed for Paul to preach, the only qualification Paul needed was a personal encounter with Christ and to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

So what was Paul's first sermon? Acts 9:20 tells us:

"And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God."

This is the faith Paul lives by, that Jesus is the Son of God. Do you think anyone in heaven is going to tell Paul that Jesus isn't the literal Son of God? Of all things for Paul to preach in his first sermon, it is the Sonship of Christ that he preaches. This comes right after his personal encounter with Christ where the Son of God audibly spoke to him. After being blinded by the brightness of Christ that appeared unto him, Paul was then visited by a man of God who laid hands on Paul so that he could regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost. After all this, Paul delivers a sermon centered on the Sonship of Jesus. The progession that it takes for someone to acknowledge and believe and confess the Sonship of Christ is:

1) Personal encounter with Jesus
2) Obtaining Spiritual eyesight
3) being filled with the Holy Ghost

These three steps lead to the belief, confession and preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. Wasn't this the same progession that led Peter's apostolic confession that Jesus is the Son of the living God?

Peter had daily fellowship with Christ and it was the Father's Spirit that revealed to him who Jesus was:

Matthew 16:15-17 (KJV)

15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Jesus affirms and commends Peter's statement of faith that He (Jesus) is the Son of the living God. Jesus tells Peter that His Father in heaven revealed this to him (Peter) and not flesh and blood.

The beautiful thing is that you don't even have to have a literal physical or audible encounter with Jesus to believe and confess that He is the Son of God. The Holy Spirit reveals this to men through the preaching work of the Christian Congregation and also through the word of God. Many times, God even reveals this beautiful truth to those who would otherwise not read the bible or come in contact with a witnessing Christian.

It's noteworthy that Paul's experience in Acts 9 comes right after the Ethiopian eunuch's conversion in Acts 8. Let's look at the conversion of the Ethiopian as this is an example of a preacher giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to someone who hadn't heard it before.

Acts 8:35-38 (KJV)

35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

The result of Philip preaching the gospel is that the eunuch confesses and believes that Jesus is the Son of God. It's this confession and belief that qualifies the Ethiopian to be baptized. If preaching the gospel meant preaching Jesus and if preaching Jesus meant preaching that He is the Son of God, then this leaves no doubt that the Sonship of Christ is the very foundation of the gospel. It is not only the foundation but also the heart and soul of the gospel.

How do we know that the Sonship of Christ is the very core of the gospel, let's look at the beginning of the book of Mark:

Mark 1:1 (KJV)

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

The whole gospel revolves around the Sonship of Jesus.

1 John 4:15 (KJV)

15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

John's words confirm the truth that is all throughout the new testament, which is that when we confess that Jesus is the Son of God it was the Father in heaven that revealed it to us. When we confess that Jesus is the Son of God, the Father in heaven dwells in us by His Spirit. The Father will not dwell in someone who denies the Sonship of Jesus, what a sobering thought given that there are many Sonship deniers in the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference. When we confess that Jesus is indeed the literal Son of God we dwell in the Father's bosom. What a comforting realization for those who believe in the Father-Son. We may not be approved by the mainstream Churches and even in the SDA GC denomination but we are approved by the Almighty God Jehovah and we dwell in His heart as His children.

1 John 5;4-5 (KJV)

4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

True born again believers overcome the world. Being born again means having the new birth experience where we die to this world and are risen again spiritually to newness of life in Christ. The victory that overcomes the world is our faith. But what specific faith overcomes the world? There are many types of faith and many different things that people have faith in, but verse 5 of the above passage says that the only faith that overcomes the world and proves that we are born of God is the faith that believes Jesus is the Son of God.

This is the faith that Peter, the Ethiopian eunuch, Martha , Mark, Paul, Philip, John, James and many others lived by. Do you want to be counted among these heroes of the faith? Well then have the same faith that Martha expressed to Jesus:

John 11:24-27 (KJV)

24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Martha believed that Jesus was the Son of God, do you?

So much depth in this verse it's beautiful. Jesus says that those who believe in Him shall live. Remember, that the verse we are breaking down (1 John 4:9) says:

"that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him"

Essential to believing in Jesus is believing who He is in identity. As we see from the above passage in 1 John 4:9, Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. Eternal life is promised to those who believe that God sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins. We see this promise in John 3:16, however, we also see the consequences of not believing that God sent His literal only begotten Son to die for our sins in verse 18 of John ch 3:

"18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Remember, "name" means authority, character and identity. I have already shown that all three of these definitions of name are inherently connected to Jesus literal begotten Sonship. We must believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God to have everlasting life. There is no option here, we have to believe in the Jesus of the bible who is the literal begotten Son of God. This is why His identity of being God's Son is so emphasized throughout the new testament, so that people can believe in the right Jesus and not a "false Jesus".

John is not saying here to just believe in any Jesus for eternal life, but rather to believe in the Jesus that is the begotten of the Father who is the one true God (John 17:3).

Many people today say they believe in Jesus however their lives contradict this. Let's look at what the word "believe" really means and you will see that it is not merely a mental ascent in knowledge. After going through this definition of "believe", we will address the latter portion of John 3:18

The word "believe" comes from the Greek word "pisteuo" (Strongs 4100) and means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust  (especially one's spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (r), commit (to trust), put in trust with, to be persuaded of."

Wow! Most of today's Pastor's do not teach the real meaning of faith which means to be persuaded of the thing you say you believe in and to put your trust in that person and thing. In respect to verse 18 of John chapter 3, those who want eternal life must be persuaded of the truth that Jesus is God's only begotten Son and that He was sent by God to be propitiation for our sins. They are to commit their trust to the Son of God not another version of Jesus that is "God the Son" or the Almighty God.

Those who want eternal life are to entrust their spiritual well being to the only begotten Son of God and this trust that they are to have is tied into truly understanding who Christ is in identity. Knowing and believing who Christ is in identity is essential to our salvation and is essential in knowing that we are worshipping the true Jesus and not a Jesus made in man's image. We are to put our trust (believe) in the truth that God had a Son to send to the world and that this Son (Jesus) was begotten from Him (the Father).

Verse 18 of John ch 3 goes on to say:

"but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Why will be people be condemned including many professing Christian's?

Because they didn't believe (commit their trust to, they weren't persuaded of, commit their spiritual well being to) in the name (character, authority and identity) of the only begotten Son of God. This will be the number one reason for people being condemned at the judgment. For professing Christian's this will be in the pre advent judgment and for unbelievers during the thousand years when true Christian's will judge them along with the Son of God.

Again, just profesing belief in Christ does not make one a true Christian. It is being committed (belief) to Christ and His teachings that make one a true Christian. But even more than that, it is believing in Jesus identity as the only begotten Son of God that makes one a true Christian. John says that those who don't believe in the identity (name) of Jesus being the only begotten Son of God are condemned already!!

John 6:40 (KJV)

40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

The will of the Father is that we believe on the Son of God not another version of Jesus. Believing on Jesus is believing on His identity, authority and character which are all inherently connected to His Sonship. The last part of this verse goes hand in hand with Martha's faith in who Jesus was and that those who believe in Him shall be resurrected at the last day. In order to be resurrected at the second advent, one must believe in Jesus as the literal begotten Son of God. Scripture declares this over and over again without controversy.

Jesus says that those who see the Son and believeth on Him may have everlasting life. The question is which Jesus do you see? The Son of God or another "Jesus"?

Let's revisit John 11:23-27 (KJV)

23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Martha knew that the resurrection of the righteous was at the last day echoing Jesus statement in John 6:40. There was no such thing as a secret rapture in the teaching of Jesus or His disciples.

Jesus then declares that He himself is the resurrection and the life. All who want eternal life must find it in Jesus, as eternal life can be found no other way. Those who believe in the Jesus of the bible will live though they be dead meaning that they may fall asleep (death) but eventually they will be raised to everlasting life as death will only be a temporal situation for them. Even now in this life, those who believe in Jesus will live meaning they will be dead to this world and the old man. They will be alive in Christ filled with His Spirit and walk in newness of life.

The condition is that we must live and believe in Christ. Believing in the identity of Jesus is essential to believing in Him. Not only believing in Him as the only begotten Son of God but also living by Him meaning abiding in Him by reading His word, praying in His name as the literal Son of God and obeying His authority as God’s dearly beloved Son.

Jesus asks Martha if she believed that her brother Lazarus would live again, notice her response to Jesus. Remember, she already expressed belief in the last day resurrection. Her response to Jesus reveals something that her brother believed about Jesus as well as what she believed.

Jesus ask Martha "Believest thou this?"

Martha responds:

"I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world"

Both Lazarus and Martha believed that in order to rise at the last day one had to believe in Jesus. This is why Martha had confidence that Jesus could raise her brother to life and why she believed that Lazarus would rise at the last day even if Jesus didn't raise him to life. Her and her brother believed in Jesus. However, they believed in a specific truth about Jesus and It was believing in this truth that would give them assurance of being raised to life at the last day.

The truth about who Jesus was in identity was essential to having the resurrection hope. Martha makes the apostolic confession that Jesus is the Christ, Son of God which should come into the world.

This identifies three truths about Jesus:

1) He is the Christ (anointed) of Jehovah God.

2) He is the Son of Jehovah God in identity.

3) He was already the Son of God before He came into the world denoting His pre-existence and His true Sonship in identity even in His pre-existence. Martha expresses the Messianic hope that the Jewsof old time had which is that they knew their coming Messiah was going to be God's preexistent divine Son.

Believe in the Son of God and eternal life awaits you!

1 John chapter 3 study

I continue in my study of the epistles of the beloved John :

1John Chapter 3 (KVJ)

1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.11For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.12Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.13Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.17But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

verses 1-2, the Father loves us so much that He bestowed upon us a manner of love so dear and precious. The purpose of Him bestowing (commit, bring forth, delivering up) was so that we should be called sons of Jehovah. The word bestowed comes from the Greek word "didomi" (Strongs 1325) and means "commit, bring forth,  deliver (up), bestow, make, minister, set, offer.

This manner of love was manifested towards us in Jehovah giving His only begotten Son to die for our sins (John 3:16). Because of this most loving act of the Father, we are sons of Jehovah because we believe that indeed, He gave us His very own Son for our salvation. Those who deny the Sonship of Christ, deny that the Father sacrificed and risked eternal loss in giving His only begotten up for the world. These Sonship deniers cannot be called sons of God because they reject the very thing that was done for them so that they would be adopted into Jehovah's family.

Isn't this good news? We are part of God's family as His sons and daughters. Isn't this better than being adopted by some mysterious Tri theism/Triune Godhead, where there is either no family relationship (tri theism) or there is a mystical family relationship (trinity)?

Brethren, we are truly sons and daughters adopted into a real Godhead Family of Father and Son. John the beloved then says, that while we are awaiting the second advent we don't know what we shall be (meaning how we will look with our glorified bodies). What we can be certain of though, is that when Christ appears we will be like Him having a glorified body. It will be at His second advent that we will see Christ as He really is. In that day, there will be no more false representations of the Son of God on murals, stained glass windows or paintings.

Revelation 1:7 (KJV)

7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

The unbelievers will wail when they see the Divine Son of God coming with clouds. He will be coming as a fierce warrior.

Verse 3, those who have the resurrection or translation hope will be purified, even as Christ Jesus is pure. We must be pure like Christ in order to be made like Him at His coming.

Verse 4, sin comes from the Greek word "hamartia" and means to miss the mark. How does one miss the mark? By breaking Jehovah's law. Where there is no law there is no sin (Romans 4:15). All have sinned against the law of Jehovah (Romans 3:23). Jehovah's law is still in effect (Romans 3:31, 7:1).

Verse 5, Christ was manifested for the express purpose of taking away our sins as He has no sin in Him. The word manifested comes from the Greek word "phaneroo" (Strongs 5319) and means "appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self). Christ being manifested somewhat alludes to His pre-existence. He appeared and shew Himself, which could be taken as He already existed being concealed from human view. Let's go to scripture to verify this:

1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Paul says that Christ as God was manifest in the flesh. His manifestation was in the flesh as a man. His concealed existence (meaning concealed from human view) was a Spirit being who was/is the Son of God and thereby God.

Verse 6, if we abide in the Son of God then we won't sin. This proves that we can overcome sin. Only Christ living in us can keep us from falling. As soon as we choose not to abide in the Son of God we will fall.

Colossians 1:27 (KVJ)

27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

When we abide in Christ then His words will abide in us (John 15:7). When we meditate on the words of Jesus we will walk in the light, as the word is a lamp unto our feet. When we walk in the light we will not stumble because we are not in darkness.

John 15:5 (KJV)

4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Jesus is that vine that we That we need to remain connected to. Not just connected through but actually abide in Him. Jesus says that unless we do abide in Him that we can't bear fruit. We will then just be separated branches with no sap.

The word abide comes from the Greek word "meno" (Strongs 3306) and means "abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry, thine own".

We need to dwell in the Son of God and continue in Him in order to keep from sinning and to bear fruit. For the Christian, total reliance on the Son of God is a must and it is the only way we can have a victorious life.

The phrase "sinneth not" is in the greek present tense and refers to continuing in sin without repentance. Whoever continues in sin has not seen the glory of Christ nor even known Him. When someone truly knows Christ they are transformed into His image as they behold Him.

2nd Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)

18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

How do we behold Christ? By abiding in Him through prayer, reading His word, worshipping Him and the Father and obeying their commandments. By doing these things we will be transformed into the Son of God's image. Isn't that what God's purpose is for us?

Romans 8;28-29 (KJV)

28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

God predestinated and pre determined and preordained us to be conformed to His Son's image. If we are obedient to God and allow ourselves to conformed to His Son's image then we will have the right to be called brethren of Christ and son's and daughters of God.

Sin is the transgression of the law and by continuing in sin we show that we don't know Christ. Infact by not keeping the law we prove that we do not know God or His Son.

1 John 2:4-6 (KJV)

4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

The simple truth is that if someone doesn't keep the commandments they do not have the truth in them, they do not know God and they are liars. Sin eqauls breaking the law, love eqauls keeping the law. The beloved says that those who abide in Christ should also walk as He walked. Christ kept the commandments. Those who truly believe in Jesus will not continue in sin and they will keep the commandments of God.

Back to 1 John 3, lets go to verse 7. John tells the brethren to watch out for deceivers. What will these deceivers tell the flock? That they can be righteous without doing righteousness. They will tell the flock that works mean nothing in regards to righteousness. They will tell them that they don't need to keep the Father's perfect law. Interestingly, this describes most of Christendom's clergy. In order to be considered righteous, you must do righteousness meaning to live a holy life.

Our example of righteousness is Christ and when we live righteously we become as the Son of God is, which is righteous. In other words, we are transformed into His image.

Verse 8, the flipside of righteousness and keeping the Father's commandments is committing sin. While much of Christendom makes excuses for those in the Churches that live sinful lifestyles and say that they have grace, John the beloved actually says this class of people are of the devil. Wow! You never this preached in the pulpits of Institutional Churchianity. Why? Because many Pastor's have become cowards and people pleasers and don't want to offend anyone. These false shepherds tell their congregants that they can still go to heaven living compromised lifestyles.

These people are of their father the devil as they follow his example of sinning as as the wicked one has sinned from the beginning.

It was for this purpose (the devil's rebellion) that the Son of Jehovah was manifested. Again by using the word manifested, John alludes to Christ pre-existence.

Verse 9, "born of God", a new spiritual beginning caused by God creating a new heart in God's righteous image inclined to do righteousness. This is our born again experience:

John 1:12-13 (KJV)

12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Saving faith is resting upon Christ and receiving Christ for all that He had revealed Himself to be (His name, His Sonship). Jesus gives who receive Him as the Son of God the right and power to be sons and daughters of God. We are literally children of God adopted by the Father and given His image.

When God the Father calls us and we receive His Son, then the Father brings about a new birth experience in us. Salvation does not come from being born of the right human lineage (not of blood), nor of man's will in his fallen condition (will of the flesh), nor of a parents decision (will of man), but of Jehovah's grace alone.

John 3; 1-8 (KJV)

1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit

It is impossible for people to be converted unless Jehovah works a miracle in their souls. The renewing power of the Spirit is needed for one to enter the Kingdom of Jehovah God. This happens during the born again experience in which water baptism is included. Salvation requires a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who produces the image of God and Christ in sinners by the new birth (Romans 8:29, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 3:9, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 5:1,4,18).

Verse 10 of 1 John 3.Manifest meaning clearly seen. How do we know whether someone is of God or of the devil? It's very simple, the one who lives righteously is born of God and the one who doesn't live righteously is the seed of the serpent. Not everyone is a child of God. This may be tough to hear but the bible speaks plainly on this matter.

Ephesians 2:1-3 (KJV)

1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Before we were born again into the Kingdom of God and thereby adopted as His children, we were children of disobedience and wrath. Hence, today's unbelievers are not children of God although they are made by God, but rather they are children of disobedience and wrath and subjects of the prince of this world. All people outside Christ are ruled by satan.

Back to verse 10, if we dont love our brother then we are not of God and are of the devil. What a convicting statement! May we all be mindful of this. This is in reference to those of the Christian brotherhood.

Verse 11, again John reiterates the ancient law of love which comes from the Torah (Leviticus 19:18).

Verse 12, many times the root of hatred is found in jealousy. Cain was envious of Abel's favor with Jehovah. However, this favor was found on Abel not because Jehovah is a respector of persons but because Abel's works were righteous. Cain is not to be our example of how we are to treat our brethren in the faith. When we hate our own fellow Christians, we have the spirit of Cain. Our example of love is the Son of God, and following His example in how he loved when He was here on earth.

Verse 13, we are not to be surprised when the world hates us. In today's mainstream Christian Church, the pulpit preachers teach the opposite. They say that if we are a true Christ like Christian, then we will be loved by unbelievers. That's what is being taught in today's pulpits, is that being loved by the world is one of the evidences of being a true Christian. Unfortunately for these deceivers are their followers, the bible says the exact opposite!

 The mark of true Christianity is being hated. The false preachers and denominations say the opposite in that if you are truly a Christian, most people will like you. These false teachers say that if you are hated then "you must not be Christ like".

Mark 13:12-13 (KJV)

12Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.13And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

True Christian's are hated by the world not loved by them. If you are loved by everyone then you need to examine yourself to see if you are really living a Christian life. We will be so hated that even family members will betray us causing us to be put to death. This already happens in other countries. The modern American professed Christian has become so like the world that they are not an offence to them and thereby looked at as one of their own.

Verse 14, How do we know that we are born of God? When we love our fellow brother's and sisters in the faith. This is how we know we are no longer in our sins. Without loving our brethren we are spiritually dead.

Verse 15, it's a serious offence to Jehovah to hate our brother or sister in the faith. This makes us murderers according to John. Those who hate their brother do not have eternal life abiding in them and they will be cast into the lake of fire on judgment day.

Vesre 16, the most obvious evidence that God loves us is the giving of His Son at calvary. This is how the saints can perceive that God loves them. We know that the Father loves us because He sacrificed His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. We know that the Son of God loves us because He gave up His position in heaven to come and bear our iniquities and be hated, stricken, mocked beaten and ultimately killed so that we can be reconciled to His Father.

Verse 17, love is more than mere words but it is also action. How can we say we are followers of Christ yet neglect the needy brethren in our midst. John basically says that if we neglect the needy brethren in our midst then we do not have the love of God in us "how dwelleth the love of God in him?".

Verse 18, John encourages the brethren to go beyond words and to show their love in deeds and also in being true to the brethren.

Verse 19, it is in loving the brothers and sisters in the faith that we can be assured that we are in the truth. Moreso than head knowledge, love will prove who is true in the faith and who is not. Self denying action for others will give us a settled assurance that we are saved.

Verses 20 and 21, while we can fool people with outward displays of piety, God knows our heart and if our heart condemns we cannot hide it from God. He knows all things because He is Sovereign. However, if our heart condemn us not then we will have confidence before Jehovah. How can we have confidence before God? By loving our brother which shows that we are true in the truth. Hatred towards the brethren will condemn our heart and then we can expect judgment.

Hebrews 10:26-27 (KJV)

26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Once we have come to the knowledge of the truth, there is no excuse for walking in hatred towards our brethren. By sinning wilfully we then are fallen into the fearful expectation of judgment. If we love the brethren then eternal life abides in us and our hope is in being translated or resurrected to be with Christ and the Father forever.

Verse 22, many will misuse this passage to say God will give us the desires of our heart. Yet there is a condition to this verse. We must keep His commandments  and please Him in our actions. We have been told lies by the pulpit preachers of Christendom who teach that we don't have to keep the commandments and that works don't matter. James said it best:

James 2:24 (KJV)

24Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Most preachers avoid this scripture like the plague. Why is this? Because it contradicts their false doctrines that works don't justify us. It goes against their lukewarm version of Christianity that teaches an easy type of grace where obedience is not required.

Verse 23 of 1 John 3 -  What is the Father's commandment for believers? That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ. The Father's will for us is to believe in the glory of His Son's person and work. The Father wants us to have faith in Christ and to love the brethren. Believing on the name of His Son Jesus Christ  doesn't merely include the wording of His name but also who He is in identity. The scripture here gives away Christ identity as God’s Son. We are to believe that Christ is indeed the Son of God. This part of believing in His name.

The word name comes from the Greek word "onoma" (Strongs 3686) and means "a name, character, authority, called, surname"

Inherent in a name of a person is their character and authority. When John says Jehovah's commandments is for us to believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, it means more than the wording of the name but also the character and authority of the name. Inherent in Christ's character is His identity of who He is. His identity is also what gives Him authority.  Who is Christ in identity? His identity forms a big part of His character (name). Let's go to scripture to see what Christ's identity is:

Matthew 16:13-20 (KJV)

13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Jesus being the Son of the living God is the rock that the Christian Congregation is built on.

Matthew 26:63-64 (KJV)

63But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.64Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said:

Jesus confirmed to the High priest that indeed He (Jesus) was the Son of the living God. The Jewd knew their coming Messiah would be a pre existent divine being who would be God's eldest Son.

Acts 9:19-20 (KJV)

19And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Paul's first sermon after his conversion and the scales being removed from his eyes, was that Jesus was the Son of God.

Acts 8:36-37 (KJV)

36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

The requirement for baptism is to believe and confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

John 3:16-18 (KJV)

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

The most well known passage of scripture tells us of God's immense love for us which was shown in that He gave his only begotten Son to die for our sins. Jehovah sacrificed His most precious commodity. Liars have tried to deny this truth of God giving us His only begotten Son making God a liar in the process:

 1 John 5;10 (KJV)

10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT GOD HATH MADE HIM a LIAR; BECAUSE HE BELIEVETH NOT THE RECORD THAT GOD GAVE OF HIS SON.

John 3:18 says that those who don't believe that God gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross are condemned. Notice that this verse says that those who don't believe in the name (character, authority) of the only begotten Son of God. Believing on the name of Jesus and believing that He is the only begotten Son of God goes hand in hand and you can't have one without the other. If you say you believe on the name of Jesus but deny His literal begotten Sonship then you don't believe on the Jesus of the bible and you have "another Jesus".

So we see that believing on the name of Jesus is believing in His literal begotten Sonship. What about His authority, is it tied to His Sonship?

John 3:35-36 (KJV)

35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Here John the Baptist says that it is because the Father loves His Son so much that He (God) has given all things into his (Jesus) hand. It is the Sonship of Christ that gives Him authority over all things. Again, believing on the Son gives us everlasting life. Remember, that it is not believing in Jesus solely but believing in His name (character, authority) which gives us eternal life. As already shown, Jesus name (character, authority) is inherently connected to His literal begotten Sonship of the Father.

Those who don't believe Jesus don't have everlasting life but the wrath of God abides on them. Let's go to a verse that trinitarian's and tri theists deny:

John 17:3 (KJV)

3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Trinitarian's and Tri Theists deny Jesus words that the Father is the one true God. They basically are saying that Jesus is a liar because they teach that there ar three gods (tri theism) or that God is three persons in one substance (trinitarianism). Believing that the Father is the one true God goes hand in hand with believing that Jesus is the Son of the living God.

John 10:36 (KJV)

36Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

Many today in Christendom deny Jesus own word's that He is the Son of God. Unintentionally these Sonship deniers stand in the same place as Jews of old.

Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV)

18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jesus Himself says that all authority is GIVEN to Him. Obviously, only the Father can give Jesus this authority. When Jesus lived on earth He didn't have all authority over heaven so this authority that He speaks of in heaven alludes to the authority He had in His pre-existence. It also would be a future authority as He was about to die and be resurrected and ascend into heaven.

John 5:18-23 (KJV)

18Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.19Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.20For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

It is Christ's Sonship that makes Him eqaul with God the Father. Christ could never be eqaul with God if He wasn't His (God's) Son. The Jews of that time understood that when Christ said He was the Son of God that He meant it in a literal way not as some metaphor or role play or adoption. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been enraged enough to want to murder Him. The Jews of that time understood that their coming Messiah would be God's preexistent divine Son. This is why they knew Jesus claim of Sonship was also a claim to His eqaulity with the Father. This is because God's Son was not a created or a adopted Son but a begotten Son from the Father's very divine substance.

The Son can do nothing of Himself but learns all things from the Father. This shows Christ's dependence on the Father.  When Jesus makes this statement He doesn't qualify it as a temporal earthly reliance on the Father. It's the Father's love for the Son that He (The Father) shows Him (the Son) all things.

In verse 22, it says that the Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son. It is the very Sonship of Jesus and that His Father loves Him that is the reason He (Christ) is given the authority to be the judge of all things. It is Jesus Sonship that gives Him authority over all things.

In verse 23, Jesus says that all men must honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. This scripture clearly shows that Jesus has all authority and that it is His very Sonship that gives Him this. Also, not only are we to worship the Father who is the one true God but we are to worship the Son who is the only begotten of the one true God. In fact, it is Christ's Sonship that gives Him the right to be worshipped. Without being the Son of God, He couldn't be honoured the same way the Father is honoured. If Jesus isn't really the literal Son of God then our worship of Him would be in vain and it would be idolatry as He would simply be an independent God and thereby a false god. If He really isn't the Son of God then that would mean He doesn't have the authority over all things. It is precisely because Jesus is the Son of God that the warning is given that if we don't honour Him then we don't honour the Father. The same is true on earth. When you honour a man's son it's the same as honouring the man, the reverse is also true. Any parent can relate to this.

John 5;26-27 (KJV)

26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;27And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

Jesus is given authority to execute judgment by the Father not only because He is the Son of the Father but also because He is the Son of man. It was Jesus victory over sin that gave Him the Preistly ministry of Melchisedec. It was feeling of our infirmities that makes Him a faithful High Priest as He knows what we are going through due to the temptations of the flesh. We have a merciful High priest.

Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)

14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

What a beautiful scripture, while certain religious institutions try to pass of mere men as preists that can forgive sins, we as believers in Christ have the very Son of God as our High Preist!

When we go through the struggles of the flesh, our High Preist the Son of God can feel our struggle. The encouragement is also, in that just as Jesus was without sin we can have the same victory!

 Righteousness by faith!

Jude 24

24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

John 14:13-14 (KJV)

13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Jesus name has authority and when we ask anything in His name the Son of God will do it according to the Father's will. Remember, the authority of Jesus is inherently tied to His literal begotten Sonship. Jesus name is more than the actual verbiage of His name when it is written or spoken but it is connected to who He is in identity. We know that He is the Son of God and we can only exercise the power of His name when we believe this without explaining it away.

We can only go to God through the Son which is another example of His authority which is rooted in His Sonship.

John 14:6 (KJV)

6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

The Father requires that we go through His Son to get to Him. Jesus is our mediator, High Priest, comforter, advocate, intercessor, counselor, our elder brother and our God.

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Now back to 1 John chapter 3, verse 24 - those who keep the Father's commandments dwell in the Father and He in them. The context directly deals with loving our brethren as noted in verse 23. The commandments are about love. If we love God and love our brethren then we will keep all the commandments summed up in the decalogue. This includes the Sabbath day. What does this say about most of Christendom? Being that they believe that the commandments were nailed to the cross it begs the question, does the Father dwell in them?

How do we know that the Father dwells in us? This is a very revealing verse concerning the identity of the Holy Spirit. The text says that the Father dwells in us via the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit is in us, we actually have the Father living in us. The Father gives us the Spirit. The Seventh-day Adventist version of triune Godhead would contend that the Father sends us a third being to dwell in us. Let's go to scripture to verify whether this is true or not:

John 15:26 (KJV)

26But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:27And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

Jesus tells the disciples that He will send the Holy Spirit to them that comes from the Father. Jesus uses two designations for the Holy Spirit here, the Spirit of truth and the comforter. Remember, Jesus is called the way, the truth, and the life and He is also called our advocate (same greek word that comforter is rendered from). However, I want to highlight the source of where the Holy Spirit comes from.

In verse 26, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit (Spirit of truth) proceedeth from the Father.

The word proceedeth comes from the Greek word "ekporeuomai" (Strongs 1607) and means "to depart, be discharged, proceed, project: - come (forth, out of), depart, go (forth, out), issue, proceed (out of), pour (out of)".

This one passage with the word "proceedeth" should once and for all dispel the false doctrine that the Holy Spirit is a being. Jesus who speaks no lies says that the Holy Spirit literally pours, discharges and issues out of the Father Jehovah.

Do we really want to teach that the Holy Spirit is a being, a third god that literally  continually pours out of the Father's very own being?

Just as the Holy Spirit is breathed out by Jesus very own being, the Holy Spirit issues out of the Father's very own being.

John 20:22 (KJV)

22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Crystal clear isn't it? The Holy Spirit is not a being but rather is the very breath, power, mind and presence of the Father and Son.

1 John Chapter 2 study

Continuing my study in the epistles of John

1 John 2:1-29(KJV)

1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.7Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.8Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.9He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.10He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.11But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.12I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.13I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.14I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.18Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.21I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.22Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.23Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

Vesre 1, John the beloved says that Jesus is our advocate i.e. comforter, intercessor with the Father. This is good news for the believer, in that when we fall into sin we can go to the Father in Christ name and receive forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness does not promote sin, however the priestly ministry of the Son of God provides the believer with a friend (Christ) who speaks for us before a judge (the Father). Forgiveness is also given to us that we may fear Jehovah.

Psalm 130:4

4But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

Verse 2, Jesus died as a ransom sacrifice for the sins of the world not ours (Christians) only. The message of John 3:16 is for everyone not just a pre determined few who Jehovah chose to save. Although Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, only a few, relative to the whole world, will heed the call of the Father. Many are called few are chosen. Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and accept His atoning sacrifice will be chosen by the Father. Jesus death on the cross was the once and for all propitiation for man's sins. No other sacrifice will ever be needed. Because of Jesus death on the cross, man will never need to sacrifice an animal again to receive forgiveness of sins.

Verse 3, How can a professed Christian know whether they have an intimate relationship with Jehovah God? John gives us the answer, it by keeping the Father's commandments. These commandments are summed up in the decalogue. This includes Jehovah's Sabbath day.

Verse 4, a very convicting and in these days, a controversial statement made by John. Those who say they know God yet don't keep His 10 Commandments are liars and do not have the truth in them. What a scary statement, in light of the fact that most Christian denominations don't keep the Sabbath which is the fourth commandment of the decalogue. This statement by John implicates much of today's Christendom.

Verse 5, How do we keep God's word? It's very simple, by keeping His commandments. When we keep God's commandments, His love is perfected in us. The 10 Commandments are all about love, the first four is our love for God and the next 6 is our love for neighbour. This is why the Seventh-day Sabbath is so important because when we keep it, we are showing God how much we value our time with Him. We are choosing an uniterrupted time of intimacy with Him and His Son.

The 10 Commandments are really basic Christian principles that are to be the first things taught to a new believer. Amazingly, Christianity has strayed far away from these principles. You cannot seperate God's commandments from the Seventh-day Sabbath.

Verse 6, we who claim the name Christian and say that Christ lives in us and we abide in Him must show evidence in our lives. This will manifest itslef in how we follow the example and teachings of Jesus. Do we do the things He did when He walked the earth? Jesus kept His Father's commandments so then we must also. We keep the commandments the way Jesus did which is to fill up the commandments in how we love the Father and in how we love others.

Verse 7, John is likely referring to the Torah and specifically the commandment of love found in Leviticus 19:18:

"18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am Jehovah."

The Jews would have understood this as they were familiar with Torah. The Gentiles that had been in the faith for amy length of time also would have known this as the commandments were the first principles of the faith.

Verse 8, in Christ,  a new dawn of light was upon mankind. The era of darkness was over as men now had the opportunity to live in the marvelous light of Jehovah God by believing in His only begotten Son.

Verse 9, hatred of fellow Christians reveals hypocrisy and shows that he/she is still in the darkness of satan. How can we say that we are in the glorious light of the Father and Son when we cannot even keep one of the most important commandments which is to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Verse 10, when we love our brothers and sisters, we are safe and protected against stumbling. Many times we think of the eternal things in our walk with Christ that protect us from falling yet this passage tells us that loving our brethren is a sure fire protection against falling. In loving our brethren, we fufill the law along with loving God. Loving our brethren and loving God, go hand in hand.

Verse 11, those professed Christians who hate their brethren are headed for destruction, as they being blind see not where they go. They are blinded to their hatred and often believe they are spiritually okay.

Verses 12-14,  John now addresses children, young men and fathers. He assures the new converts of their justification in Christ and adoption by the Father. The beloved Apostle also assures the mature believers in the faith, of their relationship with the eternal God Jehovah the Father. John encourages the young believers for their victory over the devil in resisting him. John tells the young brethren, that their sins are forgiven in the name of Christ and because of Him.

John tells the aged brethren that the God they know now is the same unchanging Almighty God that they knew from the beginning. Believers in Christ do not need a new knowledge of God's identity offered by false teachers. The one true God in scripture is time and again revealed as the Father (John 17:3, Ephesians 4:4-6, 1 Corinthians 8:4-8, Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 12;28-34).

Verses 15 and 16, of course we must love people,  this passage speaks of the principles of the world which are really the principles of satan as he is the god of this world (John 16:11). We must not love this present age nor the lust thereof which includes the lust of the eyes such as sexual, material and monetary lusts. The lust of the flesh which include the above lusts of the eyes. The lust of the eyes is desiring those things, the lust of the flesh is fufilling those desires. The pride of life is in esteeming your position that you have obtained either in social standing, whether by occupational or financial. Even family or ethnic heritage could lead to the pride of life. Anything that exhalts self and detracts from giving glory to God and His Son is pride. Those who live these things out in their life have not the Father nor is the Father in him. Anyone who loves the principlesof the world have not the love of the Father.

Verse 17, the world is already falling under the judgment of Christ. Those who do the will of the Father will be members of the eternal Kingdom of Jehovah. They will abide forever whereas those who don't do the will of God and enjoy the pleasures of this world will be as the grass that is here one moment and then the next moment whithers away.

Verse 18, John goes on to a very serious subject, which is the antichrists who were already active in the Christian Congregation. He addresses the brethren as little children showing John"s fatherly love for the brethren. This a true shepherd's heart. John also says that there is A "antichrist" that was to come soon. In the meantime, the Apostolic Christian Congregation would have to deal with many antichrists who were in the assemblies polluting the brethren with their demonic teachings.

The many antichrists that John speaks of are men who try to usurp Christ's office as the true teacher. The future antichrist spoken of by the beloved, is a man who attempts to take Christ's office or position as head of the Congregation. This was an evidence to John that the last days were upon the Congregation.

Verse 19, John says these antichrists were once part of the true Congregation, but by their false teachings rejected the pure faith. John says these men were never really part of the true Congregation. In fact, them leaving was for the elects sake, in that they would clearly see that these antichrists were false teachers and not really of the apostolic faith. Unfortunately today, many antichrists pose themselves as pastors, theologians, evangelists and teachers within professed Christian denominations and are allowed to remain and prosper.

Verse 20, John tells the believers that they have an unction, which means an anointing (chrisma in the greek which means "special endowment of the Holy Spirit, anointing", Strongs 5545). Often times we are told by Pastor's that being fillled with the Holy Spirit means exhibiting outward displays of charismania such as babbling tongues and dancing and rolling around. However, they never tell you that being fillled with the Holy Spirit means that you are able to point out and identify false teachers and false doctrine. This unction (anointing) comes from the Holy Spirit of Christ, it is the very Spirit of the Son of God that gives believers the discernment to know the truth from the lies.

Verse 21, John is not revealing anything new to the brethren as they already know the truth of the apostolic faith. Unlike many of today's Seventh-day Adventists, who say that teachings such as the Godhead are minor points of doctrine and that it is a distraction, John the beloved refutes their nonsense. He says that "NO LIE" is of the truth. Apostolic Christianity was uncompromising and suffered no false doctrines no matter how slightly off, to come into the assemblies.

John's words destroy the false teaching in the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference churches, that understanding the Godhead is not important. The SDA sentiment, that it's not important to have 100 percent truth on the Godhead in terms of identity and in terms of Christ Sonship are exposed by John to be a false sentiment. John makes it clear that no matter small the error is, that it is not of the truth. This statement as we will see, is in context of the Godhead and the Sonship of Christ and the Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus.

Verse 22, John reveals the doctrine of antichrist. It is a three fold lie that these antichrists propagate. It only takes denying one of these to qualify as antichrist. They will deny that Jesus is the anointed of God. Second, they will deny the literal Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus. Denying one of these or both of these, qualifies someone as antichrist. Even those who say Jesus is the Christ yet deny the Father-Son relationship are still antichrist. Also, by denying the Father-Son relationship, these teachers indirectly deny Jesus being the anointed of God, as they have made Jesus His own God and thereby the anointed of Himself.

Verse 23,  the last blasphemous poison of these antichrists is outright denying the Sonship of Christ. This is found in the religions of Judaism and Islam especially. Surprisingly, the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference churches teach this doctrine of demons. They say that Christ's Sonship is a metaphor, qualifying them as antichrists. None of the above religions have access to the Father due to their denial of Christ's literal begotten Sonship. Some SDA GC members do believe in the Sonship of Christ but are simply ignorant of what their denomination teaches. Jehovah God winks at their ignorance (Acts 17:30).

Those who acknowledge the true begotten Sonship of Christ, have not only Him but the Father as well. Those who don't acknowledge the begotten Sonship of Christ don't have the Father.

Verse 24, John tells the believers to let the truth of the Father-Son relationship abide in them as it was the original doctrine ("which ye have heard") of the Apostolic Christian Congregation. John says "if" the original Apostolic doctrine of the Father-Son relationship remains in them, then they (the brethren) will continue in the Father and Son which is the true Godhead doctrine of the Apostles.

The truth of the Sonship of Christ along with His being anointed of God and His relationship to God as being His real Father was to "abide" and "remain" in the believers. Let's see what these two words mean in the greek.

Both the word abide and remain come from the Greek word "meno" (strongs 3306) and means "to stay, abide, continue, dwell, endure,  be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), thine own."

As Christians, we are to let the truth of the Sonship of Christ, Him being the anointed of God and also the Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus, "stay and dwell" in our very being. This belief is to endure and continue in us. We are not to waver from it one bit no matter how people get offended. If this Apostolic belief of the real Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus remains in us then we will continue in the Son and in the Father. The word continue also comes from the Greek word "menos" and means "abide, stay, continue, dwell". In order words, as long as we keep this knowledge of the real Father-Son relationship, we will abide in Christ and Jehovah and dwell in them. This is beautiful brethren, we will actually dwell in them meaning the Father and Son will actually carry us in their Spirit as the Father's adopted child and the Son's younger brother/sister. The flipside is that if we stray from this foundational truth of the Apostolic Christian Congregation, then we will not dwell in the Father and Son and they will not carry us in their Spirit. The result of this apostasy is that you will not be deemed a child of God nor one of Christ's brethren.

Verse 25, John then reiterates one of Jesus sentiments expressed in John 17:3:

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

The Son of God promised eternal life to those who acknowledged the Father as the one true God and Himself as the one the Father sent. John reiterates here that eternal life in this context is promised to those who believe that Jesus is the anointed of God, the literal begotten Son of God, and in the real Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus.

Why is John writing this to the brethren if they already know the Apostolic truth of of the Father and Son? The next verse tells us:

Verse 26, John is warning them of seducers who would privily bring in doctrines contrary to the Father and Son relationship and the true Sonship of Christ. In today's Christendom, many of the seducers are in the pulpits and they are erroneously callled "Pastor's". They comprise much of denominational Churchianity. They are no longer so sneaky, but rather boast in their shameful denial of Christ's literal begotten Sonship. John the beloved would not call the Father-Son deniers in today's General Conference churches his brethren but rather he would call them seducers.

Verse 27, a heavy verse if there ever was one, we are not to allow any man no matter his title, to tell us we need to be taught by him. We as believers have the anointing of the Spirit of Christ and have no need that ANY MAN teach us. How do we know that the Holy Spirit is the very Spirit of Christ? Because the anointing of the Holy Spirit is truth and no lie. Jesus is the way, the TRUTH, and the life (John 14:6). Who abides in us by His Spirit, Christ does:

Colossians 1:27 (KVJ)

27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

John 14:16-18 (KJV)

.16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Christ tells the disciples that the Holy Spirit shall be in them and that they already knew Him because He was already dwelling with them. Remember,  at this time the Holy Spirit hadn't been given to the disciples yet so Christ was speaking of Himself, as He obviously was dwelling with the disciples physically. Christ said that He would come to the disciples and in context this is in reference to them receiving the Holy Spirit. Christ comes to us by His Holy Spirit as He cannot physically be everywhere present as He is in the sanctuary above.

Christ Spirit in us is the unction (anointing) that we receive that guides us into all truth. This is why we have no need that anyone teach us. This doesn't mean that we can't be taught but rather that we ultimately have no need of a man to teach us as we already have the Spirit of truth in us. As the Spirit teaches us all truth, we abide in the Son of God. If we allow the Spirit of Christ to teach us we will be protected from lies and also be to identify and expose them.

Verse 28, John again gives the brethren his fatherly sentiments. He tells them to abide in the Son of God and in context of this chapter, abiding in Christ means continuing in the Apostolic truth that Jesus is the literal begotten Son of God and that He is the anointed of God. Also, that the Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus is a real one and not a metaphor.

When we remain in the Father-Son Godhead truth, then we will have confidence that when Christ appears we will not be ashamed, because we held fast to the truth of His Sonship and truth of God being His real Father. We will expose the modern day antichrists for the heretics that they are, because they deny these precious foundational truths.

Try explaining to Christ that His Sonship is a metaphor or to the Father that Christ is not His real begotten Son. You may find yourself wanting in that day.

Verse 29, Jesus Christ is the righteous and when we are righteous, we give tangible evidence that we are born of Him.

1 John chapter 1

I am doing a series on the epistles of John. The Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus is all over these epistles of the beloved disciple John. I want to show the truth that the Godhead is a Family not a committee of 3 independent God's. The best part of this is that we as believers in Christ are adopted into this real celestial family. So here is my first study on 1 John chapter 1.

1John :1-10 (KJV)

1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;2For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

The beloved Apostle John states the truth that Jesus is from the beginning (John 1:1, Genesis 1:1). The Word that was from the beginning is the begotten Son of God. Jesus came forth from the Father's bosom in the ages of eternity before anything else was created. Jesus however isn't created but rather begotten meaning to be born from God the Father.

Verse 1, John's testimony is reliable and solid as he saw Jesus, heard Jesus and handled Him, meaning he fellowshipped with Jesus. John refers to Jesus as the Words of life.  Jesus is called the Word of God elsewhere and He is eternal life. His words bring life to those who heed the Saviour.

Verse 2, Jesus was manifested to the world due to his virgin birth and earthly ministry.  John and the disciples bear witness that Christ is that eternal life which was with the Father, denoting the preexistence of the only begotten Son. John says that Christ is eternal life making it clear that only through God's Son can one have this eternal life. This is a indication of the divinity of Jesus. Jesus was in heaven before coming to the world and when He came into the world, He was manifested to His disciples.

Verse 3, John offers the right hand of fellowship to the recepients of this letter if they receive the declaration of the Apostles doctrine. This doctrine they witnessed with their own eyes and heard with their ears. This doctrine is the truth that Jesus is the literal begotten Son of God. Why do I say this? Because John then says that "truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ." The basis of fellowship is the apostolic doctrine teaching (we declare unto you) about the incarnate Word of life who is the pre-existent begotton Son of God, His deity and His distinct personality from the Father. The Father-Son is the foundation of the apostles doctrine and John says that they (the apostles and other brethren) declared this truth from the beginning and are still declaring it.

John says that they are declaring this truth to the recepients of this letter so that they (those who John is declaring to) can have fellowship with John and the other brethren. John lets them know that he and the other brethren are in fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. John says "truly" meaning that this is a foundational doctrine (the Father and Son) and that any deviance away from this is false. John makes it clear that Him, the apostles and other brethren are in fellowship with a real Father-Son. No mention of the Holy Spirit because John likely knew the truth that the Holy Spirit is not a being.

Verse 4, when we read or hear of the  Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus it should bring us joy. When we hear that the Son of God was manifested to the world and that He is eternal life and that through Him we have eternal life, our joy is full.

Verse 5, the passage speaks here about the Father, identifying Him as God. We know this is about the Father because in verse 7, it says we have fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ. Back to verse 5, John says that God is light and in Him is no darkness. 1 Timothy 6:16, it says that the Father dwells in light unapproachable to man. Revelation 22:5 says that the Lord God giveth the light to the saints in New Jerusalem as there will be no night there. Revelation 21:23 says the glory of God lightens New Jerusalem and the Lamb (Christ) is the light thereof. The Father has only righteousness as a part of His being and not one ounce of anything impure.

Verse 6, if we say that we have fellowship with God the Father yet walk in darkness, we are liars and not of the truth. The works of the flesh are darkness. What a contrast to what is taught in the Churches of Christendom. They decieve their members into a false sense of security thinking they can disregard God's commandments without consequences from the Almighty.

Verse 7, here is the positive though, if we walk in God's light as He is in the light, we will have fellowship with each other as brothers and sisters. Also, if we walk in God's light the blood of His Son Jesus Christ cleanseth us from ALL sin. There is an "if" in this scripture, meaning we are only cleansed by the blood of God's Son if we walk in the light of God. In other words, keep God's commandments which is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Do you see how this scripture contradicts Christendom's Pastor's who say you don't have to keep the commandments and you don't have to be obedient in order to have the favor of Jehovah God? They teach that you can live a compromised life and still be on that magic carpet ride to heaven.

Verse 8, if we say that we have no sin, we are liars and no truth is in us. By saying and thinking this, we deny the need for Jesus Christ as our High Priest. It's a slap in His face to say such a thing. Those who make such statements are like the pharisees in Jesus day.

Verse 9, however, if we are humble and confess our sins, Christ is faithful to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Jesus blesses the humble just like the publican who beat his chest over his sin. The humble will be justified, the prideful rejected. Christ blood cleanses us if we come to Him in humility. When we deny we have sin, we deny the blood of Jesus.

Verse 10, by saying that we have not sinned, we make Jesus a liar and His word is not in us. No one Christian can read God's Word and not see how short, we as man fall in measuring up to the standards of the Father and Son. The good news is that both the Father and Son love us and the plan of redemption was made for us, so that we can walk in the Father's light and receive forgiveness of sins through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. The shed blood of the Son of God was a great sacrifice not only by Christ but His real Father as well who is the one true God.