1 John 4:15

2023-12-12 Tuesday 1 John 4:15

English Standard Version

15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

In the context of reformed evangelical Christianity, comment on 1 John 4:15 from the ESV. Provide insights and theological teaching from 1 John 4:15 for its application to modern Christian living.

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In 1 John 4:15 (ESV), the verse reads: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”

Here are some theological insights and teachings from this verse, particularly in the context of reformed evangelical Christianity, along with its application to modern Christian living:

**Theological Insights:**

– **Confession of Jesus as the Son of God:** This verse underscores the centrality of acknowledging Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God. It emphasises the importance of making a verbal confession or declaration of faith in Jesus’ deity, a fundamental aspect of Christian belief.

– **Mutual Indwelling:** The reciprocal relationship described here speaks to the concept of mutual indwelling—God dwelling in the believer and the believer dwelling in God. This mutual relationship signifies an intimate connection between the believer and God through faith in Jesus Christ.

– **Divine Presence:** It highlights the divine presence within the believer, signifying the transformative work of the Holy Spirit upon confession of Jesus as the Son of God. This presence fosters a deep communion and spiritual union between the believer and God.

**Application to Modern Christian Living:**

– **Confession of Faith:** Modern Christians can apply this verse by openly and confidently confessing their faith in Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God. This confession isn’t merely verbal but is reflected in a life aligned with Christ’s teachings.

– **Intimacy with God:** Embracing the truth of this verse invites believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God. It encourages Christians to seek intimacy with God through prayer, study of scripture, and obedience to His Word.

– **Identity in Christ:** Understanding and affirming Jesus’ identity as the Son of God shapes the identity of believers. It reinforces the Christian’s identity as one who is indwelt by God and aligned with His purposes.

– **Living in God’s Presence:** Modern Christians can live with a constant awareness of God’s presence within them. This awareness influences their actions, attitudes, and relationships, guiding them to live in a manner consistent with their faith.

**Confidence Level:** High. These interpretations are commonly accepted within reformed evangelical Christian theology, focusing on the confession of Jesus as the Son of God and its implications for Christian living.

*References:*

– Ferguson, Sinclair B. “The Epistles of John: Introduction, Exposition, and Notes.” Eerdmans, 1994.

– Kruse, Colin G. “The Letters of John.” Eerdmans, 2000.

– Stott, John R.W. “The Letters of John: An Introduction and Commentary.” IVP Academic, 2009.

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1 John 4:15 from the English Standard Version (ESV) states: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” This verse emphasises the importance of confession in the Christian faith, particularly the confession of Jesus as the Son of God. In the context of reformed evangelical Christianity, this confession is not merely a verbal acknowledgment but a declaration of true faith that is accompanied by love and results in a transformative relationship with God¹.

Theologically, this verse speaks to the indwelling presence of God in the believer. It suggests that when a person confesses Jesus as the Son of God, there is a mutual abiding—God dwells in the individual, and the individual dwells in God. This is indicative of a deep, personal, and ongoing relationship between the believer and God¹.

For modern Christian living, 1 John 4:15 calls believers to a life of boldness and authenticity in their faith. It encourages Christians to openly profess their belief in Jesus Christ, despite opposition or danger, and to live in a way that reflects this confession. This involves maintaining a profession of faith with resolution and zeal and acting in conformity with it¹.

The application of this verse today can be seen in how Christians engage with the world around them. It challenges believers to be witnesses of Christ’s love and salvation, to stand firm in their faith, and to cultivate a love for God and others that is reflective of the love God has shown us. This love is perfected as believers abide in God, and it empowers them to have boldness in the day of judgment, knowing they are united with Christ¹.

In summary, 1 John 4:15 encapsulates a core tenet of reformed evangelical Christianity—the confession of Jesus as the Son of God and the resulting divine fellowship. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the call to live out that faith in love and witness to the world.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 12/12/2023

(1) 1 John 4:15 Commentaries: Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of …. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/1_john/4-15.htm.

(2) 1 John 4:15 – Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary – StudyLight.org. https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-john/4-15.html.

(3) 1 John – ESV.org. https://www.esv.org/1+John+1/.

(4) 1 John 4 ESV – Test the Spirits – Beloved, do not – Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204&version=ESV.

(5) undefined. https://www.studylight.org/.

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## 1 John 4:15 in Reformed Evangelical Christianity: Insights and Application

**Verse:** Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. (ESV)

**Reformed Evangelical Perspective:**

This verse holds significant meaning within reformed evangelical Christianity, emphasising several core tenets:

* **Salvation through faith alone:** The confession of Jesus as the Son of God signifies saving faith. This aligns with the reformed understanding of sola fide, emphasising faith as the sole instrument of salvation.

* **The indwelling of the Holy Spirit:** The verse signifies the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers. This affirms the reformed emphasis on the Spirit’s role in regenerating and sanctifying believers.

* **Union with Christ:** The language of “abiding in” emphasises the believer’s union with Christ, a core doctrine in reformed theology. This union is not merely a legal declaration but a deep spiritual reality that shapes the believer’s entire life.

* **The importance of love:** The verse connects confession of Jesus with abiding in love, emphasising the centrality of love in the Christian life. This aligns with the reformed emphasis on good works as the fruit of true faith.

**Insights and Application:**

* **Assurance of salvation:** This verse offers assurance of salvation for those who genuinely confess Jesus as the Son of God. Knowing that God dwells within brings comfort and strengthens faith during difficulties.

* **Living in communion with God:** Abiding in God implies a continuous relationship with Him, nurtured by prayer, scripture study, and participation in the church community.

* **Loving others as Christ loved us:** The verse calls believers to love others, demonstrating the love that God has poured into their hearts. This love extends beyond mere feelings to actions that serve and benefit others.

* **Living a life of obedience:** Abiding in love necessitates obedience to God’s commands. This obedience is not a burden but a response to God’s love and a way to express our union with Him.

**Application to Modern Christian Living:**

* **Examine your faith:** Reflect on your confession of Jesus as the Son of God. Is it a mere intellectual assent, or does it truly transform your life?

* **Seek a deeper relationship with God:** Engage in spiritual disciplines that cultivate your relationship with God. This allows the Holy Spirit to work in your life and conform you more to Christ’s image.

* **Live a life of love:** Let your love for God be manifested in your love for others. This might involve serving others in need, practicing forgiveness, and demonstrating kindness and compassion.

* **Embrace a life of obedience:** Seek to understand and obey God’s commands, not out of legalism but as an expression of your love and gratitude for Him.

By applying these insights, 1 John 4:15 can serve as a powerful guide for modern Christian living, fostering a deeper relationship with God, and leading to a life characterised by love and obedience.