Living in the Light

The historical context for the writing of John's first epistle demonstrates that the devil knows no end in his rage against the Person of Christ. When persecution failed to deter the spread of the Gospel message, the devil turned to the efforts of false teachers, and against their elitist views (they boasted that they were the Gnostics--the ones with the true knowledge) the inspired Apostle inveighed with great vigor. He emphasized that the Apostolic doctrine of Christ was in line with their own experience. They had studied Christ closely and had spent much time in His company. They knew the truth that He is God manifested in the flesh. In this chapter, John warned against the perverse reasoning of those who seek to undermine the truth concerning Christ. He also urges the people of Christ to live in the light--that is, to adopt attitudes toward their own sin that are in line with God's condemnation. Attacking lawlessness, perfectionism and the denial that people are depraved at all, John exhorted the followers of Christ to live with their focus on the Person of Christ.