Christ and Christian Love

I. Christ – the Lamb of God v. 19

The OT sacrificial system is in view. Lev. 22:20-25
Christ is the Lamb of God. John 1:29, 36
He takes away our sin by His sacrifice. Isa. 53:7
He is the lamb slain. Rev. 5:6

II. Christ Foreordained and Manifested -- v. 20

A. Christ was foreknown

B.  Before Time and in these Last Times  

III. Christians are Believers v. 21

You cannot believe in the true and living God, without believing in His Son.

By definition – every religion that does not see the only way to God as through Jesus Christ, is a false religion.

IV. The Reality of Love and the Command to Love v. 22

A. Sincere Brotherly Love and Our Earnest love

B.  How do we fulfill this Command?   Ephesians 4:2

1. With all Humility and Meekness

2. With Longsuffering -- Macrothumia – literally “long-fused”

3. By forbearing with one another in love – putting up with one another.