by Wells, Steve
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
(3.6) “The world … being overflowed with water, perished.” God drowned everyone on earth except for Noah and his family.
God’s first killing
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
(3.7) “The heavens and the earth … are … reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” God will set the entire earth on fire so that he can burn non-believers to death.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
(3.8) “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
(3.9) “The Lord is … not willing that any should perish.”
311 Does God want some people to go to hell?
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
(3.10) “The earth … shall be burned up.” When Jesus finally comes, the heavens will “pass away with a great noise” and the earth will “be burnt up.”
147 Will the earth last forever?
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
(3.13) “We … look for new heavens and a new earth.”
147 Will the earth last forever?
314 What’s new?
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
(3.16) “In all his epistles … are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” Paul’s epistles are hard to understand. And that those who try to understand them, as with the other scriptures, do so “unto their own destruction.”
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
1 JOHN
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. — 1 John 2.18
The three Johannine epistles are all anonymously written, as was the gospel of John. No one knows who any of these “Johns” were, but none of them was who believers have always believed him to be: the apostle John, “the beloved disciple.” The three epistles and the Gospel of John share enough features, however, that they are thought to have been written by members of the same community, and the three Johannine epistles may have been written by the same non-John.
Here are some things you should know from First John:
Whoever says she is without sin is a liar (1.8) and Christians don’t sin (3.6). So a Christian lies if he says he doesn’t sin (since everyone sins) and he lies if he says that he sins (since Christians don’t sin). Which means, I guess, that all true Christians are liars.
The “John” of First John knew he was living in the last days since there were so many antichrists around at that time (2.18). But since antichrists are people that don’t believe that Jesus is the Christ (2.22), all non-Christians are antichrists. So there must be somewhere around five billion antichrists alive today (depending on whether you count Catholics or not), which is a heck of a lot more than there were in “John’s” day. Which means we are living in the latter day last days. Or something like that.
Here are some more highlights:
Whoever says he is without sin is a liar. 1.8
Christians don’t sin; whoever sins is of the devil. 3.6-10
Those who love others are in the light; those who hate are in darkness. 2.9-11
Don’t love the world or anything in it. 2.15
The author knows he is living in the last days because there are so many antichrists around. 2.18
Antichrists are people who don’t believe Jesus is the Christ. 2.22, 4.3
Get ready because Jesus is coming soon. 2.28
When Jesus returns, he’ll be just like “John”. 3.2
Whatever you ask Jesus for, Jesus will give you. 3.22
“God is love.” 4.8, 4.16
You’re not living unless you’ve got Jesus. 5.12
There is a sin unto death.” (But no one knows what it is.) 5.16-17
Christians are of God; everyone else is wicked. 5.19
1 JOHN 1
1 That 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;
2 (For 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;)
3 That 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.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5 This 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.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But 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.
(1.7) “The blood of Jesus Christ … cleanseth us from all sin.”
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
(1.8, 10) “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us … If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
229 Do Christians sin?
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(1.9) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.”
168 Does God forgive sins?
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 JOHN 2
2 My 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:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
(2.2) “He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
157 Does hell exist?
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandment
s, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
7 Brethren, 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.
8 Again, 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.
(2.9-11) Those who love others are “in the light”; those who hate are “in darkness”.
9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
(2.9) “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness.”
10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
(2.10) “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light.”
11 But 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.
(2.11) “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness.”
12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.
13 I 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.
(2.13) “I write unto you, fathers.”
108 Is it OK to call someone father?
14 I 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.
15 Love 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.
(2.15) “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” But according to John 3.16, God loves the world. If he does, then shouldn’t we?
16 For 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.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
18 Little 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.
(2.18) “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.” It is the last time. Even now there are many antichrists. (That’s how you can be sure it’s the last time.)
19 They 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.
(2.19) “They 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.” Many Christians interpret this verse to mean that it is impossible for a true believer to become an unbeliever. (They become antichrists instead.)
20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
(2.22) “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” Non-Christians are liars and antichrists. (There are about five billion of us now living.)
23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
24 Let 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.
25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
(2.25) “This is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.”
167 Is death final?
26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
27 But 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.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
(2.28) “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” The author warns his followers to get ready because Jesus is coming soon.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
1 JOHN 3
3 Behold, 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.
2 Beloved, 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.
(3.2) “We know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” The author expects to live to see Jesus return.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
(3.6-10) 229 Do Christians sin?
6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
(3.6) “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.”
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He 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.
(3.8) “He that committeth sin is of the devil.”
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In 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.
(3.9-10) “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil.”
11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
(3.11) “We should love one another.”
12 Not 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.
13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
(3.15) “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
127 Should we love or hate our brother?
16 Hereby 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.
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
(3.18) “Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
(3.20) “God … knoweth all things.”
18 Does God know everything?
21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
(3.22) “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him.” How’sthat for a big lie?
23 And 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.
24 And 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.
1 JOHN 4
4 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
(4.1) “Believe not every spirit.”
308 Should we believe everything?
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
(4.2) “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.”
417 Are those who believe Jesus is the Christ of God?
3 And 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.
(4.3) “Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh … is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” All non-christians are antichrists. That there are so darned many of them (5 billion or so) is a sure sign that the end is near.