2012-09-09 - Words Aren't Enough

The Epistles of John ~ Part 60 ~ 1 John

Additionally, he makes it clear that words aren't enough. Actions must be included, if we truly love. This is similar to what James said .

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?…But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.…You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ?…As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:14, 18, 20, 26).

John once again makes his argument against the false teachers. He reiterates that it does matter how we live, if we claim to be believers. The reality of God in our lives is shown by our works, and are works done not from duty, but from love. And all this must be done in truth.

It not only matters what we do, but we must also hold to truth. John's implicative statement to the readers, is that the false teachers are guilty of manipulation of truth, and all that they do is of the spirit of anti-Christ.

To be continued.

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