What is the meaning of 1 John 4:17? In this way John has just affirmed, “God is love. Whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16). • The phrase “in this way” points back to that abiding relationship. The flow is: God pours His love into us (Romans 5:5); we dwell in that love; and the very experience of mutual abiding is the proof God gives. • Earlier, John said, “If we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us” (1 John 4:12). The same principle is now restated and expanded. Love has been perfected among us “Perfected” speaks of reaching its intended goal. • God’s love is not a vague feeling; it reaches completion as believers actively love one another (John 13:34–35). • This perfected love is shared “among us,” a present reality in the church (Ephesians 4:15–16). • Because love originates with God (1 John 4:7) and is worked out in our lives (Galatians 5:22), its completeness is evidence that we truly belong to Him. So that we may have confidence on the day of judgment Perfected love produces assurance, not anxiety. • “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). • Confidence (parrēsia) appears earlier: “Little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink back” (1 John 2:28). • The coming judgment is real (2 Corinthians 5:10), yet believers who stand in Christ can anticipate that day with boldness because punishment has already been borne by Jesus (1 Peter 2:24). For in this world we are just like Him John moves from future assurance to present identity. • “As He is” points to the risen, glorified Christ, who is righteous and accepted before the Father (Hebrews 1:3). • “So also are we” declares the believer’s union with Him now (1 Corinthians 6:17; Colossians 3:3–4). • Practical implications – We share His nature: “Partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). – We share His mission: “As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them” (John 17:18). – We share His victory over fear: “Peace I leave with you” (John 14:27). Because He is accepted, we are accepted; because He is righteous, we are declared righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). summary 1 John 4:17 assures believers that the observable, maturing love of God in their lives is God’s own evidence that they belong to Him. This love gives fearless confidence about the coming judgment, since the believer’s standing mirrors Christ’s own standing before the Father. In the here and now, we live as reflections of the Savior, enjoying His acceptance and extending His love to the world. |
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