Verse of the Day (February 16, 2020)

Verse of the Day (February 16, 2020) #BMSeminary – Happy Lord’s Day! John elaborates on the love life of genuine believers. For those who are truly born again, love is an indispensable characteristic. The new nature or “seed” (v. 9) that God imparts not only exhibits holiness but also love as a habitual characteristic (John 13:35; Rom. 5:5; 1 Thess. 4:9). Those who practice love give proof of the new birth. Those who do not have never been born again. [from the beginning] Since the beginning of gospel proclamation, love has been a central theme of Christianity (see notes on 1:1; 2:7). John emphasizes what they heard “from the beginning” (1:1; 2:7; 24) to emphasize that the false teachers were preventing that which God, through the apostles, proclaimed. [we should love one another] This phrase highlights the habit of love displayed by those possessing the new nature. Love is not merely an optional duty for someone claiming to be a Christian, but proof positive that one truly has been born again (John 15:12; 1 Pet. 1:22–23). (MacArthur Study Bible)