This post is Day 24 in a series of studies about “1 John”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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1 John – Day 24

There is no prayer of commitment in the Bible, all we are called to do to become believers is recognise that Jesus is the Son of the Almighty God. It sounds simple, and it has to be, because many people across the world have no scriptures to read.

1 John 4:15-18

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. … God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. … In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

The Thought

These verses to me sound like “Christianity made simple.” It’s all about love.

There is no prayer of commitment in the Bible. All we are called to do to become believers is recognise that Jesus is the Son of the Almighty God. It sounds simple, and it has to be, because many people across the world have no scriptures to read. Even if they had them, many would not be able to read them. Hundreds of people have been brought to the Lord just by Christians living in love, meeting them where they are in their everyday lives.

Jesus had hundreds of followers. The majority followed Him because He loved them more than anyone else ever had. He provided food, He brought healing, He taught them in a language they understood. He blessed them and didn’t accuse them no matter what they had done. So there was no further fear of punishment for their wrongdoings.

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the sea, though its waters roar and foam, and the mountains quake with their surging.

Action

Ask yourself today what you are afraid of … punishment, sickness, death, being alone? Give those things to Jesus, be honest with Him and with yourself, ask Him to bring you assurance that you are forgiven.

Read the rest of Psalm 46 and be encouraged.