So, 1 John. Let me give you the overview of this Book along with Hebrews through Revelation, of which it is part. First, you know that I believe Romans through Philemon is for the Church the Body of Christ. The revelations concerning grace, salvation through faith in the finished work of Christ alone, doctrine for the Church the BOdy of Christ, the beginning of this Body, the building of this Body, and the end of this Body is all included in Paul's epistles. Since the mystery was given to him, then it only makes sense that he has given us, through direct revelations from the risen Christ, the operations manual for this age of grace we are living in. The "But Now" of Ephesians, Chapter 2. All we, the body of Christ, need for our salvation, walk, and future, are found in those epistles. Not only do they explain the "Time Past", they also explain when "But Now" began and when the "But Now" ends, and the "ages to come" begin. It is all about the formation of a BODY of BELIEVERS. A MYSTERY, hid in God from the foundation of the world. Eph. 3.
So what does this have to do with 1 John?
When the Church the Body of Christ is raptured, the tribulation begins. 2nd Thess. explains the rapture, and the revealing of the anti-christ. Where would someone who is not part of the rapture go in the Bible to find their survival information in order to go through the tribulation and endure to the end to be saved?
Hebrews through Revelation. I believe they were written for the future tribulation saints, as their survival guide from God. Notice first of all the first book after Paul's epistles. The Book of Hebrews. It is written to, THE HEBREWS. We know that during the age of grace, the middle wall of partition has been removed and there is no difference between Jew and Gentile in God's eyes. Eph. Chapter 2. We are on equal standing and during this time, "But Now", we are ONE NEW MAN.
The middle wall of partition is back for Hebrews. Just the fact that it is written to THE HEBREWS tells you that. Next comes the Book of James. It is written to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad." James 1:1. Obviously it is to the Jews.
Then the Books of Peter. They are written to "the strangers scattered abroad"...and they are about things ready to be revealed IN THE LAST TIME. 1 Pet. 1:5. The APPEARING of Jesus Christ (v.7), hope to the END, at the revelation of Jesus Christ (v.13), tradition from YOUR FATHERS (Jews), Christ foreordained before the foundation of the world, but now manifest IN THESE LAST TIMES FOR YOU (v.20), a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (Chapter 2:9), having your conversation honest AMONG THE GENTILES (an obvious proof that Peter is speaking to Jews), the end of all things being at hand,(Chap.4:7), etc. etc. They are ALL about the end times, the time is at hand, the eminent return of Christ. 2nd Peter is the same. It is for those saints going through the tribulation and awaiting the 2nd coming of Christ.
Next comes the Books of John. They are the same theme. John speaks of those who have overcome the wicked one, the annointing of the Holy Spirit for the teaching of the truth, remaining in unity with one another, the day of the Lord, and the appearance of the Lord. Jude is the same. Contention for the faith which was once delivered to the saints, enduring, and looking for Christ's appearance. Revelation speaks for itself, obviously.
I gave you this overview of Hebrews through Revelation to show you these are specific for a specific group of people, the tribulation saints, a KINGDOM OF BELIEVERS. Just as Romans through Philemon is specific for a specific group of people, the Church the Body of Christ, A BODY OF BELIEVERS.
During this age of grace, we are saved by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ. How many of my sins were future when Christ died for them? All of them. He died for ALL my sins. If I have to be in fear that every time I sin, I chance being cut off from God, then what good was Christ's death for me? If there is something I can do to LOSE my salvation, then there MUST be something I can do to WIN my salvation. And we know that is not true.
John's letters are part of the "ages to come", the tribulation, where the middle wall of partition is back up, Jews and Gentiles are differentiated, and the law, although written in their hearts is foremost. We, during this time, are not under the law, but under grace. It will be different during the tribulation. Just as it was different during the OT and Christ's earthly ministry, including Peter and the 11.
I hope I have answered your question. God Bless.
Paul's "last days" speak of APOSTACY. 2 TIm. 4:3,4. Peter's "last days" speak of a great REVIVAL. See Acts Chapter 2 with Joel 2,3. Great revival of WHO? Israel. When all ISRAEL will be saved.
They are obviously not speaking of the same "last days". Paul's are the "last days" of the Church the Body of Christ. Peter's are the "last days" of the tribulation and Christ's return to set up His kingdom.
I do not understand all of it. But truly is a fascinating way of looking at the bible. I remember years ago you explained some awhile ago it was late night to me. We were messaging.
I will be praying like always for all of us on these threads in these last days. I believe my assurance is in asking Christ and having that answer from asking not just being a christian.
I firmly believe in:
Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be Anxious about anything, but In Everything, by Prayer and Petition, with Thanksgiving, Present your Requests to God. And The Peace of God, which Transcends all Understanding, will Guard your Hearts and your Minds in Christ Jesus."
I will continually pray for you to make sure you do have that peace for all eternity.
Loving Father, from Your generous hands flows every good and precious gift.
We receive physical, material, relational, and spiritual blessings that far surpass our daily needs.
We acknowledge that You are the one and only true God, the Savior and Redeemer of our soul.
We give You glory for all that we are and all that we hope to be. Be glorified in and through us as we walk in humility and express thanksgiving to You in Jesus’ name we pray.
Praise Jesus!
Amen.
Freeper Regards!