IV. Theological Perspective

The central theological motif of the first epistle is eternal life, which is defined as fellowship with God. The presupposition that informs the message is that fellowship with God (eternal life) is possible only on the basis of the divine nature. That is, God’s nature defines the conditions of fellowship. Three aspects of the divine nature (also emphasized in the fourth gospel) are identified: God is light; God is righteous; God is love. The whole letter revolves around these three themes, and they give us the basis for an outline of the contents.