What does 1 John 4:17 mean?

Explanation

The passage "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." from 1 John 4:17 touches on the Christian concept of perfected love and confidence in the face of judgment.

This verse suggests that love reaches its full expression among believers when it casts out fear, particularly the fear of judgment.

The love being referenced is God's love, which Christians believe is made perfect or complete when the faithful love others as God loves them.

The "boldness in the day of judgment" implies a confidence that believers can have when they face the final judgment, as they are living in Christ-like love.

The phrase "as he is, so are we in this world" suggests that Christians are called to reflect Jesus' character and actions in their earthly lives, thus assuring them of their standing before God.

Historical Context

This verse is from the First Epistle of John, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, although the exact author remains the subject of scholarly debate.

Written likely between 85-95 A.D., the epistle addressed early Christian communities struggling with doctrinal divisions and the threat of false teachings, often referred to as antichrists or deceivers.

The epistle reassures believers of their knowledge and relationship with God through adherence to the teachings of Jesus and by demonstrating love for one another.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse may be seen from several angles:

• The Assurance of Salvation: This verse offers assurance to believers that their salvation is secure if they live in the love shown and commanded by Christ.
• Sanctification: Some interpret this as a reference to the process of sanctification, wherein the believer is progressively made more like Christ in love and actions.
• Christology: It reflects on the nature of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe to be fully divine and fully human, and who sets the example to be followed.
• Eschatology: There is also an eschatological aspect, dealing with end-times and judgment, suggesting that believers can approach judgment with confidence if they live in the love of Christ.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse could encourage individuals to:

• Cultivate love and compassion in interactions with others as a reflection of divine love.
• Face life's challenges with the assurance that comes from a Christ-like life.
• Evaluate one's actions and attitudes in light of the example set by Jesus, fostering growth in personal character.
• Provide comfort and support within the faith community, knowing that love is the ultimate standard by which they are called to live.

Cross-References

• John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
• Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
• 1 John 2:6: "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."
• 1 John 4:12: "No man hath seen God at any time.

If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key words are:

• "Love" (agape): Refers to selfless, sacrificial love that is volitionally chosen.
• "Made perfect" (teleioo): Signifies completed, accomplished, or brought to its intended end.
• "Boldness" (parrhesia): Speak openly, with confidence, or assurance, typically used in context with freedom of speech.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of divine love and human reflection of that love can be compared to various religious and philosophical systems.

In some iterations of Buddhism, the practice of loving-kindness (Metta) mirrors the idea of showing unconditional love.

In Hinduism, the concept of 'Atman is Brahman' proposes that the soul is identical with the ultimate reality, urging individuals to see the divine in each other.

While these comparisons are not direct, they hint at universal questions about how humans relate to the divine and to each other.

Scientific Perspectives

While theology and science approach understanding from different angles, one could explore parallels in the psychological understanding of love, empathy, and altruism.

Research in areas such as the hormone oxytocin, which is associated with bonding and love, might provide some scientific context for the benefits of living out love in human relationships, and the positive effects on individual and communal well-being.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of 1 John 4:17:

• John Wesley: He emphasized that perfect love in believers gives confidence in the day of judgment because their love is an imitation of the love Jesus portrayed.
• Matthew Henry: He stressed the significance of love as the principal evidence of sincerity in religion and that this sincere love made perfect provides confidence before God.
• John Calvin: Calvin highlighted that those who resemble God in love can appear before Him with boldness because they emulate Christ, who is the exact representation of the Father.
• Contemporary Commentary: Modern commentators might focus on the psychological and social aspects of love in action, understanding the verse as a call to manifest genuine Christian love in every interaction.