John's Writings

Today, among the religions of our nation, there are some that place more emphasis on the Gospel according to John, than on the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, Peter, James, Paul, and Jude. The purpose of this article is to study some of John's writings, as he records for us the account of Jesus' life and teachings while on earth.

"Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God" (John 12:42,43). Is it possible today, as it was then, for one to reject Christ as these believers did? These Jews, contemporary with Jesus, living under the Mosaical law, were believers in Jesus. We can conclude that today one might be a believer in Jesus, yet not obey His commands.

From John 14:15, notice: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Other translations word this verse, "...ye will keep my commandments." John 14:21 tells us, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." In John 15:10, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

We know the names of eight men who were involved in the writing of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, James, Paul, and Jude. The name of the writer of the book of Hebrews is unknown to us. John has much to say about commandment-keeping, as do the other writers. We often refer to John as "the apostle of love," and he qualifies love as being shown by obeying the commandments given to us by Jesus and by God, recorded by the inspired writers of the New Testament. Question: did the Jews who believed in Jesus, yet would not confess Him because of fear of being cast out of the synagogue, love Him? Question: did the men of John 12:42,43 love Jesus or the praise of men? Now, a question for us: do we love Jesus, if we are unwilling to obey Him? One may loudly speak of his love for Jesus, but if that one is not interested in learning Jesus' commands and doing them, he does not truly love Jesus!

The divided "Christian" religious world is proof some who believe in Jesus have been unwilling to obey Jesus' commands. We will be looking at departures from God's Word that have divided believers and weakened the gospel message. Keep reading!