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The General Epistles of Saints James, Peter, John, and Jude, Part 9: I John 1 & 2
Talk by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)
February 27, 2024

Topics include:
(1) A strong and clear witness to the Incarnation, and a repudiation of Docetism; 
(2) Several mistranslations in the Protestant text: In 1 John chapter 1,  "fellowship" should be translated "communion", a stronger term. Communion, or common union, means we are united in Christ, with the Father and the Son, and with one another. Christ enables us to have communion with Him, with the Father, and with one another. Walking in God's ways brings us into communion with one another, since we have the same path and vision; In chapter 2:1, "Advocate" is actually "Paraclete", typically used of the Holy Spirit. The idea is that Christ comes along side of us before the Father, and approaches the Father for us, comforting us. Western theology has a juridical mind (Advocate), whereas Eastern theology has a mystical mind (Paraclete); Similarly, in chapter 2:2, "propitiation" is a mistranslation. "Expiation" is the term conveyed by the Greek "hilasmos". A propitiation is something to allay the wrath of a deity, and presumes wrath and anger. Expiation is the wiping away of our sin. Orthodox do not see God as a wrathful, vengeful God who must have blood (His Son's) to be satisfied; 
(3) On the necessity of living the Gospel: John puts the emphasis on living the Gospel, not just faith in dogmatic assertions. If we walk in darkness we do not have communion with God. Are we living according to our own self-will or according to the will of God as revealed to us? We need to maintain Christian morality, to turn from lustful, angry, envious, and bitter thoughts and actions to the way of the Spirit, bearing the good fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, ... How we apply our faith is the measure of whether we know God or are just deluded. So ... abide in Him and practise righteousness! 
(4) On love: The love of God is brought to fulfillment (teleioo) in the one who keeps His commandments. We are deified by being obedient to Christ, and the Holy Spirit indwells us and transforms us. There is no space for hatred, envy and resentment in a Christian. Whoever hates his brother is blind, lost, stumbling in darkness; whoever loves his brother is walking in the light; 
(5) On the World; The world in chapter 2:15-17 is not nature but the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life: in other words, self-gratification. We must not hold onto such things but detach from them. The one who overcomes self-love will abide forever; 
(6) On the antichrist: the one who is "instead of Christ". Even now, many put themselves forward as "Saviors": Hitler, Lenin, Mao, ... The Antichrist, when he comes, will claim to actually be Christ. All antichrists exalt themselves above God, and reject the Son and thereby the Father; 
(7) On Chrismation: it's not about learning doctrine but being infused with knowledge of God by the Holy Spirit; 
(8) On ecumenism: Those who refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God *do not know God*. John here rejects Judaism just as Christ did. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also, whoever denies the Son has neither.