1 John 4:10

And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Study Bible

And this is love
The phrase begins with a definitive statement about the nature of true love. In Greek, the word for love here is "agape," which signifies a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. This sets the stage for understanding love not as a human emotion or action, but as a divine attribute and initiative. In the historical context of the early church, this was a radical departure from the prevailing cultural norms, which often viewed love as transactional or self-serving.

not that we loved God
This phrase emphasizes human inability and the inadequacy of human love in comparison to divine love. The Greek word for "loved" is "ēgapēkamen," indicating a past action. It underscores the fact that any love we have for God is a response, not an initiation. This reflects the biblical narrative of humanity's fall and the consistent theme of God reaching out to humanity first, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

but that He loved us
Here, the focus shifts to God's proactive love. The Greek word "ēgapēsen" is used, which is the aorist tense, indicating a definitive action. This highlights the historical reality of God's love demonstrated through Jesus Christ. Theologically, this is foundational to the Christian faith, affirming that God's love is not contingent upon human actions or worthiness.

and sent His Son
The sending of the Son is a central tenet of Christian doctrine, reflecting the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "apesteilen" (sent) conveys the idea of commissioning with authority. This act of sending is rooted in the divine plan of salvation, as prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. It underscores the Trinitarian relationship and the unity of purpose within the Godhead.

as an atoning sacrifice
The term "atoning sacrifice" is translated from the Greek word "hilasmon," which refers to propitiation or expiation. This concept is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where sacrifices were made to atone for sin. In the New Testament context, it signifies the ultimate and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who satisfies the wrath of God and reconciles humanity to Him. This is a cornerstone of conservative Christian theology, emphasizing the necessity and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for salvation.

for our sins
The phrase concludes with the purpose of Christ's atoning work. The Greek word "hamartiōn" (sins) refers to the moral failures and transgressions that separate humanity from God. This acknowledgment of sin is crucial in understanding the need for redemption. Historically, this reflects the consistent biblical message of human sinfulness and the need for divine intervention. Theologically, it affirms the personal and communal aspect of salvation, as Christ's sacrifice addresses both individual and collective sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth in his writings.

2. God the Father
The initiator of love, who sent His Son as an expression of His love for humanity.

3. Jesus Christ
The Son of God, sent as the atoning sacrifice, demonstrating the ultimate act of love by dying for our sins.

4. The Early Church
The recipients of John's letter, who were being instructed in the true nature of love and the importance of recognizing Jesus' sacrificial role.

5. Atoning Sacrifice
Refers to Jesus' sacrificial death, which atones for the sins of humanity, a central event in Christian theology.

Teaching Points

Understanding True Love
True love originates from God, not from human effort. It is important to recognize that our love for God is a response to His love for us.

The Initiative of God’s Love
God took the first step in loving us by sending His Son. This teaches us about the proactive nature of divine love and challenges us to take initiative in loving others.

The Sacrificial Nature of Love
Jesus' role as the atoning sacrifice exemplifies sacrificial love. We are called to emulate this selflessness in our relationships.

Assurance of Salvation
The atoning sacrifice of Jesus provides assurance of forgiveness and salvation, encouraging believers to live confidently in their faith.

Reflecting God’s Love
As recipients of God’s love, we are called to reflect that love to others, serving as a testament to God’s transformative power in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding that God loved us first change your perspective on your relationship with Him?

2. In what ways can you take the initiative to show love to others, following God’s example?

3. How does the concept of Jesus as the atoning sacrifice impact your understanding of forgiveness and grace?

4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate sacrificial love in your daily life?

5. How can reflecting on God’s love for you help you to love others more effectively, especially those who are difficult to love?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 3:16
This verse parallels 1 John 4:10 by emphasizing God's love in sending His Son for the salvation of the world.

Romans 5:8
Highlights God's love demonstrated through Christ's death for sinners, reinforcing the concept of love initiated by God.

Hebrews 9:26
Discusses Christ's sacrifice as a once-for-all atonement for sin, connecting to the idea of Jesus as the atoning sacrifice.

1 John 2:2
Earlier in the same letter, John refers to Jesus as the atoning sacrifice, underscoring the consistency of this theme.