1 John 3:15
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer - He has the same principle in him which was in Cain, and it may lead to the same consequences. No murderer hath eternal life - Eternal life springs from an indwelling God; and God cannot dwell in the heart where hatred and malice dwell. This text has been quoted to prove that no murderer can be saved. This is not said in the text; and there have been many instances of persons who have been guilty of murder having had deep and genuine repentance, and who doubtless found mercy from his hands who prayed for his murderers, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do! It is, however, an awful text for the consideration of those who shed human blood on frivolous pretences, or in those wars which have their origin in the worst passions of the human heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
hateth--equivalent to "loveth not" (Jo1 3:14); there is no medium between the two. "Love and hatred, like light and darkness, life and death, necessarily replace, as well as necessarily exclude, one another" [ALFORD]. is a murderer--because indulging in that passion, which, if followed out to its natural consequences, would make him one. "Whereas, Jo1 3:16 desires us to lay down our lives for the brethren; duels require one (awful to say!) to risk his own life, rather than not deprive another of life" [BENGEL]. God regards the inward disposition as tantamount to the outward act which would flow from it. Whomsoever one hates, one wishes to be dead. hath--Such a one still "abideth in death." It is not his future state, but his present, which is referred to. He who hates (that is, loveth not) his brother (Jo1 3:14), cannot in this his present state have eternal life abiding in him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hereby perceive we the love of God,.... The phrase "of God" is not in the Oriental versions, nor in the Greek copies, but is in the Complutensian edition, and in the Vulgate Latin version, and is favoured by the Syriac version, which reads, "by this we know his love to us"; and so the Ethiopic version, "by this we know his love". That is, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is truly and properly God, the great God, the mighty God, the true God, and God over all, blessed for ever. His love is manifested to his people, and perceived by them in various instances; but in nothing is it more clearly seen than in the following one: because he laid down his life for us: of the life of Christ, and his laying it down in the room of his people; see Gill on , which shows his love, his free grace and favour; for this arose not from any merit or worth in the persons he died for; not from their love, loveliness, or duty, but from his rich mercy, and the great love wherewith he loved them; and which, though it cannot be equalled, should be imitated: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren: not in such sense, or for such ends and purposes, as Christ laid down his life for us; for no man, as by giving his money, so by laying down his life, can redeem his brother, or give to God a ransom for him: but the meaning is, that saints ought to risk their lives, and expose themselves to dangers, for the sake of their brethren, when they are called to it, and the case requires it: as Priscilla and Aquila laid down their necks, or ventured their lives for the Apostle Paul, Rom 16:3; and they should also, when called unto it, freely lay down their lives in the cause of Christ, and for the sake of his Gospel, for the gaining of souls to Christ, and for the confirming of the faith of the brethren in him, as the apostles of Christ, and the martyrs of Jesus, have done; this is an argument for brotherly love, in the highest instance of it, taken from the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, than which nothing is more forcible, or can lay a greater obligation on the saints.
1 John 3:15
Love One Another
14We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.15Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Are You Keeping Well
By Major Ian Thomas2.7K1:13:07Christian LifeGEN 1:302CH 16:9PSA 55:21PRO 23:7MAT 5:28MAT 22:371JN 3:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the body as a means of communication with the outside world. He explains that while we can recognize others based on their physical appearance, it does not mean that we truly know them. The speaker emphasizes that the primary focus should be on those who are present in the session, although guests are also welcomed. He also mentions how God provided the vegetable kingdom as nourishment for all forms of animal life. The sermon references verses from Genesis and Proverbs to support these points.
Pure in Heart
By Don McClure1.0K45:06GEN 1:1PSA 51:10PRO 23:7MAT 5:8MAT 5:28ROM 14:231JN 3:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of purity of heart and its importance in the pursuit of happiness. He emphasizes the need for genuine sorrow and mourning over sin in order to attain purity. The speaker also shares personal anecdotes, such as working at Jack in the Box, to illustrate the challenges of maintaining purity in everyday life. He relates the Beatitudes from Matthew chapter 5 to the pursuit of happiness, highlighting the connection between being poor in spirit, mourning, and meekness with purity of heart. The sermon concludes by mentioning the importance of being merciful and peacemakers in order to attain true happiness.
The Altar of Incense
By Carter Conlon36551:04Incense2CH 16:9ISA 1:16MAT 6:331JN 3:15REV 3:18In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah chapter 1 and the state of the people of Israel. He describes them as a sinful nation, laden with iniquity, and children who have forsaken the Lord. The preacher draws parallels between the situation in North America today, with cities burning with passion and sin reigning unchecked. He emphasizes the importance of obedience and being a servant where you are, before potentially being called to serve in other places. The preacher also uses the analogy of not giving a baby a chainsaw, highlighting the need for readiness and maturity in serving God.
John the Baptist Is Martyred Mark 6:14-29
By David Servant0EXO 20:13MAT 14:1JHN 14:6ACT 3:191JN 3:15David Servant delves into the tragic story of Herod Antipas, the son of a murderer, who ordered the execution of John the Baptist due to a foolish oath and pressure from his wicked wife, Herodias. Despite his conscience convicting him, Herod succumbed to his promise and had John beheaded. The sermon also addresses the possibility of murderers entering heaven through repentance and faith, emphasizing the grave sin of murder and the need for forgiveness through Jesus. The audience is urged to reflect on their upbringing and the blessing of being raised in a family that follows Christ's teachings.
1 John 3:12
By John Gill0Brotherly LoveHatred and EnvyGEN 4:8MAT 5:22JHN 15:12ROM 12:10GAL 5:15EPH 4:31HEB 11:4JAS 1:201JN 3:121JN 3:15John Gill emphasizes the importance of brotherly love by contrasting it with the hatred exemplified by Cain, who, influenced by evil, murdered his brother Abel out of envy. Gill explains that Cain's actions stemmed from his own wickedness and the acceptance of Abel's righteous sacrifice by God, which incited Cain's jealousy. He warns against allowing such hatred to take root in our hearts, as it leads to destructive actions and a separation from God. The sermon highlights the need for self-examination of our motives and the importance of faith in our works. Ultimately, Gill calls believers to embody love and righteousness, avoiding the path of Cain.
Sixth River -- Murder
By Martin Knapp0EXO 20:13EZK 3:18JHN 6:37ROM 6:231JN 3:15Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the commandment 'Thou shalt do no murder,' emphasizing God's intense love and the severe consequences of taking a life. He highlights various ways people fall into the stream of murder, including hatred in the heart, soul-murder through neglecting to warn the wicked, and secret sins that can lead to spiritual death. Knapp shares a poignant story of a prisoner awaiting execution who found redemption through genuine repentance and faith in Jesus, showcasing that even murderers can be saved by God's grace and mercy.
As a Father
By David Servant01CO 6:9GAL 5:19EPH 2:8JAS 2:141JN 3:15REV 21:8David Servant delivers a sermon addressing the dangerous belief of 'once saved, always saved' and the misconception that believers cannot forfeit their salvation regardless of their actions. He emphasizes the correlation between holiness and heaven, highlighting the importance of belief reflecting in one's behavior. Through various Bible verses, he challenges the notion that Christians can continue in sin without consequences, stressing the need for repentance and genuine transformation.
Homily 9 1 John 4:17-21
By St. Augustine0PSA 30:5JHN 13:34ROM 5:81JN 3:151JN 4:17St. Augustine preaches about the perfection of love through boldness in the day of judgment, emphasizing that perfect love casts out fear and leads to a deep connection with God. He highlights the importance of loving God and our brothers, stating that one cannot claim to love God while hating their brother. St. Augustine urges believers to cultivate a chaste fear that endures forever, rooted in love for God and others, as a sign of true transformation and readiness for God's kingdom.
`Hating' Our Relatives
By Zac Poonen0PSA 73:25MAT 16:23LUK 14:26JHN 2:4JHN 14:21JHN 21:151JN 3:15REV 2:1Zac Poonen preaches on the first condition of discipleship, emphasizing the need to cut off the natural, inordinate love we have for our relatives as instructed by Jesus in Luke 14:26. This 'hatred' refers to putting to death the natural affection we have for our loved ones, allowing God to replace it with Divine love, making our love for relatives pure. The sermon highlights the importance of giving God first place in our lives, even above family, as seen in Jesus' example of prioritizing the Father's will over human relationships.
1 John 3:15
By John Gill0HatredEternal LifeMAT 5:211JN 3:15John Gill emphasizes the serious nature of hatred towards others, equating it to murder in the heart, as it reflects a deep-seated malice that violates God's commandments. He explains that such hatred not only harms the one who is hated but also destroys the hater's own soul, indicating that true eternal life cannot coexist with such sin. Gill reassures that while murder is a grave sin, repentance and faith in Christ can lead to forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. He warns that without genuine transformation and the presence of the Holy Spirit, one remains unfit for eternal life. The sermon calls for self-examination and a commitment to love rather than hate.
Epistle 184
By George Fox0Unity in ChristEternal LifeAMO 5:24JHN 4:24ROM 8:2EPH 2:19HEB 7:16HEB 12:251JN 1:31JN 3:151JN 5:12REV 22:1George Fox emphasizes the power of God that unites believers in eternal life, urging them to live in this divine power to inherit eternity. He warns against envy and persecution, stating that those who harbor such feelings do not possess eternal life. Fox encourages the faithful to worship God in truth and spirit, distinguishing between divine and human gatherings, and to remain steadfast in the teachings of Christ. He highlights the importance of listening to God's voice, which brings true joy and shakes away falsehoods. Ultimately, he calls for a life rooted in the eternal, where believers can experience the fullness of God's glory and righteousness.
How to Get Holiness
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Faith and ConsecrationHolinessMAL 3:10MAT 5:8JHN 4:47ROM 12:12CO 6:2EPH 3:20PHP 4:19HEB 11:1JAS 4:71JN 3:15Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the partnership between God and man in achieving holiness, likening it to farming where both divine and human efforts are essential. He outlines the steps necessary for receiving the Holy Spirit and a clean heart, including recognizing one's need for cleansing, confessing sins, believing in the possibility of holiness, and fully consecrating oneself to God. Brengle encourages believers to act now, without delay, and to approach Jesus with a sincere heart, ready to give all for the blessing of sanctification. He reassures that God's love and desire for our holiness surpass our failures and doubts, urging us to trust in His promises.
Day 43, James 4
By David Servant0PSA 90:11MAT 7:6MAT 7:15JAS 4:51JN 3:15David Servant preaches on James addressing false or backslidden believers, warning them of their unfaithfulness and enmity with God due to their worldly friendship, emphasizing the need for repentance and submission to God. He highlights the possibility of losing the Spirit within them if they continue in spiritual adultery. James also cautions against passing judgment on fellow believers, reminding us to be cautious not to speak evil of genuine believers and not to put ourselves in God's place as Judge.
Matthew 5:17-32. Christ Explains the Spiritual Nature of the Law.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PRO 10:12MAT 5:20MAT 5:44ROM 8:7EPH 4:311JN 3:15Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the true purpose of Christ's coming, emphasizing that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, taking on the punishment for man's sins and aiming to remove the hatred of God's law from man's heart. The sermon delves into the spiritual depth of the commandments, revealing that even sinful anger and hatred are violations of God's law, as seen in the examples of Cain's hatred towards Abel and the Pharisees' anger towards Jesus.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer - He has the same principle in him which was in Cain, and it may lead to the same consequences. No murderer hath eternal life - Eternal life springs from an indwelling God; and God cannot dwell in the heart where hatred and malice dwell. This text has been quoted to prove that no murderer can be saved. This is not said in the text; and there have been many instances of persons who have been guilty of murder having had deep and genuine repentance, and who doubtless found mercy from his hands who prayed for his murderers, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do! It is, however, an awful text for the consideration of those who shed human blood on frivolous pretences, or in those wars which have their origin in the worst passions of the human heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
hateth--equivalent to "loveth not" (Jo1 3:14); there is no medium between the two. "Love and hatred, like light and darkness, life and death, necessarily replace, as well as necessarily exclude, one another" [ALFORD]. is a murderer--because indulging in that passion, which, if followed out to its natural consequences, would make him one. "Whereas, Jo1 3:16 desires us to lay down our lives for the brethren; duels require one (awful to say!) to risk his own life, rather than not deprive another of life" [BENGEL]. God regards the inward disposition as tantamount to the outward act which would flow from it. Whomsoever one hates, one wishes to be dead. hath--Such a one still "abideth in death." It is not his future state, but his present, which is referred to. He who hates (that is, loveth not) his brother (Jo1 3:14), cannot in this his present state have eternal life abiding in him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hereby perceive we the love of God,.... The phrase "of God" is not in the Oriental versions, nor in the Greek copies, but is in the Complutensian edition, and in the Vulgate Latin version, and is favoured by the Syriac version, which reads, "by this we know his love to us"; and so the Ethiopic version, "by this we know his love". That is, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is truly and properly God, the great God, the mighty God, the true God, and God over all, blessed for ever. His love is manifested to his people, and perceived by them in various instances; but in nothing is it more clearly seen than in the following one: because he laid down his life for us: of the life of Christ, and his laying it down in the room of his people; see Gill on , which shows his love, his free grace and favour; for this arose not from any merit or worth in the persons he died for; not from their love, loveliness, or duty, but from his rich mercy, and the great love wherewith he loved them; and which, though it cannot be equalled, should be imitated: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren: not in such sense, or for such ends and purposes, as Christ laid down his life for us; for no man, as by giving his money, so by laying down his life, can redeem his brother, or give to God a ransom for him: but the meaning is, that saints ought to risk their lives, and expose themselves to dangers, for the sake of their brethren, when they are called to it, and the case requires it: as Priscilla and Aquila laid down their necks, or ventured their lives for the Apostle Paul, Rom 16:3; and they should also, when called unto it, freely lay down their lives in the cause of Christ, and for the sake of his Gospel, for the gaining of souls to Christ, and for the confirming of the faith of the brethren in him, as the apostles of Christ, and the martyrs of Jesus, have done; this is an argument for brotherly love, in the highest instance of it, taken from the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, than which nothing is more forcible, or can lay a greater obligation on the saints.