The Relation of Christology to Ethics in the First Epistle of John

The First Epistle of John has long been noted for its consistent interchange of Christology and ethics. Kenney's study of this phenomenon is illuminated by an analysis of the historical situation and by a detailed exegesis of the text. The Epistle is best understood as a corrective to the docetic tendencies, both Christological and ethical, of the Gospel of John. It seems to have been written by someone other than the author of the Gospel, yet faithful to his formulations of truth. The Epistle teaches that Christology determines ethics. Those who deny the expiatory death of Jesus are deprived of true spiritual life. Those who affirm this teaching are gifted with regeneration and empowered to grow in the imitation of Christ. The love of God first manifested in Christ is finally fulfilled in one's ethical transformation.