Unconditional Love

1 John 4:10-13

I. Unconditional love is a divine attribute for divinely created creatures. Vs.10

A. It flows from God to us.

B. It is a part of the new nature.

II. Unconditional love is what Christians emulate. Vs.11-12

A. It is free and controlled by grace. Vs.11

The apostle Paul said in Rom.4:4, "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt."

"If God loved us" To love God back would be reciprocation or some kind of payment. Since salvation is free by grace, John does not say to "love God" but to love one another (αλληλων= of the same kind). As changed creatures we are to follow the same rule of love that was manifested to us, God loved us, we love one another. The line is vertical then horizontal. This love therefore cannot be reciprocative by nature but replicative.

B. The perfect example is found only in Christ’s sacrifice. Vs.12

1. Because no one has seen (observe God with continuity and attention) at any time.

2. Because there is only one mediator between God and men. 1 Tim.2:5

III. Unconditional love is secured by the Spirit of God. Vs.13

A. Secured by the indwelling Spirit.

B. Secured by the abiding Spirit.

C. Secured by the relationship