One of the first things many readers notice about 1 John is how repetitive it feels. The same themes, phrases, and exhortations seem to circle back again and again. But is this repetition merely redundant? Or is there a deeper, purposeful structure behind it?

In our latest video, we unpack the literary style and structure of 1 John through a clear chart that reveals a “grid” shaping the entire letter. This framework isn’t just an academic curiosity — it’s key to understanding the letter’s central goal: giving believers assurance of salvation in the face of false teachers who unsettled their faith (1 John 2:19; 5:13).

Watch the video here to see how this literary grid helps make sense of every verse and clarifies the three tests of salvation — obedience, love, and belief in Jesus — that John weaves throughout the epistle:

Why Does John Repeat So Much?

At first glance, the frequent repetition can feel overwhelming. Yet John’s technique is deeply pastoral. His readers were rattled by false teachers who left the church, sowing doubt and confusion. John’s repetitive style functions as a steady reassurance, hammering home the essentials for genuine faith.

The letter centers on applying three interrelated tests of salvation:

• Obedience: Living according to God’s commands
• Love: Loving fellow believers genuinely
• Belief in Jesus: Confessing Jesus as the Son of God who came in the flesh

Each test recurs throughout the letter, woven into its structure to confirm who truly belongs to God and who does not.

The Power of a Literary Grid

What makes this video’s approach unique is the introduction of a literary “grid” — a stylistic framework that aligns every verse of 1 John into a coherent pattern. This grid makes the letter’s repetitive style not only understandable but illuminating.

Instead of seeing 1 John as simply circular or redundant, this grid reveals a deliberate, strategic pattern that reinforces John’s pastoral message with clarity and power.

What This Means for Bible Study

Understanding 1 John through this literary grid transforms how you read and teach the epistle. It clarifies why certain phrases recur and how they contribute to the letter’s purpose of assurance and discernment.

If you’ve ever struggled with the repetitive feel of 1 John, this approach offers a fresh perspective that highlights John’s pastoral heart and theological precision.

Download the free 1 John chart here to follow along or use in your own study:

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