Theocast
Is 1 John a Test for Christians? (Paul Washer Sermon Review)
April 1, 2026
Summary
Is 1 John meant to test if you are truly saved? In this episode, Jon Moffitt responds to a sermon from Paul Washer at the Shepherds Conference 2026 where 1 John is used as a test of genuine faith. Jon explains why this is a misapplication and walks through the original purpose of the letter. 1 John is meant to strengthen assurance rather than create doubt. Jon also highlights areas of agreement and offers clearer biblical paths for applying similar warnings. If you want clarity on assurance and how to read 1 John rightly, this episode is for you.
Topics
- Whether 1 John is meant as a test of genuine salvation
- Why using 1 John to create doubt misapplies the letter
- 1 John written to strengthen assurance rather than undermine it
- Clearer biblical paths for applying warning passages
Links
Transcript
Edited machine transcript. May contain errors. Select a timestamp to watch that moment.
Is 1 John a test for Christians to see if they're really a believer?
Well, in Paul Walsher's sermon at the 2026 Shepherd's Conference, he used 1 John as a test for believers.
And in this episode, we're going to examine that section of the sermon.
And I'm going to show you that it's not.
That is a misapply application.
1 John was written for a specific reason, and we need to use it for that particular reason.
So stay tuned as we look at 1 John.
There are multiple areas where I agree with Paul Washer, and I offer some suggestions on where to go either there in Peter or James if he's going to use the application he wants to use.
So stay tuned.
Ever read the Bible and walk away feeling like you're failing?
No matter how hard you try, you're never measuring up.
That's not a motivation problem, that's a reading problem.
Most people have never been taught how to read the Bible the way Jesus taught it.
So, when they hear things like, be perfect, deny yourself, take up your cross, they assume it's all about trying harder.
But what if that's not what Jesus was doing at all?
What if the law isn't meant to fix you, but to reveal your need for a savior?
And what if the gospel isn't advice, but an announcement of what Christ has already done for you.
That's the difference between law and gospel.
And once you see it, everything changes: clarity, rest, and confidence.
In the Bible, according to Jesus, I show you how to read scripture the way Jesus intended so you stop feeling crushed and confused and start living with confidence and rest in Christ.
