The letters of John can be summed up in two words: assurance and warning. John warns that it is God's desire for us to live lives that avoid sin, not ignoring Jesus' teachings. If we do sin, however, there is absolute hope, Jesus. Jesus is: 1. One who speaks tot he Father in our defense. 2. Jesus the Christ - He is the Messiah king 3. Righteous One. Jesus is the atoning sacrifice. This means two things: He removed our sin, and He removed God's wrath. Jesus makes us a friend of God!