1Jo 4:15-16 | RWP | e4.org | Whosoever shall confess ( ος εαν ομολογηση ). Indefinite relative clause with modal εαν (=an) and the first aorist active subjunctive, "whoever confesses." See ; . for ομολογεω . That ( οτ ). Object clause (indirect assertion) after ομολογεω . This confession of the deity of Jesus Christ implies surrender and obedience also, not mere lip service (cf. ; ). This confession is proof (if genuine) of the fellowship with God ( .; ).

‏ 1 John 4:15-16

Whosoever shall confess ( ος εαν ομολογηση ). Indefinite relative clause with modal εαν (=an) and the first aorist active subjunctive, "whoever confesses." See 2:23; 4:2f. for ομολογεω.

That ( οτ ). Object clause (indirect assertion) after ομολογεω. This confession of the deity of Jesus Christ implies surrender and obedience also, not mere lip service (cf. 1Co 12:3; Ro 10:6-12). This confession is proof (if genuine) of the fellowship with God (1:3f.; 3:24).

We know ( εγνωκαμεν ). Perfect active indicative, "we have come to know and still know" as in Joh 6:9, only there order is changed ( πεπιστευκαμεν coming before εγνωκαμεν ). Confession ( ομολογεω ) follows experimental knowledge ( γινωσκω ) and confident trust ( πιστευω ). Believers are the sphere ( εν ημιν, in our case) in which the love of God operates (Westcott). See Joh 13:35 for "having love."

God is love ( ο θεος αγαπη εστιν ). Repeated from verse 8. So he gathers up the whole argument that one who is abiding in love is abiding in God and shows that God is abiding in him. Thoroughly Johannine style.