1 John 1:4 - Calvin's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

4 That your joy may be full By full joy, he expresses more clearly the complete and perfect happiness which we obtain through the Gospel; at the same time he reminds the faithful where they ought to fix all their affections. True is that saying,

Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” (Matthew 6:21.)

Whosoever, then, really perceives what fellowship with God is, will be satisfied with it alone, and will no more burn with desires for other things.

The Lord is my cup,” says David, “and my heritage; the lines have fallen for me on an excellent lot.” (Psalms 16:5.)

In the same manner does Paul declare that all things were deemed by him as dung, in comparison with Christ alone. (Philippians 3:8.) He, therefore, has at length made a proficiency in the Gospel, who esteems himself happy in having communion with God, and acquiesces in that alone; and thus he prefers it to the whole world, so that he is ready for its sake to relinquish all other things.

1 John 1:4

4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.