John structures his presentation around miracles and signs, interviews, worship and feast days and "I Am" statements. It was written at the end of the first century when John was an old man. The letters of John answer questions about the deity and humanity of Christ, assurance of salvation, brotherly love, rejection of the fallen world system and recognizing false teachers.
“‘believe’ This verb is used 78 times in the Gospel of John, 24 times in John’s letters. It is interesting that John’s Gospel never uses the noun form, only the verb. Belief is not primarily an intellectual or emotional response, but basically a volitional response. This Greek term is translated by three English terms: believe, trust, and faith. It is parallel to ‘welcome Him’ (cf. vs. 11), and ‘accept Him’ (cf. v. 12). Salvation is free in the grace of God and the finished work of Christ, but it must be received. Salvation is a covenant relationship with privileges and responsibilities.” (Page 11)
“The third principle is to read the Bible in different translations in order to grasp the widest possible range of meaning (semantic field) that biblical words or phrases may have.” (Page ii)
“The term disciple can mean (1) learner and/or (2) follower. This was an early name for believers in Jesus Christ as the promised Jewish Messiah. It is important to note that the NT calls for disciples, not mere decisions (cf. Matt. 13). Christianity is an initial decision (repentance and faith) followed by an on going decision of obedience and perseverance. Christianity is not a fire insurance policy or a ticket to heaven, but a daily servant/friend relationship with Jesus.” (Page 19)
“True salvation is both an initial and a continuous response. This theological truth is often ignored in our enthusiasm for personal assurance of salvation. Biblical assurance is linked to (1) perseverance in faith; (2) a lifestyle of repentance; (3) ongoing obedience (cf. James and I John); and (4) fruit bearing (cf. Matt. 7:13). See Special Topic on ‘Abiding’ at 1 John 2:10.” (Page 139)