Larry expresses concern for those struggling with assurance of salvation, attributing it to a misunderstanding of God’s grace. He criticizes the Calvinist approach, exemplified by Paul Washer, which emphasizes personal holiness as evidence of salvation, arguing instead for a foundation in the grace of God and the finished work of Christ. He teaches that understanding one’s identity in Christ according to Paul’s gospel brings true assurance.

John’s first epistle counters Gnostic beliefs, emphasizing Jesus’ physical incarnation and refuting the idea that He was merely a spirit. John also addresses the universal reality of sin, contradicting Gnostic teachings that claimed their spiritual state exempted them from sin. The epistle was written during the Kingdom Age, before the Jerusalem Council’s agreement that Paul would minister to the Gentiles while Peter, James, and John focused on Israel.

The Calvinist discusses the assurance of salvation, emphasizing the importance of loving the biblical Christ. It highlights the difference between the kingdom gospel, which focuses on believing in Jesus as the Son of God, and the gospel of grace, which emphasizes God’s love and mercy. The video also touches on the Calvinistic view of election and the aspect of assurance through love for Christ, which gives no assurance.

The Corinthians, despite their failures, would stand blameless before God due to His grace and understand that Christ paid for their sin due to believing the gospel of grace. Understanding the grace gospel brings assurance of salvation, emphasizing Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and shed blood for the forgiveness of sins.