Enigma Riddle:
Who is the "beloved disciple" in 1 John?
He was one of the twelve, but not the one who betrayed. He was close to the Lord, leaning on his chest at the last supper. He was present at the crucifixion, and entrusted with the care of the Lord’s mother. He was a witness to the empty tomb, and to the risen Lord. He was the one to whom the Lord revealed the identity of his betrayer. He was the beloved disciple, but who was he?
Answer: John, the son of Zebedee.
Conundrum Riddle:
What is the "sin that leads to death" in 1 John?
It is a sin that is not committed in ignorance, but with full knowledge of its gravity. It is a sin that is not repented of, but persisted in. It is a sin that is not forgiven, but judged. It is a sin that leads to death, but what is it?
Answer: Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
Lateral Thinking Riddle:
How can we "test the spirits" in 1 John?
It is not by their appearance, nor by their words alone. It is not by their popularity, nor by their credentials. It is not by their miracles, nor by their prophecies. It is by their confession of Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. For every spirit that confesses this is from God, but every spirit that does not confess this is not from God. So how can we test the spirits?
Answer: By their confession of Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.
Trick Riddle:
What is the "new commandment" in 1 John that is also an old commandment?
It is a commandment that is not new in its content, but in its application. It is a commandment that was given by the Lord himself, but not fully understood until his death and resurrection. It is a commandment that is summed up in the two great commandments: to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. So what is the "new commandment" in 1 John that is also an old commandment?
Answer: To love one another.