(1 John 5:4-13)
"This is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." This faith is not in ourselves, because we know that of ourselves we can do nothing. See John 15:5. Overcoming faith is faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Believing in Him is trusting God.
Read the eleventh chapter of Hebrews and see examples of what faith has done, and can do. In that chapter if you substitute "God" for "faith" you'll realize that God works when we believe in Him.
This Jesus in whom we trust "came by water and blood." This is not a reference to His birth, but rather His death. In his gospel John wrote, "But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out." John 19:34. The water and blood speak of cleansing. It is the blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7. He has washed us from our sins by His precious blood. Revelation 1:5. In Him we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7.
"There are three who bear witness in heaven--the Spirit, the water, and the blood." The Holy Spirit bears witness to the efficacy of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The following words, "the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth," are not found in many New Testament manuscripts. You should be aware of this in defending the doctrine of the Trinity, and use other Scriptures in presenting this truth.
Usually we receive as true the things that people say. "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater." The Bible speaks of one thing that God cannot do. He cannot lie! Titus 1:2. His word has endured the test of time. All of His promises are "yes" in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:20.
"He (God) has testified of His Son." In Old Testament times He spoke by the prophets. When Peter preached the gospel to Cornelius' household, he declared, "To Him (Jesus) all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43. Today He has spoken to us by His Son. Read Hebrews 1:1, 2. God's message to a lost and dying world is Jesus Christ.
"And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." Eternal life is in Jesus Christ. Those who have Him have life. He is received by faith. Believing is receiving. This is the basic truth of the Gospel of John, and reiterated here in 1 John. "He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in Himself."
What about those who don't believe? "He who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son."
We mentioned earlier that this letter was written by John to believers. John wrote "these things" that believers might have assurance of their eternal salvation, and that they might continue to believe in Christ. 1 John 5:13. What are some evidences that form the basis for our assurance of eternal life?
- 1. We keep His commandments. 1 John 2:3.
- 2. We practice righteousness. 1 John 2:29.
- 3. We love the brethren. 1 John 3:14.
- 4. We have the witness of the Spirit. 1 John 3:24.
- 5. We have God's word. 1 John 5:9.
Do you believe on the name of the Son of God? If so, the apostle John wants you to know that you have eternal life in Him. The assurance of faith is a prerequisite to experiencing the joy of fellowship with God.
