I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:13-15 ESV
John is very purposeful in his writing. We see this both in his gospel and in his letters. It is usually found at the end of the book. Here in this letter, his purpose is found in chapter 5:13 “that you may know you have eternal life.” The preceding chapter underscores this purpose.
In John’s gospel, his purpose is this: Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31 ESV)
John communicated this focus by spending the majority of his gospel on the last week of Christ’s ministry. His gospel is so that people will believe. His letter is so that believers will have security of their faith and hold on to that faith in all that they confront in life.
The assurance of salvation is based on love. But this is not sentimental love. It is love based on action. Love that is demonstrated through obedience to Christ and love toward other believers.
These two key points provide evidence of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We can see a consistent theme that runs through this letter. There are words of caution and instruction.
The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:3 begins with the admonition to “be on guard.” John shows what we are to be on guard against.
Consider the following: John begins by pointing to those who rationalize their standing before the Lord. In chapter one, he focuses on walking in the light of God’s truth. This is contrasted with what people often say. Such things as, “I have not sinned…or “I have not sin…” (v. 8,10) We either deceive ourselves or make God a liar. In contrast, if we confess our sin, we have forgiveness. (v10)
In chapter two, the focus is on love in action. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.” (v.4-5) Regarding love towards others, he states, “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.” (v.9)
Next, he warns about love for the world, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (v. 15-16)
John warns about deception of those who are against Christ and His truth, “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.No one who denies the Son has the Father…” (22-23) Believers should not only be aware of “the” anti-Christ, but the spirit of anti-Christ-ism. Those who claim they know God without accepting Jesus as the Christ.
As John moves into chapter 3 his focus is on the importance of consistency in our life and lifestyle, No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. (v.6-7) It is one thing to sin and ask for forgiveness; it is another to continue to live in sin and to excuse it.
John again states the importance of loving those in the faith, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (v.14-15)
John’s challenge is this, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (v.16) He goes on to say that our the reassurance of right standing before the Lord is when our hearts condemn us. This is to enable us to make corrections and align our actions and attitudes with those pleasing to Christ.
In chapter four, John warns against false prophets, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (v.1) The plumb line is what a person says about Christ. If they confess that He came in the flesh and is who He said He is will test their veracity.
John again focuses on love for God and love for others. “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (v. 10-11)
Because God loves us unconditionally, we are obligated to love one another. We are to love those whom God loves. This reminds me of Jesus parable of the unforgiving servant. In this parable, the master forgives an unimaginable debt when a servant begs him for time. Yet that servant goes out and tries to collect from a fellow servant who owes him a very small amount. John reminds us, “we love because He first loved us.”(v. 19)
As John closes his letter in chapter 5, he gives assurance of our victory over the world: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (4-5)
John’s letter has great truths that deserve careful reading and our attention. Be sure to focus on consistent themes. See how John provides believers with assurance of their relationship with Christ and what to watch out for in their lives of faith.
The resounding words that put forth plainly those who believe and those who don’t are these, “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (v.11-12) Relationship with Jesus gives us protection, victory over the world, and confidence before the Lord in prayer. Live in that assurance of faith today.