1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
6 This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
16 If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
19 [And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Overview of 1 John Chapter 5
1 John Chapter 5 serves as a culmination of the themes presented throughout the epistle. It emphasizes the importance of faith, love, and obedience in the life of a believer. The chapter also addresses the assurance of eternal life and the confidence believers can have in their relationship with God.
Key Themes
- Faith in Jesus Christ: The chapter opens with a declaration that everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. This establishes the foundation of Christian identity and the necessity of faith for spiritual rebirth.
- Love for God and Others: The relationship between love for God and love for fellow believers is highlighted. True love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments.
- Victory over the World: The text emphasizes that faith is the means by which believers overcome the world, suggesting a contrast between worldly values and spiritual truths.
- Assurance of Eternal Life: The chapter reassures believers of their eternal life through their faith in Jesus, providing a strong sense of security in their salvation.
- Confidence in Prayer: The chapter concludes with an emphasis on the power of prayer and the confidence believers can have when approaching God with their requests.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-5: The Nature of Faith
These verses establish that belief in Jesus as the Messiah is central to being born of God. The author connects love for God with love for others, suggesting that genuine faith manifests in loving actions.
- Belief as a Marker of Identity: Believing in Jesus is portrayed as the defining characteristic of those born of God.
- Love as Evidence of Faith: The text argues that love for others is a natural outcome of faith in God.
- Overcoming the World: The victory over worldly challenges is attributed to faith, indicating that spiritual strength comes from belief in Jesus.
Verses 6-12: Testimony about Jesus
In these verses, the author presents the testimony concerning Jesus, emphasizing His divine nature and the significance of His sacrificial death. The testimony of God regarding His Son is crucial for understanding salvation.
- Water and Blood: The mention of water and blood symbolizes the baptism and crucifixion of Jesus, affirming His identity and mission.
- The Spirit’s Role: The Spirit testifies to the truth of Jesus, confirming the believer’s faith and the reality of Christ’s work.
- Assurance of Eternal Life: The chapter asserts that those who have the Son have eternal life, reinforcing the certainty of salvation for believers.
Verses 13-21: Assurance and Confidence
This section emphasizes the assurance believers can have regarding their eternal life and the confidence they can possess in their prayers. It concludes with a warning against sin and a reminder of the believer’s relationship with God.
- Confidence in Salvation: The author writes to ensure that believers know they have eternal life, providing a strong affirmation of faith.
- Power of Prayer: Believers are encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing He hears their requests if they align with His will.
- Sin and Intercession: The text distinguishes between sin that leads to death and sin that does not, suggesting a nuanced understanding of sin and its consequences.
- Final Exhortation: The chapter concludes with a reminder to keep away from idols, emphasizing the importance of devotion to God alone.
Conclusion
1 John Chapter 5 encapsulates the core tenets of Christian belief, focusing on faith, love, and the assurance of eternal life. The chapter encourages believers to maintain their faith in Jesus, love one another, and approach God with confidence in prayer. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of faith and the security found in a relationship with Christ.
