1 John 5:1-12

1 John 5:1-12 … Sadly, we seem to live in an age of increasing apostasy (“apostasy” means turning away from God). Today, many of the ancient cathedrals of Europe largely stand empty and churches across America are struggling, with some notable exceptions.  But we know that the Word of God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8 and 1 Peter 1:25) and we rejoice with churches in other parts of the world that are thriving. How then do we account for the apparent prevailing indifference to God? Any anxiety we might feel ought to be dispelled when we come to 1 John 5, which will build on the theme of confidence and assurance that dominates this great book of the New Testament. Faith and love go together, that is the message of 1 John 5:1. Loving God and obeying Him also go together because the person who truly loves the Lord will prioritize His commands for life (v.2-3). It’s clear from John’s inspired message that this is not routine stuff; it’s intended to be dynamic and transforming. The kind of love for God described here produces world conquering faith. That’s the great theme of verses 5-6; faith that overcomes the world. Whatever indifference, apostasy, agnosticism, or atheism we might see around us is on the brink of extinction, because faithful followers of Jesus are going to overcome the world! We ought to be excited with contagious enthusiasm because our Savior lives and endures forever. We’re given confirming word that Jesus has come in the Spirit of God, in water (probably referring to baptism) and in blood, which refers to His finished redeeming work on the cross (v.6-8). The concluding testimony is valuable to memorize (v.11-12), it’s the briefest summary of the Gospel message I know: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”