In this installment, we’ll explore 1 John 5:10-15, focusing on the assurance of eternal life through faith as highlighted by John.
Scripture: 1 John 5:10-15
Verse 10: John emphasizes the importance of believing in the testimony of God concerning His Son. Those who believe in Jesus Christ have the testimony of God within themselves, affirming their faith and assurance of salvation.
Old Testament Connection: This echoes the Old Testament concept of trusting in the Word of God for salvation. In Proverbs 30:5, it is written, “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5)
Verse 11: John reiterates the testimony of God: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. The essence of eternal life is found in Jesus Christ, and those who possess the Son possess eternal life.
Old Testament Connection: The concept of eternal life is foreshadowed in the Old Testament. In Daniel 12:2, it is written, “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2)
Verse 12: John emphasizes the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. Whoever has the Son has life, and whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. Salvation is contingent upon a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Historical Context Connection: In a diverse cultural landscape filled with competing religious ideologies, John’s emphasis on the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ was vital for preserving the integrity of the Christian faith amidst external influences.
Verse 13: John writes to reassure believers of their standing before God. Those who believe in the name of the Son of God may know that they have eternal life. Assurance of salvation is available to those who trust in Jesus Christ.
Verse 14: John encourages believers to approach God with confidence in prayer. This confidence stems from knowing that if we ask anything according to God’s will, He hears us. Believers can have assurance that their prayers are heard by God.
Historical Context Connection: In a time marked by diverse spiritual experiences and charismatic movements, John’s call to approach God with confidence in prayer provided believers with a reliable avenue for seeking God’s guidance and intervention.
Verse 15: John reinforces the assurance of answered prayer for those who pray according to God’s will. When we pray in alignment with God’s purposes, we can have confidence that He will grant our requests.
Reflection Questions:
- How does belief in the testimony of God concerning Jesus Christ provide assurance of salvation?
- What does it mean to have eternal life in Jesus Christ?
- How does understanding the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ impact our understanding of eternal life?
- What role does prayer play in our assurance of salvation and relationship with God?
- How can we discern God’s will in our prayers and align our requests with His purposes?
Application:
As believers, let us cling to the assurance of eternal life offered through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us continually reaffirm our belief in the testimony of God concerning His Son and live in the confidence that we have eternal life in Him. May we approach God boldly in prayer, seeking His will and trusting in His promises.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Help us to trust in the testimony of God concerning His Son and to find our confidence and assurance in Him alone. Teach us to pray according to Your will, knowing that You hear us and answer our prayers. May we live in the fullness of eternal life that is found only in Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray, Amen.