1 John 5:1–12

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Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

Jesus Alone

1 John 5:1–12

Jesus Alone Offers Victory (1–5)

John’s theology is focused on Jesus. This is not novel or strange for the biblical authors. The entire storyline of Scripture points to Him. So central is Jesus that John claims one must believe “Jesus is the Christ” to be “born of God” (v. 1).

In 1 John 2:22, John claimed that antichrists do not believe this message. That is, they do not trust that Jesus is the promised Son of David who has come to establish His kingdom. Yet those who do believe Jesus is the Christ have been “born of God.” John’s language here brings to mind Jesus’ words to Nicodemus in John 3:3: “You must be born again,” meaning he must be spiritually reborn, or have new life.

The same is the case for us. We must believe Jesus is the promised Davidic King (the Christ) and Son of God, so as to be spiritually reborn into God’s family. Doing so gives us victory over the present world and transfers our allegiance to King Jesus.

An important test of new birth is whether one loves God and keeps his commands (v. 3). John does not suggest that obedience is necessary for salvation. What he means is that obedience is a result of conversion. If there is no fruit of obedience, then one may not be a part of God’s family. This is a common theme in 1 John.

Let us take heart, then, to keep our eyes on Jesus. Focusing on Him will lead to a life characterized by obedience to His rule.

Jesus Alone Is the Son of God (6–10)

Jesus’ baptism, His blood on the cross and the Holy Spirit all work toward one goal: testifying Jesus is the Christ and Son of God (vv. 6–8). The words “Son of God” recall Psalm 2, which underscores that God’s Son, the Davidic King, will receive a kingdom that extends to the ends of the earth. The kingdom promised to David and now being fulfilled in Jesus (2 Sam. 7) is larger and grander than any previous earthly monarchy. Although Jesus is presently reigning in heaven, believers anticipate the day when their citizenship in his cosmic kingdom becomes a reality (Ezek. 36–37; Rev. 20–22).

Jesus Alone Offers Eternal Life (11–12)

John now affirms that those who trust in God’s Son have the hope of “eternal life.” It is commonly assumed that eternal life is a bodiless existence in heaven. Not true.Such theology is owed more to Plato than the Bible. When God redeems his people, he also will redeem his creation. At that time the bodies of His children shall rise from the grave to dwell eternally on a renewed earth (Ezek. 36­–37; Rom. 8; Rev. 20–22). Then the Davidic kingdom will be consummated and Christ will reign with his people forever.

As we wait for this day, let us have confidence that our faith in King Jesus means we have overcome the present, hostile world. So do not lose heart. Do not shrink back in fear. We await a King that will crush all who do not submit to his rule and who persecute his followers (Rev. 20). There will be no place for them to hide, for his reign will stretch to the ends of the earth. That’s good news for Christians.