1 John 5:11-13 is about the assurance and confidence believers can have in eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13 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.
Setting the Scene for 1 John 5:11-13
The scene in 1 John chapter 5 is set in a small, dimly lit room in the city of Ephesus. The room is filled with a diverse group of believers who have gathered together for a bible study session. Among them are Lydia, a wealthy merchant from Thyatira who had been converted by Paul’s preaching, and Gaius, a faithful member of the church in Ephesus known for his hospitality.
The group had come together to study the teachings of John, who was writing to encourage and strengthen the early Christian community. As they sat on cushions scattered around the room, the flickering light of the oil lamps cast a warm glow on their faces as they listened intently to the words being read aloud from the scroll of 1 John. The atmosphere was one of reverence and anticipation as they absorbed the message of hope and assurance found in the verses of 1 John 5:11-13, reminding them of the eternal life that is promised through faith in Jesus Christ.
In this intimate setting, the believers found comfort and reassurance in the words of John, knowing that their faith was not in vain and that they could have confidence in their relationship with God. As they discussed and reflected on the verses, their hearts were filled with gratitude and joy, knowing that they had eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
What is 1 John 5:11-13 about?
Isn’t it amazing to know that eternal life is not just a distant hope but a present reality found in Jesus? When we believe in Him, we are not just believing in a historical figure, but in the very source of life itself. Jesus offers us the gift of salvation, a secure promise of eternal life with God. This assurance gives us hope and comfort in our journey of faith.
Believing in Jesus is more than just acknowledging His existence; it is about entrusting our entire being to Him, surrendering our doubts and fears, and embracing His love and grace. When we have faith in Him, we are acknowledging that He is the pathway to eternal life and the ultimate source of salvation. This verse reminds us that we can find true peace and security in Jesus, knowing that our future is secure in His hands. So, let’s hold on to this promise and walk confidently in the assurance of eternal life through our belief in Jesus.
Understanding what 1 John 5:11-13 really means
To provide a comprehensive commentary on these verses, we’ll follow a structured approach: Context, Key Phrases, Cross-References, and Relevance Today. This will help us unpack the meaning and significance of the passage.
Context
These verses are part of the First Epistle of John, which is a letter written by the Apostle John to early Christian communities. The overarching theme of this epistle is the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. John aims to provide clarity and confidence to believers about their relationship with God.
Key Phrases
- “And this is the testimony” – This phrase underscores the importance of what follows. It is not just any testimony, but a divine declaration.
- “God has given us eternal life” – The verb “has given” indicates that eternal life is a present reality for believers, not just a future promise.
- “This life is in His Son” – Eternal life is intrinsically linked to Jesus. It is through Him that we receive this gift.
- “He who has the Son has life” – This is a profound statement about the nature of salvation. Possessing a relationship with Jesus equates to possessing eternal life.
- “He who does not have the Son of God does not have life” – This is a sobering reminder that eternal life is exclusive to those who are in Christ.
- “That you may know that you have eternal life” – John’s purpose is to provide assurance. This knowledge is meant to be a source of confidence and peace for believers.
Cross-References
- John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse echoes the promise of eternal life through Jesus.
- John 14:6 – Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This reinforces the exclusivity of salvation through Christ.
- Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This emphasizes the contrast between sin’s consequences and God’s gift.
Relevance Today
The assurance of eternal life is a cornerstone of Christian faith. These verses offer a profound sense of security in a world filled with uncertainty. Knowing that eternal life is a present possession for those who believe in Jesus can transform how we live our daily lives. A person struggling with doubts about their faith should be considered. These verses can serve as an anchor, providing assurance that their salvation is secure because it rests on God’s promise and not their own efforts. It’s a reminder that eternal life is not earned but given.
Anecdote
I once visited a woman in the hospital who was nearing the end of her life. She was anxious about what lay ahead. We read these verses together, and her demeanor changed visibly. The assurance that she possessed eternal life through her faith in Jesus brought her peace. She was no longer afraid but filled with a sense of calm and hope. Reflecting on these verses, ask yourself: Do you live with the confidence that you have eternal life? How does this assurance impact your daily decisions and outlook on life? Let these truths sink into your heart and transform your walk with God. 1 John 5:11-13 serves as a powerful reminder of the certainty and present reality of eternal life for believers. It calls us to live confidently in the promises of God, transforming our fears into faith and our doubts into assurance.
Do you have eternal life through Jesus Christ?
Yes, I have eternal life through Jesus Christ. This eternal life is found in God’s Son, and whoever has the Son has life. The one who believes in the name of the Son of God can know that they have eternal life. This assurance comes from the testimony God has given us about His Son.
Through faith in Jesus Christ, I have been given the promise of eternal life. This life is not something temporary or uncertain but a secure and everlasting gift from God. I have the confidence that believing in the Son of God has secured my forgiveness and reconciliation with God, granting me the hope of eternal life in His presence.
Application
Friend, think of 1 John 5:11-13 as our life’s ultimate job offer—eternal life through Jesus. We’ve got this amazing gift, and it’s our responsibility to pay it forward. Just like you’d eagerly share a career opportunity or family news, spread the message of salvation. Share the good news of Christ’s victory with everyone in your life’s network. Are you ready to take on the role of a messenger of hope?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.