1 John 5
John 1 Letter 5 is the conclusion of the entire epistle, emphasizing evidence concerning faith, love, and Jesus Christ. This chapter shows the essence of true faith and assurance of eternal life, as well as victory experienced in a relationship with God. John summarizes the core of the life of faith in a concise way and highlights the practical outworking of faith and a clear confession of faith in Jesus, who came as the Son of God.
1verseWhoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. Whoever loves the Father also loves the child who is born of him.
2verseBy this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments.
3verseFor this is loving God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous.
4verseFor whatever is born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.
5verseWho is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
6verseThis is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
7verseFor there are three who testify:
8versethe Spirit, the water, and the blood; and the three agree as one.
9verseIf we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is God’s testimony which he has testified concerning his Son.
10verseHe who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who doesn’t believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son.
11verseThe testimony is this: that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12verseHe who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life.
13verseThese things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
14verseThis is the boldness which we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us.
15verseAnd if we know that he listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.
16verseIf anyone sees his brother sinning a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for those who sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I don’t say that he should make a request concerning this.
17verseAll unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.
18verseWe know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn’t touch him.
19verseWe know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
20verseWe know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
21verseLittle children, keep yourselves from idols.
Faith and Victory
1 John chapter 5 verses 1-5 say that faith in Jesus as the Son of God is the power that overcomes the world. God’s children love God through love and keep His commands. Here, it says that “commandments” are not burdensome, because our relationship with God is grounded in love. “Overcoming the world by faith” implies that even the practical difficulties of daily life can be overcome within God’s love.
Testimony About Jesus Christ
Verses 6-12 focus on the testimony of “water and blood” concerning Jesus, and what the Holy Spirit testifies. “Water” is understood to mean baptism, and “blood” to mean His death on the cross (here, it presents various possibilities of interpretation neutrally). It says that these three— the Holy Spirit, the water, and the blood—testify together, confirming that Jesus is truly God. It then emphasizes that true life exists only in relationship with God’s Son.
Assurance of Eternal Life and Prayer
Verses 13-17 speak about the life and prayer of those who have assurance of eternal life. The purpose of writing to those who already believe in God is stated as “so that you may know eternal life.” John emphasizes confidence that God answers our prayers and the importance of intercessory prayer for our weak brothers and sisters. While mentioning sin, he presents a balanced perspective that focuses on God’s mercy along with human weakness.
Spiritual Discernment and Final Exhortation
In verses 18-21, the apostle John says that those who are born of God do not continue to live in sin. He also reminds believers of the clear distinction between the world and God, and finally concludes the letter by exhorting, “Keep yourselves from idols.” This is content that encourages believers to discern who they belong to and to remain in the truth.
Meditation Points
- Take a moment to check whether the center of your faith is fully staying in Jesus Christ.
- You can also reflect on whether love and obedience are bearing fruit as the natural outcome of faith.
- Consider how much you trust in the power of prayer and intercession, whether you practice it, and whether you hold compassion in your heart for the weak.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Today, as God’s child, reflect practically on whether the small habits you form are taking root in truth and life.
- For the sake of the faith community around you and for the weak, practice one concrete action that you can do—specifically, pray and care for them.
This is the last chapter of 1 John.