How does 1 John 5:12 define having life through the Son? Scripture Focus “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” — 1 John 5:12 The Heart of the Verse • The statement is absolute: life is found exclusively in the Son. • John is not speaking of mere existence, but of eternal, God-given life that begins now and continues forever. • Two categories only—those who “have” and those who “do not have.” No middle ground is left open. What Does It Mean to “Have the Son”? • Personal reception of Jesus (John 1:12). • Ongoing trust and allegiance, not a one-time nod (John 15:4 – “Abide in Me, and I in you”). • Recognition of His deity and saving work (1 John 4:15). • Indwelling presence of the Spirit, who unites believers to Christ (Romans 8:9). What Kind of “Life” Is Promised? • Eternal life—quality and duration (1 John 5:11). • Abundant life—fullness now (John 10:10). • Resurrection life—future bodily hope (John 11:25-26). • Relational life—knowing God personally (John 17:3). The Clear-Cut Divide John Draws • “Has the Son → has life” – Assurance, security, joy (John 3:36a). • “Does not have the Son → does not have life” – Present spiritual death and future judgment (John 3:36b). • The verse underscores the urgency of embracing Christ; neutrality equals separation. Supporting Passages That Echo the Truth • John 14:6 — “I am the way and the truth and the life.” • Colossians 3:4 — “Christ, who is your life.” • Acts 4:12 — “No other name under heaven…by which we must be saved.” • Romans 6:23 — “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Daily Implications for Believers • Confidence: Life rests on the unchanging Son, not shifting feelings. • Fellowship: Possessing life fosters love for God’s family (1 John 5:1). • Witness: Because life is only in Him, sharing the gospel becomes essential. • Holiness: New life empowers obedience (1 John 5:3-4). Summary 1 John 5:12 plainly defines life as inseparable from Jesus Christ. To have Him by faith is to possess eternal, abundant, and secure life; to reject Him is to remain without it. |
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