How can 1 John 5:13 strengthen our confidence in God's promises? Verse in Focus “I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13) Assurance Rooted in God’s Written Word • John states his purpose plainly: Scripture was written so believers may know, not merely hope, that they possess eternal life • Because the statement is in inspired, inerrant Scripture, its certainty rests on God’s own authority • Knowledge of salvation is therefore objective, based on God’s testimony rather than fluctuating feelings Confidence in Eternal Life—The Foundational Promise • Eternal life is the greatest promise God gives to those who believe in His Son (John 3:16) • If God secures the greatest gift, every lesser promise is likewise secure (Romans 8:32) • Confidence in eternal life becomes the lens through which all other promises are viewed Trust Built on the Character of God • God cannot lie: “in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2) • His promises are guaranteed: “all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20) • His power keeps believers: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28-29) Seeing the Pattern Across Scripture • Gospel purpose statements echo John’s: “these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ … and by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31) • God swore by Himself “so that by two unchangeable things … we who have fled to Him for refuge might have strong encouragement” (Hebrews 6:17-18) • Nothing separates believers from His love: Romans 8:38-39 lists every conceivable threat, then rules them all out Living Out This Confidence Today • Read Scripture daily, remembering it was written to give certainty, not doubt • When tempted to question God’s faithfulness, recall 1 John 5:13 and rehearse who He is—truthful, unchanging, omnipotent • Share your testimony, using this verse to point others to the settled assurance found in Christ • Face trials with calm resolve, knowing eternal life is already secured and future promises are equally reliable |
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