What role does faith in Jesus play in the promise of eternal life? Setting the Scene in 1 John 5:13 “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.” – John writes to people who already “believe in the name of the Son of God.” – His purpose: that believers can “know”—have settled assurance—of eternal life. – Eternal life is not presented as a future hope only, but as a present, knowable possession. Faith Defined: Believing in the Name of the Son of God – “Believe” (Greek pisteuō) means to place personal trust, reliance, and confidence in Jesus. – “Name of the Son of God” points to Jesus’ full identity: true God, true man, Savior, Lord. – Faith is not vague optimism; it is deliberate dependence on Jesus’ person and work. Faith as God’s Chosen Means to Eternal Life – Salvation is a gift, and faith is the open hand that receives it. – Eternal life is never tied to heritage, ritual, or moral performance, but to faith in Christ alone. Scriptural Confirmation • John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” • John 5:24: “Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life…and has crossed over from death to life.” • 1 John 5:11-12: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life.” • Romans 10:9-10: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” • Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith…not by works, so that no one can boast.” What Faith Does in the Life of the Believer – Links the believer to Christ’s finished work on the cross. – Transfers the believer out of death into life (John 5:24). – Grants immediate, unchangeable status as a child of God (John 1:12). – Brings the indwelling Holy Spirit, who seals and guarantees the inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). – Supplies assurance so that doubts are answered by God’s own promise (1 John 5:13). Living in the Confidence Faith Provides 1. Rest in the certainty: Eternal life is already yours because God says so. 2. Walk in gratitude: Obedience flows from assurance, not from fear of losing salvation. 3. Share the promise: The same faith that saved you is offered to all who will believe (Acts 16:31). 4. Face death unafraid: Jesus has conquered it; your life is hidden with Him (Colossians 3:3-4). Faith in Jesus is the God-ordained channel through which eternal life becomes a present possession and an unshakeable hope. |
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