How can we ensure we "have the Son" in our lives? Our Starting Point: Life Hinges on the Son “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” — 1 John 5:12 Receiving the Son by Faith • Believe and receive, not earn (John 1:12; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8–9). • Faith places our full trust in the crucified and risen Jesus as Savior and Lord (John 3:36). • The moment we trust Him, we “have” the Son and therefore possess eternal life (John 5:24). Confirming Faith through Confession and Repentance • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 • Repentance turns us from sin to the Savior (Acts 3:19). • Public confession—“Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9)—seals what the heart believes. Living Proof: Obedience Rooted in Love • “This is love for God: to keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” — 1 John 5:3 • Obedience does not earn salvation; it evidences that we already “have” the Son (John 14:21). • Growing desire to please Christ confirms genuine relationship. Abiding Daily in Christ • “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” — John 15:4 • Practices that keep us close: – Regular Scripture intake (Psalm 119:11; 1 John 2:24) – Prayerful dependence (Philippians 4:6–7) – Fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24–25) Inner Assurance by the Holy Spirit • “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” — Romans 8:16 • The Spirit illuminates Scripture, convicts of sin, and produces fruit (Galatians 5:22–23). • Ongoing witness of the Spirit anchors our confidence (1 John 5:13). Guarding against Counterfeits • Evaluate every teaching by Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Reject any “gospel” that diminishes Christ’s deity, atoning death, or bodily resurrection (Galatians 1:6–9). • Persevere in truth; counterfeit faith ultimately falls away (Matthew 7:21–23). Visible Fruit Confirms Hidden Life • “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and prove to be My disciples.” — John 15:8 • Character transformation—love, joy, peace, etc.—shows the Son’s life flowing through us (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Serving others with His compassion demonstrates that we truly “have” Him (1 John 3:17–18). |
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