What is the meaning of 1 John 5:14? And this is the confidence – Scripture speaks of a settled, fearless assurance. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with confidence.” – Confidence rests not in personal merit but in Christ’s finished work (Ephesians 3:12). – The term invites believers to draw near without hesitation, just as 1 John 3:21 affirms: “Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.” we have before Him – The place is “before Him,” the very presence of the Father. Psalm 16:11 celebrates that presence: “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” – Access is ongoing, not occasional; Romans 5:2 describes it as “this grace in which we stand.” – Being “before Him” underscores relationship: children coming to their Father, echoing Galatians 4:6, “God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’” If we ask anything – The invitation is wide-open. Jesus echoed this in Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you.” – “Anything” covers needs large and small—daily bread (Matthew 6:11) and mountains that need moving (Mark 11:23-24). – God delights in hearing every request; Philippians 4:6 urges, “In everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” according to His will – This phrase guides the “anything.” Prayer aligns with God’s revealed purposes. – Scripture reveals that will: salvation of the lost (1 Timothy 2:4), growth in holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3), thanksgiving in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). – The Spirit helps discern that will; Romans 8:27 explains that He “intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” – When motives drift, James 4:3 warns, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.” He hears us – “He hears” is more than noticing; it promises attention and response. Psalm 34:17 echoes, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears.” – Hearing implies answering in His perfect timing and way: sometimes yes (Acts 12:5-11), sometimes wait (2 Corinthians 12:8-9), never indifference. – Because He hears, anxiety can give way to peace; 1 Peter 5:7 urges, “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” summary 1 John 5:14 assures believers of bold access to the Father, an open invitation to present every request, and the certainty that He listens—so long as hearts stay tuned to His gracious, revealed will. Confidence grows, petitions flow, and peace settles in, knowing the God who loves His children always hears and answers for their good and His glory. |