1 John 5:1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loves him that begat loves him also that is begotten of him… Four things are here associated, and said to arise out of one another — faith, regeneration, the love of God, and the love of man. I. FAITH — "whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ." Jesus is found to be all that the Scripture predictions declared the Messiah should be. They who discover this harmony can say, "we have found the Messiahs, which is, being interpreted, the Christ." Even in this state of mind there are the elements of rich promise, but there is far more in the reception of Jesus as the Christ. He is acknowledged, not merely in general terms, as a Divine Saviour; but He is appreciated in the special offices which He bears for the redemption of men. II. THE REGENERATION CONNECTED WITH IT — "is born of God." Faith and regeneration are united. This view is brought out still more fully in John 1:12, 13. We ask what must be the moral effect produced by accepting Christ in His gracious offices? It is plain it. must be vital and saving. We see at once how just and reasonable is the representation of the text — that faith and regeneration are united. III. IN EVERY MIND THUS INFLUENCED THE LOVE OF GOD OBTAINS A PROMINENT PLACE. "Everyone that loveth Him that begat." It must be so, considering the change that has been produced. It is a new birth. God is seen to be the only Master who can claim unreserved obedience. A mind thus enlightened must love God. Especially must it be so when it is considered that He is the Author of this change. In His gracious love He has been pleased to put forth His power, and create the soul anew in righteousness. How calculated is such a contemplation to call forth the warmest exercise of love! Add to this, that when such a change is effected in the soul by God, it brings us into a new relation to Him, and one that eminently calls forth our love. It is that of a child. It is natural to a child to love his parent. Nor let it be overlooked how God is continually increasing His claims on His own children. They are constrained to say (Ephesians 1:3). IV. THE LOVE OF GOD IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE LOVE OF MAN. "Everyone that loveth Him that begat, loveth Him also that is begotten of Him." (J. Morgan, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. |
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