That Ye May Know

I John 5:13

These things have I written unto you
that believe on the name of the Son of God;
that ye may know that ye have eternal life,
and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

There is a lot of things we do not know.  It seems like every day that list is growing.  I believe that is why God’s Word is so important.  It establishes in our heart what is truly worth knowing.  When you know Jesus, you understand that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  He never goes back on His promises and nothing ever takes Him by surprise.  In our verse today, we understand He wants us to know that our eternity is settled and secure.  Know this, no matter what life surprises you with, God’s salvation is forever and unchanging.  You are a child of God.  Please receive strength from this passage of Scripture.

1. The Proof of Salvation.  I John 5:10 – hath the witness in himself
   When God saved you, He gave you the Holy Spirit.  He is the witness that testifies of God’s eternal salvation, no matter what you go through.
2. The Power of Salvation.  I John 5:11 – and this life is in His Son
   Jesus is the power of your salvation.  He provided it for you by sacrificing Himself willing on the cross of Calvary.  Nothing you can do will take away the power of His promise, or undo His sacrifice.  You are eternally saved because your salvation is based 100% on Jesus, not you.  Jesus is more powerful than your daily performance.
3. The Possession of Salvation.  I John 5:12 – He that hath the Son hath life
   Eternal life has been given to us by Jesus, the Son of God.  Not only did He give us life, He gave us Himself.  He took our place, paid our debt, and gave us new life that we do not deserve.  Why?  Because He loves us so much.  We are alive and will live forever because He gave us salvation.
4. The Purpose of Scripture.  I John 5:13 – These things have I written unto you
   Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.  God has done great things for us and He wants us to know that we are His children.  We are eternally secure, and God has given us His word on that.

Two times in our verse we see the phrase – believe on the name of the Son of God.  The only difference is the word – may.  If you are a child of God, you have believed on His name.  If you are at peace and living a life that brings glory to Him, you are believing on His name through every circumstance you experience.  Salvation is obtained by trusting Christ as your Savior.  A victorious life is obtained by trusting Christ daily as your strength.  He wants to live and work through you daily.  No matter what, you are eternally secure.  Because of this wonderful truth, live each moment in full confidence in the power of Christ.

picture credit: Debbie Grose