1 John 5:13-21

This letter has been written in order to assist the church in recognizing the characteristics of those whose faith in Jesus Christ is genuine and by recognizing these character traits it would help believers understand how to distinguish between truth and error. John was concerned about the false teachers who had entered the church seeking to deceive the faithful, but he hoped his words would help them see the true character of those who claim to represent God. So, what characteristics are demonstrated in the life of a Christian? Genuine faith will be manifest through continuing in the truth which God has revealed through Jesus and the apostles (1:1-4; 2:22-27; 4:1-6), obeying God’s commandments (2:3-6, 15-21; 3:1-9), and loving God as well as others (2:7-14; 3:10-23; 4:7-5:5). Although a believer is not perfect, these characteristics will be consistently modeled in their life.

In the conclusion of his letter, John provides the main purpose in writing to the believers, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God” (5:13). John wanted them to be confident in their faith and continue in God’s ways. As they continued in their faith, John reminded them of the benefits of faith in Jesus Christ. First, God would hear and answer their prayers (5:14-17). John writes, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (5:14-15). The key in answered prayer is that a person asks according to God’s will, which is revealed in His word. This is not a prayer of selfish requests, but rather a prayer for God’s will to be done. Whenever our desires are matched with God’s will, our prayers will be answered. John then illustrates what it means to pray according to God’s will when he refers to a sinning man who is being prayed for by another believer. Since it is not God’s will for anyone to sin, a believer can pray that a sinning person would stop sinning and his prayers will be answered; however, John does make a statement that the person sinning must be committing a “sin which does not lead to death” (5:16). Obviously, all sin eventually leads to death but those who continue in sin without repentance may be swiftly judged by death (5:17). Such was the case for Annanias and Sapphira in the book of Acts (Acts 5:1-11). Prayers for those who continue in sin without repentance, although not prohibited, will probably not be answered (5:16b).

John provides a second benefit of faith in Jesus Christ – victory over sin (5:18-19). To explain what he means, John writes, “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (5:18-19). Those who are children of God have the ability to resist sin and overcome the temptations of the devil. Again, John is not implying that a person of faith can reach perfection in this life, but he can be consistently victorious over sin and the devil.

The final benefit of faith in Jesus Christ is having the knowledge of the truth (5:21). Instead of giving themselves over to false teachings and worship (5:21), a believer can know the truth through knowing God’s Son, Jesus. Writing his final words to his readers, John reminds them that “we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life” (5:20).

Dear God, thank You for the benefits of having faith in Jesus Christ. I know that You will answer all prayer according to Your will. I know You will provide victory over sin as I submit to Your control. I can also know the truth through knowing Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for the truths You revealed to John so that we could understand and obey You.