1 John 5:13: These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God

1 John 5:13 (LEB)

13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life. [1]

            What does it mean to believe? The word "believe" here is the Greek word "pisteuō," which means to believe, trust, or entrust. It describes the act of believing or trusting something based on its truthfulness reliability.[2] To believe means we build our lives on it. We have come to trust that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He is God Almighty. To know Jesus Christ is to have eternal life. However, it is not merely head knowledge or knowing facts intellectually about Jesus Christ; it is about encountering Him in a real way and being changed by Him.

            John wrote this epistle so that all who read it would come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. God has given us His word to reveal who He is. God wasn’t required to give us His word, yet many Christians today fail to understand how truly awesome it is. How precious it is that we have access to His word. In studying, meditating on, and memorizing God’s word, we are transformed from the inside out. We are changed as our minds are renewed by the truth of scripture.

            Do you know today, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you have eternal life? You can rectify this immediately. Simply pray: "Jesus, I come to you and I surrender my life to you. I come just as I am and ask you to forgive me of all my sins. Fill me and baptize me in the Holy Spirit. Lead, guide, and direct me daily. Be my Lord and my Savior. Protect my heart and mind against the lies and schemes of the devil. Thank you for your love and your grace. In the name of Jesus."

            If you prayed that prayer today, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at pastor@thefathersheart.online. I’m eager to send you resources to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. God’s desire is that none should perish but all come to everlasting life. It is the Father who provides a way for us to be saved. It is the Father who draws us through the work and person of the Holy Spirit. However, we must receive the free gift of salvation that God offers. We must recognize our need and surrender our lives to Jesus Christ.

Prayer

            Father, thank you for your love and grace. Thank you for the eternal life found in Jesus Christ alone. Lead, guide, and direct me each day to grow in this relationship with you. Help me to understand your Word. May my hunger for your Word increase every day. May my prayer life grow deeper. Father, remove everything from my life that hinders you and your will for me. Fill me with your love and power, and guide me each day. May my life glorify you in all things. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!

[1] W. Hall Harris III et al., eds., The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), 1 Jn 5:13.

[2] Aaron C. Fenlason, “Belief,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).