Eternal Life

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 
1 John 5:13

Although this powerful, five-chapter letter from the Apostle John is full of vital insights into the Christian life, it is written to “little children” (1 John 5:21) so that they might “know” the majesty and wonder of eternal life.

John begins his epistle with a reminder that he knew this Jesus from whom the promise of eternal life came (1 John 1:1-3). John was an eyewitness to Christ’s resurrection (John 20), which is the most powerful proof of the claims and promises of the Lord (Acts 17:31).

Much of that which is applied in John’s epistle is based on the precise teachings of the Lord Jesus Himself, heard by John and recorded in John’s gospel under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (John 20:31).

Those who believe “shall not perish” (John 3:15-16).

The “water” of Christ springs up to “eternal life” (John 4:14).

Whoever has eternal life “has passed out death into life” (John 5:24).

Those who come to Christ will “not hunger” (John 6:35).

No one is able to “snatch” the believer out of the Father’s hand
(John 10:28-30).

“Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:26).

Based on the Word of God, John gives us several experiential tests by which we can know that we “live.”

We love and “keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3).

We know and love the Truth (1 John 2:20).

“We love the brethren” (1 John 3:14).

“We abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit” (1 John 4:13).