Lord’s Library editors offer this 1 John 5:13 meaning and commentary with supporting Scriptures for your edification.
To obtain a 1 John 5:13 meaning, see the verse in Scripture: “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.”
This verse provides assurance of salvation to believers in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that eternal life is not based on uncertainty or human effort but on faith in the Son of God.
John makes it clear that salvation is something believers can know with certainty. Many religious systems teach that eternal life is dependent on continued good works, religious rituals, or personal effort, leaving people in fear and doubt about their salvation. However, the Bible teaches that salvation is a settled matter for those who trust in Christ. Jesus Himself promised in John 10:28, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” Eternal life is not temporary or conditional but is the guaranteed possession of every believer.
1 John 5:13 Meaning
This assurance is grounded in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Salvation is not based on feelings, experiences, or human achievements but on faith in the Son of God. As John 3:36 declares, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” The moment a person believes in Christ, they possess eternal life—it is not something they must strive to earn or hope to receive in the future.
John’s emphasis on believing on the name of the Son of God reinforces that faith in Jesus is the sole condition for salvation. This aligns with Acts 16:31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” It also echoes John 5:24, where Jesus says, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” The promise of eternal life is not based on human performance but on trusting in Christ alone.
Furthermore, 1 John 5:11-12, the verses preceding this passage, clarify that eternal life is found only in Christ: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” There is no other way to receive salvation apart from faith in Jesus. As John 14:6 states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
1 John 5:13 is a powerful assurance to all believers that they have eternal life, not based on their works or feelings but on the unchanging promise of God. Those who trust in Jesus Christ can rest in the certainty of their salvation, knowing they are secure in Him forever.
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