A Compelling Conclusion (Part 1) Series

A Compelling Conclusion (Part 1) # 18

1 John 5: 13-21

After several months of study we have come to the concluding passage of 1st John. We have been encouraged and greatly challenged in our personal walk with the Lord. John spoke much about our love for the Lord and for one another. There was valuable instruction concerning false doctrine and the spirit of antichrist. He has provided several marks by which we gain confidence of our relationship with Christ. Here John concludes his thoughts and offers a final word to the reader.

We find a final exhortation concerning the Christian life. This passage was given to the believer. We find comfort, as well as, a final challenge in these closing verses. Let’s examine the aspects of life John discusses as we consider: A Compelling Conclusion.

I. The Certainty in Life (13-15) – Here we discover some certainties, some absolutes within the lives of believers. Notice:

A. Our Association (13a) – These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God. Again John emphasizes that he is writing to the believer, to those who have believed on the name of Christ in salvation. Those to whom John originally wrote lived among the world, with all the difficulties associated with it, but they were not of the world. They had been set apart in Christ. Even though they faced much adversity, they were not alone in the journey. They had the Lord walking with them and they had each other.

We are a couple thousand years removed from the time when John penned these words, but the same is true for all who believe in Christ. I am certainly thankful for the opportunity of receiving salvation in the Lord and I rejoice for those of like faith with whom I share this journey.

B. Our Assurance (13b) – 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. John encouraged them to consider all he has shared with them. He had not written because he had to say something; he had written because he had something to say. There were many who were confused, and some were being mislead. John wanted them to be settled in their faith, enjoying assurance of salvation, and productive for the Lord. Their faith in Christ, resulting in salvation was not a temporary thing. Their faith in Him brought eternal life. There was no need to fear adversity in this life or death at the end of life. They were secure in Christ.

We too can experience the same comforting assurance. I am not depending upon my works or abilities to secure eternal life. I am not looking to the latest trends or modern philosophies. The world does not embrace my faith, but I am secure in the finished work of Christ. He rose from the grave triumphant over sin and death. Because He lives, we have the assurance of a future resurrection. All the saved inherit eternal life. 2 Cor.5:1 – For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

C. Our Appeal (14) – And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: John assured the believer of the great confidence available in Christ. The Lord is attentive to the prayers we pray. We are promised God will hear when we pray according to His will for our lives. This isn’t something we hope might happen or that we can experience occasionally. We can confidently pray, knowing the Lord will hear. He is mindful of us and attentive to our prayers.

D. Our Accommodation (15) – And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. We are assured that God not only hears a prayer of faith, but He will answer our prayers as well. This doesn’t imply that God gives everything we ask for; but that we can have confidence He will supply our needs when we pray according to His will for our lives. Mat.7:7-8 – Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [8] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. The key is praying according to the will of God. When we are in His will, our desires will be consistent with His. Mat.6:33 – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.