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.” Here one can gain a textual illustration of assurance of salvation to believers in Jesus Christ. This showcases that there is nothing uncertain about eternal life, and how it comes only as a result in faith of the Finished Work of Jesus Christ.
This Scripture in John shows that salvation is something believers can know with certainty. Many religious systems teach that eternal life is dependent on 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 the Finished Work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself promised it 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.”
1 John 5:13 Meaning
This assurance is grounded in the Blood Atonement of Jesus Christ. Salvation is not based on feelings of the heart, experiences, or personal achievements but on faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. See John 3:36: “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 the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they obtain eternal life—it is not something they must strive to earn 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. See Acts 16:31: “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Read next John 5:24: “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 comes only through trusting in Christ alone.
Additionally, 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.”
See also John 14:6, which states: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
1 John 5:13 offers a powerful assurance to all believers that they have eternal life based on the unchanging promise of God. Those who trust in the Gospel of Jesus Christ can rest in the certainty of their salvation, knowing they are secure in Him forever.
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