“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”
1. Passage: “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20, KJV)
Context: The book of 1 John was written by the apostle John to a community of believers to address various issues, including false teachings and the assurance of eternal life in Christ. In the concluding section of his letter, John emphasizes the certainty and knowledge that believers possess in Christ.
Understanding the Verse:
- “And we know that the Son of God is come”: John reminds the readers that they have the knowledge and assurance that the Son of God (Jesus Christ) has come into the world. This refers to Jesus’ incarnation, His life, death, and resurrection.
- “And hath given us an understanding”: Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are granted spiritual discernment and understanding. This understanding enables them to grasp the truth about Jesus, the gospel, and the things of God.
- “That we may know him that is true”: The purpose of this understanding is to know and have a personal relationship with the one who is true, that is, God Himself. Through Jesus Christ, believers can have an intimate knowledge of God the Father.
- “And we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ”: Believers are united with the true God and dwell in Him. This union is made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. In Christ, believers become partakers of the divine nature and experience a profound spiritual connection with God.
- “This is the true God, and eternal life”: John affirms that Jesus Christ is the true God. This statement reinforces the deity of Christ, declaring that He is not merely a human or a created being. In Him is found the fullness of God. Furthermore, Jesus is the source of eternal life, the one who grants everlasting life to those who believe in Him.
Key Themes:
- Knowledge and Assurance: The verse emphasizes the knowledge that believers possess through Christ. This knowledge is not based on speculation or human wisdom but is grounded in the truth of God’s revelation through His Son. It brings assurance and confidence in the identity of Jesus and the promise of eternal life.
- Personal Relationship with God: Believers are invited to intimately know the one true God through Jesus Christ. This knowledge goes beyond a mere intellectual understanding and involves a deep, personal connection and fellowship with God.
- Deity of Christ: The verse explicitly states that Jesus Christ is the true God. It affirms His divine nature, emphasizing His equality with God the Father.
- Eternal Life: Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers receive the gift of eternal life. This life is not limited to a future hope but is present now, rooted in a relationship with the true God.
Application:
- Live in the assurance of Christ: Rest in the confidence that comes from knowing the true God and the eternal life He provides.
- Cultivate a deeper relationship with God: Seek to know Him more intimately through prayer, worship, and study of His Word.
- Anchor your assurance in Christ: Place your trust and confidence in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Rest in the assurance that He is the true God, and through Him, you have eternal life.
- Share the knowledge of Christ: – Share the knowledge of Christ: “Share the knowledge of Christ: “ Share the knowledge of Christ: “Share the knowledge of Christ: “
Remember, this Bible study is a starting point, and further study and reflection can deepen your understanding of the truths found in Scripture.
