1 John 5:12
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that hath the Son hath life - As the eternal life is given In the Son of God, it follows that it cannot be enjoyed without him. No man can have it without having Christ; therefore he that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son hath not life. It is in vain to expect eternal glory, if we have not Christ in our heart. The indwelling Christ gives both a title to it, and a meetness for it. This is God's record. Let no man deceive himself here. An indwelling Christ and Glory; no indwelling Christ, No glory. God's record must stand.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the Son . . . life--Greek, "THE life." BENGEL remarks, The verse has two clauses: in the former the Son is mentioned without the addition "of God," for believers know the Son: in the second clause the addition "of God" is made, that unbelievers may know thereby what a serious thing it is not to have Him. In the former clause "has" bears the emphasis; in the second, life. To have the Son is to be able to say as the bride, "I am my Beloved's, and my Beloved is mine" [Sol 6:3]. Faith is the mean whereby the regenerate HAVE Christ as a present possession, and in having Him have life in its germ and reality now, and shall have life in its fully developed manifestation hereafter. Eternal life here is: (1) initial, and is an earnest of that which is to follow; in the intermediate state (2) partial, belonging but to a part of a man, though that is his nobler part, the soul separated from the body; at and after the resurrection (3) perfectional. This life is not only natural, consisting of the union of the soul and the body (as that of the reprobate in eternal pain, which ought to be termed death eternal, not life), but also spiritual, the union of the soul to God, and supremely blessed for ever (for life is another term for happiness) [PEARSON, Exposition of the Creed].
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that hath the Son,.... Has a spiritual and experimental knowledge of him, true faith in him; who has him dwelling in his heart, and living in him: hath life: not only spiritual life, being quickened by him, and living by faith on him, but eternal life; the knowledge he has of him is eternal life; he has it in faith and hope, and has a right unto it, and the earnest of it, as well as has it in Christ his representative, whom he has, and in whom this life is: and he that hath not the Son of God; no knowledge of him, nor faith in him, nor enjoyment of him: hath not life; he is dead in sin, he is alienated from the life of God, has no title to eternal life, nor meetness for it, nor shall enjoy it, but shall die the second death.
1 John 5:12
God’s Testimony about His Son
11And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.12Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Ye Must Be Born Again - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill10K46:04Born AgainObedience to GodRegenerationJHN 1:12JHN 3:3JHN 14:6ROM 8:92CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8TIT 3:51PE 1:231JN 5:12Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of being born again, arguing that mere morality is insufficient for true spiritual transformation. He critiques the modern church's focus on superficiality and calls for a deeper understanding of biblical regeneration, highlighting that true Christianity is about receiving Christ into one's life rather than just adhering to moral standards. Ravenhill illustrates his points with historical references and personal anecdotes, stressing that the essence of salvation is a radical change of heart and life, which is only possible through the Holy Spirit. He urges believers to seek a genuine baptism of obedience and to recognize the urgency of the gospel message in a world increasingly detached from God.
The New Birth - Part 2
By Derek Prince9.9K28:46New BirthMAT 6:33JHN 14:26ROM 6:232CO 5:17GAL 2:20PHP 4:131JN 5:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having the Son of God in one's life. He explains that according to the New Testament, becoming a Christian and receiving eternal life is through accepting Jesus as one's Savior. The preacher highlights Romans 6:23, which states that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. He clarifies that this gift of eternal life is found in Jesus Christ, and it is received through faith in His resurrection life. The preacher also emphasizes that Jesus came to give abundant life, contrasting this with the thief (the devil) who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He concludes by urging listeners to open their hearts and receive Jesus as their personal Savior for eternal life.
What Is Your Life? (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill9.2K1:19:04Brevity Of LifeROM 6:4GAL 5:24COL 3:3JAS 4:141JN 5:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely and seeking a meaningful relationship with God. He encourages the audience to prioritize their spiritual growth over worldly distractions. The speaker highlights the incredible truth that as believers, our lives are hidden in Christ and in God. He challenges the listeners to surrender their own desires and submit to God's authority, recognizing the need for discipline and studying the Word of God.
Abundant Life
By Alan Redpath8.1K34:57Abundant LifeMAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 10:10JHN 14:6ROM 6:23EPH 6:121JN 5:12In this sermon, the speaker shares two personal stories to illustrate the importance of belief and commitment. The first story is about a football game where the speaker successfully kicks a goal, but a gust of wind causes the ball to miss. This is used as a metaphor for how the enemy (Satan) deceives and exhausts people, offering them glamorous but ultimately destructive things. However, the risen Lord offers abundant life as an alternative. The second story is about a man fishing in a lock, but when asked what he is doing with the fish, he simply replies "and round." This story is used to emphasize the need for belief and commitment to God, rather than being caught up in meaningless pursuits.
Choices, Deeds & Consequences
By A.W. Tozer5.5K42:40ConsequencesDEU 30:19PRO 14:12MAT 7:13JHN 14:6ACT 2:38ROM 6:231JN 5:12In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man who was focused on his own wealth and success. Despite his plans for remodeling and his abundance of grain, the man suddenly falls ill and dies. The preacher emphasizes the importance of considering one's choices and their consequences, both in the past and for the future. He urges the audience to prioritize moral considerations and to listen to the voice of God, who calls us to examine our ways.
What Does It Mean to Accept Christ - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer5.3K20:22Sinners PrayerMAT 16:26MRK 16:15JHN 3:3ACT 4:12ROM 10:9EPH 2:81JN 5:12In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a lawyer who was led to Jesus Christ. The lawyer credits his salvation not to the preacher's sermon, but to a conversation he had with an "odd fellow" who asked him if he wanted to go to heaven. Initially, the lawyer was angry and walked out of the church, but as he walked down the street, he couldn't shake the thought of heaven or hell. This realization led him to seek salvation and he eventually reached out to the preacher for guidance. The preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as a revolutionary act that transforms a person from the inside out, and urges young people to not be deceived by false teachings that trivialize the acceptance of Christ.
The Last Call
By Alan Bartley1.8K45:10DEU 30:19PSA 32:5JHN 1:12JHN 8:12ROM 10:132CO 6:2EPH 3:17HEB 3:151JN 5:12REV 3:20This sermon focuses on Revelation 3:20, emphasizing the urgency of responding to Jesus' call to open the door of our hearts to Him. It highlights the consequences of delaying or rejecting this call, the need to let go of sin, and the certainty of salvation when we invite Jesus into our lives.
5 Miracles in John 3:16
By Walter Wilson1.6K49:20MiricalesJHN 3:16JHN 5:12JHN 8:32JHN 8:36ACT 13:38COL 2:131JN 5:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of Jesus' love to unite people from different backgrounds and nationalities. He shares a personal experience of calling up individuals from eleven different nationalities in his church and witnessing their unity and love for one another. The preacher also recounts a story of a man who carried the guilt of killing a soldier during the Civil War, but found forgiveness and peace through Jesus. Additionally, he shares a story of two sisters who were estranged for 12 years but were reconciled after hearing a message about God's forgiveness. The sermon highlights how Jesus preserves and protects believers from destructive behaviors and false religions.
What Is Your Life - Part 6
By Leonard Ravenhill1.5K09:44MAT 16:24LUK 9:23ROM 6:61CO 6:20GAL 2:20GAL 5:24PHP 1:21COL 3:1COL 3:31JN 5:12This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life fully surrendered to Christ, where our identity is hidden in Him and we bear the marks of Jesus in our thoughts, actions, and words. It challenges believers to let go of worldly pleasures and distractions, to embrace a life marked by the sacrificial love and commitment exemplified by Christ on the cross. The speaker urges listeners to consider the true cost of discipleship and the radical transformation that comes from being crucified with Christ, forsaking the allure of the world for the glory of God.
Satan's Bid for Your Life
By Jack Hyles1.5K55:57Satan's Lies1SA 16:7MAT 5:16MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 8:1PHP 4:131JN 5:12In this sermon, the preacher starts off by expressing his nervousness as a new preacher. He mentions specific individuals in the congregation and calls them out for distracting others during the sermon. He then shares a humorous anecdote about forgetting his sermon and buying a hair growth product. The preacher goes on to talk about the importance of finding joy in being a Christian and not allowing the devil to steal it. He emphasizes the need to prioritize the salvation of one's soul and the spiritual well-being of children over material possessions. The sermon concludes with a mention of baptism rates in churches and a suggestion that more effort should be made to reach out to others.
Streets (Compilation)
By Compilations1.5K09:47CompilationEXO 20:7JHN 14:6ROM 1:18ROM 2:52CO 5:20HEB 2:31JN 5:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He explains that sin is a transgression of God's law and that God will judge each individual based on the Ten Commandments. The preacher highlights various sins such as lying, stealing, adultery, and taking God's name in vain, stating that they are crimes against God. He emphasizes that the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins. The preacher urges listeners to repent and place their faith in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness and salvation.
(Apostolic Vision) He That Hath the Son Hath Life
By Dale Heisey1.2K00:00JHN 5:61CO 15:341JN 5:121JN 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and teaching the Word of God. He mentions an instruction book with 18 to 24 lessons that new converts or those going through instruction would receive. These lessons cover topics such as salvation, God's part and man's part in salvation, and assurance of salvation. However, the preacher highlights that there are many other things that are not taught in these lessons. He emphasizes the need to focus on the Word of God and the message of salvation, which is the life that Christ brings to us and was lost through sin. The preacher also references Ephesians 4:18, which speaks about being alienated from the life of God due to ignorance and blindness of heart. He concludes by emphasizing that the gospel message is the message of life and salvation, and it is what should be preached to the people.
Christianity on Christ Terms - Teaching
By Paris Reidhead1.1K54:21TeachingMAT 5:20LUK 13:3JHN 3:36ACT 4:12ROM 10:9EPH 2:81JN 5:12In this sermon, Reverend Paris Readhead emphasizes the importance of Christianity on Christ's terms. He urges the audience to consider the saying that not everyone talking about heaven will actually go there. To ensure one's place in heaven, Reverend Readhead provides four scripture verses for the audience to write down. He then shares the story of the Roman jailer in Philippi, highlighting the transformative power of God's intervention and the willingness to be taught and informed, just like little children.
Is America Dying?
By Ray Brubaker1.1K13:05AmericaLUK 8:13LUK 12:35JHN 3:5JHN 6:631JN 2:191JN 5:12REV 2:4The sermon transcript discusses the phenomenon of people professing faith in Jesus Christ but then drifting away from their faith. The speaker emphasizes the importance of true repentance, daily seeking the Lord's help, and reading the Bible faithfully to maintain a strong faith. The sermon also highlights the spiritual decline in America and the need for a revival. The speaker urges listeners to be born again through faith in Christ and to live for Him daily.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 340
By Don Courville31925:11Radio ShowPRO 3:5MAT 4:10ACT 4:122TI 3:162TI 4:21JN 5:12In this sermon, the speaker shares the testimony of a man named Dr. Frank Loxton, who had a significant involvement with the New American Standard Version of the Bible. Dr. Loxton initially dismissed criticisms of the version but eventually realized that they were valid and could not be refuted. He wrote a difficult letter to a friend expressing his concerns. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using a holy book, such as the King James Version, as unholy books can produce unholy people. The speaker also highlights the confusion, discouragement of memorization, lack of concordances, and potential for perverting the truth that can arise from the use of various Bible translations and versions.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 174
By Don Courville29724:28Radio ShowEXO 20:5PSA 27:8HAB 3:2MAT 6:33LUK 1:26JHN 1:11JN 5:12In this sermon, David Barton from Wall Builders discusses the importance of recognizing America's godly heritage. He highlights four categories: students, families, schools, and the nation, and explains how biblical principles were once used in Supreme Court cases related to these areas. Barton mentions a 1941 case on divorce where the court limited divorce to six reasons, aligning with biblical teachings. He also mentions a 1844 case where a school in Philadelphia claimed to teach morality without religion. Overall, Barton emphasizes the need for revival and a return to God's Word in America's civil authorities.
Christ Came to Restore the Glory - No Sunrise Without Sunset
By Major Ian Thomas151:02:49RestorationIndwelling of ChristISA 60:1LUK 4:1JHN 1:14JHN 14:9ROM 8:112CO 4:6EPH 3:19COL 1:15HEB 2:101JN 5:12Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that Christ's mission was not merely to save us from hell but to bring God Himself into our lives, restoring the glory that was lost. He explains that true salvation is about having Christ dwell within us, making our hearts His glorious habitation. Thomas highlights that the life we will enjoy in heaven is the same life we can experience now through Christ in us, and that our purpose is to reveal God's glory through our lives. He stresses the importance of mutual availability between God and man, where we allow God to work through us as we submit to His authority. Ultimately, the sermon conveys that the essence of the Gospel is about restoring our relationship with God and living in His glory here and now.
God's Message to Dead Men
By Major Ian Thomas858:21SalvationSpiritual LifeJHN 3:16ROM 5:102CO 5:142CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 2:1COL 1:27TIT 3:51PE 1:31JN 5:12Major Ian Thomas delivers a powerful sermon titled 'God's Message to Dead Men,' emphasizing that all humanity is spiritually dead due to Adam's sin, and that Christ's death was necessary to restore life to those who accept Him. He explains that the gospel is not merely about forgiveness but about receiving the very life of Christ through the Holy Spirit, transforming believers from death to life. Thomas highlights the importance of recognizing our spiritual condition and the necessity of faith in Christ for true salvation, illustrating this with the story of Cornelius, a good man who needed to be saved. The sermon calls for self-examination and a genuine relationship with Christ, urging listeners to embrace the life that comes from Him.
Jeremiah 21:8
By Chuck Smith0ChoiceEternal LifePSA 16:11JER 21:8JHN 3:36JHN 10:10JHN 14:6ROM 6:23GAL 5:22EPH 2:12PE 3:91JN 5:12Chuck Smith emphasizes the choice between two paths: the way of life and the way of death. He explains that the way of life is not just about physical existence but encompasses eternal life, joy, peace, fellowship, and love through Jesus Christ. In contrast, the way of death signifies a life without Christ, leading to spiritual death and hopelessness. Smith encourages listeners to recognize their free will in choosing the path of life, which is supported by God's love and the sacrifice of Jesus. Ultimately, he affirms that believing in Christ brings true life and fulfillment.
Luke 9:19
By Chuck Smith0Acceptance of JesusIdentity of ChristISA 53:3MAT 16:16LUK 9:20JHN 3:16JHN 11:25JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 10:9PHP 2:91JN 5:12Chuck Smith explores the question 'Who am I?' in relation to Jesus, emphasizing the various opinions people have about Him, from being a prophet to a great teacher, while ultimately asserting that He is the Son of God. He discusses the implications of acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah, highlighting the promises associated with His identity and the significance of personal acceptance of Him as King. Smith stresses that one's belief in Jesus directly impacts their spiritual life and eternal destiny, urging listeners to recognize the necessity of surrendering to Him as their Lord.
Divine Assurance
By H.J. Vine0JHN 6:53JHN 17:31JN 2:121JN 2:201JN 4:211JN 5:121JN 5:21H.J. Vine preaches about the divine assurance imparted by the Word of God to believers in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that even the youngest in faith can have the assurance of eternal life and forgiveness of sins through Christ's sacrifice. The sermon highlights the different stages of spiritual growth within the family of God - babes, young men, and fathers - and the vital possessions and prosperity enjoyed by true believers through the Unction received from Christ. It stresses the importance of abiding in the Son and the Father, knowing the truth, and keeping away from idols to prosper in divine love and eternal life.
Satisfied
By Charles S. Price0PSA 17:15JHN 1:17JHN 19:30GAL 2:20EPH 1:3PHP 1:21COL 1:271JN 5:12REV 3:20Charles S. Price preaches about the impossibility of finding true satisfaction in the pursuits of sinful pleasures and earthly possessions, emphasizing the disillusionment and sorrow that come from fleshly pleasure. He contrasts the limitations of the law with the abundance of grace and truth found in Jesus Christ, highlighting the futility of self-effort and legalism in achieving what has already been perfectly accomplished through Christ's finished work on the Cross. Price stresses the need for surrendering our will and yielding our minds to the light of the Cross, allowing God's grace to reveal our sinful nature and transform us into the likeness of Jesus.
The True Life and the False Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0Discernment of TruthEternal LifeGEN 2:17EXO 25:8PSA 132:3ISA 14:13MAT 18:20LUK 19:10JHN 1:112CO 3:31JN 2:271JN 5:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the distinction between true life, which is eternal life found in Jesus Christ, and false life, which is a deceptive imitation offered by Satan. He explains that eternal life governs humanity's destiny, and that our relationship with Jesus determines whether we experience life or death. Sparks highlights the importance of recognizing the true nature of life and the need for believers to discern between the genuine and the counterfeit, especially in a world filled with falsehoods. He also discusses the significance of Mary’s renunciation and her role in bringing God back into the world, illustrating that true service to God is about making space for His presence in our lives.
Jesus Only
By Vance Havner0Christian UnityJesus ChristMAT 11:28JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ROM 10:91CO 1:12GAL 2:20PHP 3:8COL 1:17HEB 12:21JN 5:12Vance Havner shares his spiritual journey, emphasizing that despite exploring various theological perspectives, he ultimately concluded that the core of Christianity is Jesus Christ. He reflects on the dangers of modernism and the importance of focusing on Christ as the center of faith, rather than getting lost in denominational divisions or contemporary trends. Havner recounts a personal experience that reaffirmed his commitment to preaching 'Jesus Only,' illustrating that true Christian experience and doctrine must revolve around Christ. He warns against the false Christ of modernism and affirms the necessity of a personal relationship with the true Jesus, who is the source of balance and unity in the Christian life.
From Fear of Death
By Richard E. Bieber0JHN 8:51JHN 10:27HEB 2:141JN 5:12Richard E. Bieber delivers a powerful sermon on the impact of sin and the fear of death in our lives, drawing parallels to a vivid scenario where the Accuser condemns us to death. He emphasizes how Jesus, by partaking in flesh and blood, destroyed the power of death and the devil, offering deliverance from lifelong bondage to fear. Through the imagery of Adam and Eve's fall from grace, he illustrates the shift from life without fear to living under the shadow of death, highlighting the universal fear of mortality that plagues humanity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that hath the Son hath life - As the eternal life is given In the Son of God, it follows that it cannot be enjoyed without him. No man can have it without having Christ; therefore he that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son hath not life. It is in vain to expect eternal glory, if we have not Christ in our heart. The indwelling Christ gives both a title to it, and a meetness for it. This is God's record. Let no man deceive himself here. An indwelling Christ and Glory; no indwelling Christ, No glory. God's record must stand.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the Son . . . life--Greek, "THE life." BENGEL remarks, The verse has two clauses: in the former the Son is mentioned without the addition "of God," for believers know the Son: in the second clause the addition "of God" is made, that unbelievers may know thereby what a serious thing it is not to have Him. In the former clause "has" bears the emphasis; in the second, life. To have the Son is to be able to say as the bride, "I am my Beloved's, and my Beloved is mine" [Sol 6:3]. Faith is the mean whereby the regenerate HAVE Christ as a present possession, and in having Him have life in its germ and reality now, and shall have life in its fully developed manifestation hereafter. Eternal life here is: (1) initial, and is an earnest of that which is to follow; in the intermediate state (2) partial, belonging but to a part of a man, though that is his nobler part, the soul separated from the body; at and after the resurrection (3) perfectional. This life is not only natural, consisting of the union of the soul and the body (as that of the reprobate in eternal pain, which ought to be termed death eternal, not life), but also spiritual, the union of the soul to God, and supremely blessed for ever (for life is another term for happiness) [PEARSON, Exposition of the Creed].
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that hath the Son,.... Has a spiritual and experimental knowledge of him, true faith in him; who has him dwelling in his heart, and living in him: hath life: not only spiritual life, being quickened by him, and living by faith on him, but eternal life; the knowledge he has of him is eternal life; he has it in faith and hope, and has a right unto it, and the earnest of it, as well as has it in Christ his representative, whom he has, and in whom this life is: and he that hath not the Son of God; no knowledge of him, nor faith in him, nor enjoyment of him: hath not life; he is dead in sin, he is alienated from the life of God, has no title to eternal life, nor meetness for it, nor shall enjoy it, but shall die the second death.