1 John 5:13
Verse
Context
Effective Prayer
12Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.14And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye may know that ye have eternal life - I write to show your privileges - to lead you into this holy of holies - to show what believing on the Son of God is, by the glorious effects it produces: it is not a blind reliance for, but an actual enjoyment of, salvation; Christ living, working, and reigning in the heart. And that ye may believe - That is, continue to believe: for Christ dwells in the heart only by Faith, and faith lives only by Love, and love continues only by Obedience; he who Believes loves, and he who Loves obeys. He who obeys loves; he who loves believes; he who believes has the witness in himself: he who has this witness has Christ in his heart, the hope of glory; and he who believes, loves, and obeys, has Christ in his heart, and is a man of prayer.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The oldest manuscripts and versions read, "These things have I written unto you [omitting 'that believe on the name of the Son of God'] that ye may know that ye have eternal life (compare Jo1 5:11), THOSE (of you I mean) WHO believe (not as English Version reads, 'and that ye may believe') on the name of the Son of God." English Version, in the latter clause, will mean, "that ye may continue to believe," &c. (compare Jo1 5:12). These things--This Epistle. He, towards the close of his Gospel (Joh 20:30-31), wrote similarly, stating his purpose in having written. In Jo1 1:4 he states the object of his writing this Epistle to be, "that your joy may be full." To "know that we have eternal life" is the sure way to "joy in God."
John Gill Bible Commentary
These things have I written unto you,.... Which are contained in the epistle in general, and particularly what is written in the context, concerning the victory of the world, being ascribed to him who believes that Christ is the Son of God; and concerning the six witnesses of his sonship, and the record bore by God, that the gift of eternal life is in him: and which are especially written to them, that believe on the name of the Son of God; who not only believed that Christ is the Son of God, which this six fold testimony would confirm them in, but also believed in his name for righteousness, life, and salvation; in which name there is all this, and in no other; and who also professed their faith in him, and were baptized in his name, and continued believing in him, and holding fast their profession of him. The end of writing these things to them was, that ye may know that ye have eternal life; that there is such a thing as eternal life; that this is in Christ; that believers have it in him, and the beginning of it in themselves; and that they have a right unto it, and meetness for it, and shall certainly enjoy it; the knowledge of which is had by faith, under the testimony of the Spirit of God, and particularly what is above written concerning eternal life, being a free grace gift of God; and this being in Christ, and the assurance of it, that such who have him, or believe in him, have that which might serve to communicate, cultivate, and increase such knowledge: and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God; which they had done already, and still did; the sense is, the above things were written to them concerning the Son of God, that they might be encouraged to continue believing in him, as such; to hold fast the faith of him and go on believing in him to the end; and that their faith in him might be increased; for faith is imperfect and is capable of increasing, and growing exceedingly: and nothing more tends unto, or is a more proper means of it, than the sacred writings, the reading and hearing them explained, and especially that part of them which respects the person, office, and grace of Christ. The Alexandrian copy, and one of Beza's manuscripts, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, read, "these things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, who believe in the name of the Son of God".
1 John 5:13
Effective Prayer
12Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.14And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Most Overlooked Promise in the Bible
By Jim Cymbala8.5K1:00:58Promises Of GodJER 29:10MAT 6:331JN 5:13In this sermon, the preacher begins by recalling a historical event before President Kennedy's assassination to illustrate the concept of confidence. He then delves into the biblical passage where God foretells the return of the Israelites to their land after 70 years of captivity. God assures them that this promise is part of His plans and purposes for their lives, intending to bless them and make them a blessing. The preacher emphasizes the importance of wholehearted prayer and seeking God in order to find Him and experience His promises.
Enjoying Your Bible
By Alan Redpath4.6K21:58BiblePSA 1:2PSA 119:11MAT 4:4JHN 17:172TI 3:16JAS 1:221JN 5:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of admitting the word of God into our minds and lives. He encourages listeners to let the word of God soak in, take root, and become a part of their character. The preacher also emphasizes the need to submit to the authority of the word of God in daily living, making it the final word in all decisions. He highlights the danger of merely studying the Bible objectively and encourages a slow, thoughtful approach to reading and digesting its teachings. The sermon concludes with a practical suggestion of reading Scripture Union notes daily and engaging in constant, systematic, and prayerful study of the word of God to strengthen one's faith.
Biblical Assurance 5 - Austin, Tx
By Paul Washer3.1K57:24AssuranceMAT 6:33JHN 10:261JN 2:291JN 3:71JN 5:131JN 5:18In this sermon, Paul Washer emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. He urges listeners to consider the two significant days in human history: the day Jesus Christ was crucified and the day all men will stand before Him. Washer highlights the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and possessions, using examples like the fallen empires of Rome and Babylon. He warns against being deceived by the allure of the world and encourages a focus on heavenly treasures rather than earthly trinkets.
John's Ministry of Recovery
By Stephen Kaung2.9K59:01Life in ChristRecoveryJHN 1:4JHN 3:16JHN 10:10JHN 11:25JHN 14:6JHN 20:311JN 1:11JN 4:91JN 5:13REV 1:17Stephen Kaung emphasizes the significance of John's ministry as a ministry of recovery, focusing on the themes of life and light found in Christ. He explains that John's approach leads believers back to the beginning, where true life is found in Jesus, the Word made flesh. Kaung illustrates how John's ministry addresses the spiritual decline by restoring the testimony of Jesus through life, love, and light, urging the congregation to seek life in Christ above all else. He encourages believers to ask whether their actions and beliefs align with the life of Christ, as true recovery comes from returning to Him. Ultimately, Kaung reassures that life triumphs over death, as demonstrated in the book of Revelation.
Question and Answer - Part 3 (W/ Paul Washer)
By Voddie Baucham2.7K11:46Genuine SalvationNurturing Faith in ChildrenPRO 22:6MAT 18:3JHN 3:3ACT 16:31ROM 10:9GAL 2:20EPH 2:82TI 3:151PE 2:21JN 5:13Voddie Baucham, in his sermon with Paul Washer, discusses the nature of genuine salvation, particularly in children, emphasizing that a lack of dramatic change does not equate to a lack of authenticity in faith. He argues that the true testimony of grace is when children grow up with Christian values and are saved at a young age, rather than having to experience a dramatic transformation from a life of sin. Baucham warns against the artificial means often used to lead children to profess faith, advocating for a nurturing approach that allows children to express their beliefs while ensuring they understand the depth of true conversion. He stresses the importance of guiding children in their faith journey rather than rushing to declare them saved based on superficial indicators. Ultimately, Baucham calls for a return to biblical understanding of salvation, free from heretical practices that can lead to false assurance.
Caleb
By Welcome Detweiler1.3K10:17EXO 23:30NUM 14:24DEU 11:22JOS 14:8PSA 55:22MAT 6:331JN 5:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the example of Caleb from the Bible who is commended for his wholehearted devotion to God. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their own commitment to following the Lord and emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in the Christian life. Caleb's strength and confidence in God's promises are highlighted, particularly on his 85th birthday. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the reward Caleb received for his faithfulness and a call for Christians to live wholeheartedly for Jesus.
That You May Know You Have a Place in Heaven
By Peter Orasuk1.1K21:15HeavenMAT 6:33JHN 3:16COL 1:141JN 5:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and believing in the truth of redemption and salvation. He highlights that there are various views on how a person can be fitted for heaven and have their sins forgiven. The preacher shares a story about a woman named Janet who struggled with understanding how to believe in the right way. He emphasizes that believing in Jesus is not a matter of the head or the heart, but a simple act of faith. The preacher encourages listeners to read and understand the Bible for themselves to grasp the truth of salvation.
Drifting Thru Life
By Welcome Detweiler99510:50AMO 4:12MAT 24:44JHN 3:16ROM 5:82CO 5:171JN 5:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a decision to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. He highlights the incredible love and sacrifice of Jesus, who died on the cross to bear the punishment for our sins. The preacher urges the audience to consider their eternal destiny and to be prepared to meet God. He encourages them to turn to Jesus and experience a changed life through the new birth that God offers. The sermon concludes with a plea to trust in Jesus for the sake of one's soul, life, honor, and family.
From the Alley to the Highway
By Bruce Frye97933:05TestimonyPSA 40:3MAT 6:33JHN 3:3ACT 16:31ROM 10:92CO 5:171JN 5:13In this sermon, the speaker, Bruce Fry, shares his personal experience of feeling empty and unsatisfied despite his success in the music industry. He recalls watching a movie where a character died without any mention of receiving Christ or being saved, which deeply affected him. This led him to cry out to God and seek a change in his life. Eventually, at the age of 43, he was saved and delivered from his previous lifestyle of drugs and alcohol. The speaker emphasizes the importance of a changed life as a testimony to God's power and encourages others to trust in the Lord.
The Cross-Centered Life Q&a 5
By Paul Washer9281:11:00Cross of Christ1JN 1:51JN 2:31JN 5:13In this sermon, Paul Washer discusses the concept of a continuous style of life in relation to being a Christian. He uses the analogy of someone trying to prove that he is a sinner by capturing a single moment of him kicking a cat. Washer explains that true conversion involves a transformative experience where one sees God's holiness, recognizes their own sin, and receives God's grace through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that a single act of sin does not define a person's style of life, but rather it is the consistent pattern of their actions over time. Washer also references the book of 1 John, highlighting the tests of true faith outlined in the passage.
Studies in 1 John 03 Australia Conference
By William W. Campbell74558:251JN 5:13In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of Christian assurance, using passages from 1 John. He explains that Christian assurance is obtained through three means: the objective and historic facts of the Gospel, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the confirmation of a changed life. The preacher emphasizes that Christian assurance is manifested in attitudes of boldness and confidence. Throughout the sermon, the word "boldness" is used to describe the assurance that believers have in their relationship with God. The sermon highlights the importance of Christian assurance and encourages believers to have confidence in their faith.
Soul Winning - Part 4
By Roy Daniel7281:39:55Soul WinningPSA 34:8MAT 6:33JHN 8:12JHN 12:46ROM 8:16PHP 4:71JN 5:13In this sermon, the preacher addresses the misconception that God is biased and only saves those who are good-looking or small in stature. He shares the story of a man named Ernest Lorric who struggled with feeling unworthy of God's acceptance due to his difficult upbringing. However, through repentance and prayer, Ernest found salvation and freedom from his enslavement to sin. The preacher also mentions a booklet specifically written for children who grow up in conservative environments and struggle with understanding their salvation. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, faith, and the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Sunday Night Meditations 32 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler40931:37ISA 53:5MAT 6:33JHN 3:16HEB 9:221JN 1:71JN 5:13In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Caleb from the Bible. Caleb is praised for his faith and wholehearted devotion to God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus for salvation and having assurance of eternal life. He encourages Christians to live for Christ and serve Him faithfully. The sermon concludes with a reminder that salvation is not based on our own good works, but on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Sunday Night Meditations 06 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler35529:33PSA 65:11MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 5:8ROM 10:91JN 5:13The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of making a decision in life and not drifting aimlessly. It compares this lack of decision to a ship without a course, highlighting the fact that successful captains always know where they are going. The story of a sick woman in a military setting further illustrates the significance of having a clear direction in life. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to make a decision to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, emphasizing the love and salvation He offers.
Pray Believing
By Phil Beach Jr.2246:45PrayerBoldness in FaithMRK 11:221JN 5:13Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of praying with belief and aligning our desires with God's will, urging believers to hide His word in their hearts to cultivate a genuine relationship with Him. He contrasts the audacious confidence of the world with the boldness that comes from a pure heart, calling for a commitment to God's cause over personal gain. Beach encourages the congregation to confess their shortcomings and seek transformation through prayer, highlighting that God will not withhold anything from those who earnestly seek Him. He challenges listeners to ask God for opportunities to share the Gospel and to believe in His power to fulfill their requests according to His will. Ultimately, the sermon is a clarion call for Christians to be wholly devoted to God and to actively seek His presence in their lives.
The Message of the Letters of John
By G. Campbell Morgan0Fellowship With GodLight and LoveJHN 1:1JHN 20:31EPH 5:141JN 1:51JN 2:61JN 2:201JN 3:181JN 4:71JN 4:101JN 5:13G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound message of the Letters of John, focusing on the life of fellowship with God as central to Christian existence. He explains that this fellowship is rooted in the resources of light and love, which are exemplified in the life of Christ and made manifest in believers. The letters serve as both a teaching and a test, urging individuals and the Church to evaluate their lives through the lenses of light and love, ensuring that their actions align with God's will. Morgan highlights the importance of seeking and obeying the light, as well as yielding to the impulse of love while maintaining its holiness. Ultimately, the letters call for a deep, authentic relationship with God that reflects in both personal and communal faith.
First Epistle of John - Introduction
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JHN 20:311JN 1:11JN 2:181JN 3:21JN 4:11JN 5:13Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the authorship, historical evidence, and purpose of the Epistle of John, emphasizing the strong internal and external testimonies that confirm John the Apostle as the writer. The Epistle, closely related to the Gospel of John, was likely written around 90 A.D. to believers in various assemblies, possibly in Ephesus or the churches in the province of Asia. Its purpose is to bring fullness of joy to believers and to assure them of eternal life in Christ, countering false teachings and exposing antichristian ideologies prevalent even in John's time.
On the Approach of Death
By Thomas Reade0DEU 31:14PSA 116:15ROM 8:162CO 5:17PHP 1:211TH 4:16HEB 9:27HEB 12:291JN 5:13REV 22:20Thomas Reade preaches on the approaching reality of death, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to meet God. He highlights the brevity of life, the certainty of death, and the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation. Reade urges believers to examine their hearts, seek reconciliation with God, and live in anticipation of eternity. He underscores the significance of faith in Christ, the purification of the soul through trials, and the joy of meeting God in heaven.
The Knowledge of Salvation
By George Cutting0NUM 23:19PSA 119:89PSA 119:113JHN 6:47ROM 4:31JN 5:91JN 5:13George Cutting emphasizes the importance of knowing that believers have eternal life through faith in the Son of God, contrasting the uncertainty of man's feelings with the certainty of God's Word. He illustrates this with the story of the Passover in Egypt, showing how the sprinkled blood made the Israelites safe, but it was God's spoken word that made them sure of their salvation. Cutting stresses that true faith is not based on works or emotions, but solely on trusting in the trustworthy Person of Jesus Christ and relying on His finished work for eternal security.
On the Discoveries of Faith
By John Wesley0Spiritual GrowthFaithMAT 7:7JHN 3:16ROM 8:152CO 5:7GAL 3:26EPH 2:8PHP 4:7HEB 11:1JAS 1:51JN 5:13John Wesley emphasizes the significance of faith as the evidence of things not seen, contrasting it with the limitations of human senses. He explains that while our senses provide knowledge of the visible world, faith allows us to understand the invisible and eternal realms, including the existence of our souls and the spiritual world. Wesley encourages believers to move from the faith of a servant, characterized by fear, to the faith of a son, marked by love and assurance in God's promises. He highlights the transformative power of faith in revealing the nature of God, the reality of judgment, and the hope of eternal life. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a deeper relationship with God through faith, leading to spiritual maturity and assurance.
Your God
By Arthur Vess0MAT 6:19MAT 16:26LUK 9:23ROM 8:312CO 5:17EPH 2:19EPH 3:20HEB 11:24JAS 4:71JN 5:13Arthur L. Vess preaches about the importance of making the right choice to follow God, as exemplified by characters like Ruth and Moses, emphasizing the eternal consequences of choosing worldly treasures over spiritual riches. He urges young hearts to seek God early, highlighting the impact of early conversion on one's life and the lives of others. Vess stresses the need for repentance, forsaking sin, and trusting in God for salvation, warning against false hopes and shallow professions of faith.
A Man's Interest in Christ May Be Known
By William Guthrie0ISA 8:20MAT 25:12MRK 9:24JHN 8:44ROM 8:18ROM 8:382CO 13:52TI 1:122PE 1:101JN 5:13William Guthrie preaches about the certainty of knowing one's interest in Christ, emphasizing that it is attainable through examining oneself and aligning with Scripture. He highlights the importance of having a saving covenant with God, cautioning against false confidence and the narrow path to Christ. Guthrie stresses the need to allow Scripture to determine one's condition and the reasons why many struggle to have a clear knowledge of their state in Christ. He addresses common mistakes and hindrances in understanding one's interest in Christ, urging diligence, self-examination, and reliance on God's Word for clarity.
An Anxious Enquiry for a Beloved Son
By C.H. Spurgeon0Spiritual SafetyParental LovePSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAT 7:13LUK 15:20JHN 3:16ROM 12:10EPH 6:42TI 1:51PE 5:71JN 5:13C.H. Spurgeon reflects on King David's poignant inquiry about his son Absalom after a devastating battle, emphasizing the depth of a father's love and anxiety for his child, even one who has rebelled against him. Spurgeon highlights the natural inclination of parents to worry about their children's safety, both physically and spiritually, and urges listeners to consider the implications of their actions on their parents' hearts. He stresses the importance of nurturing a relationship with God and the dangers of straying from faith, while also encouraging parents to actively engage in their children's spiritual upbringing. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a recognition of the eternal state of loved ones, urging that the question of their safety should be paramount in our hearts and prayers.
How Christ Transcends the Law
By Catherine Booth0ROM 3:20ROM 7:7ROM 7:22ROM 8:3ROM 8:161CO 1:302CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 3:171JN 5:13Catherine Booth preaches on the surpassing power of Jesus Christ over the Law, emphasizing the vital point where the Law fails in giving power to fulfill itself. She highlights the importance of assurance of salvation, explaining that true faith brings a personal realization of acceptance in Christ, which the Law cannot provide. Catherine urges believers to trust in a living, present Savior who is able to save them from the power of sin, emphasizing the need for obedience and wholehearted consecration to Christ for true salvation and assurance.
Outlines of Theology: Pelagianism, Semi-Pelagianism & Augustinianism
By A.A. Hodge0JHN 6:44JHN 10:28ROM 5:12ROM 8:30ROM 8:38EPH 2:8PHP 3:121TI 2:4HEB 6:41JN 5:13A.A. Hodge presents a comparison of the three main theological systems: Pelagianism, Semipelagianism, and Augustinianism (Socinianism, Arminianism, and Calvinism). The early church focused on defending Christianity against heresies and defining the Trinity. The rise of contrasting views on sin, grace, and redemption led to the development of these systems. Augustinianism (Calvinism) emphasizes original sin, total depravity, irresistible grace, and unconditional election. Pelagianism (Socinianism) denies original sin, affirms free will, and believes in conditional election. Arminianism falls between these, advocating for free will, resistible grace, and conditional election.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye may know that ye have eternal life - I write to show your privileges - to lead you into this holy of holies - to show what believing on the Son of God is, by the glorious effects it produces: it is not a blind reliance for, but an actual enjoyment of, salvation; Christ living, working, and reigning in the heart. And that ye may believe - That is, continue to believe: for Christ dwells in the heart only by Faith, and faith lives only by Love, and love continues only by Obedience; he who Believes loves, and he who Loves obeys. He who obeys loves; he who loves believes; he who believes has the witness in himself: he who has this witness has Christ in his heart, the hope of glory; and he who believes, loves, and obeys, has Christ in his heart, and is a man of prayer.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The oldest manuscripts and versions read, "These things have I written unto you [omitting 'that believe on the name of the Son of God'] that ye may know that ye have eternal life (compare Jo1 5:11), THOSE (of you I mean) WHO believe (not as English Version reads, 'and that ye may believe') on the name of the Son of God." English Version, in the latter clause, will mean, "that ye may continue to believe," &c. (compare Jo1 5:12). These things--This Epistle. He, towards the close of his Gospel (Joh 20:30-31), wrote similarly, stating his purpose in having written. In Jo1 1:4 he states the object of his writing this Epistle to be, "that your joy may be full." To "know that we have eternal life" is the sure way to "joy in God."
John Gill Bible Commentary
These things have I written unto you,.... Which are contained in the epistle in general, and particularly what is written in the context, concerning the victory of the world, being ascribed to him who believes that Christ is the Son of God; and concerning the six witnesses of his sonship, and the record bore by God, that the gift of eternal life is in him: and which are especially written to them, that believe on the name of the Son of God; who not only believed that Christ is the Son of God, which this six fold testimony would confirm them in, but also believed in his name for righteousness, life, and salvation; in which name there is all this, and in no other; and who also professed their faith in him, and were baptized in his name, and continued believing in him, and holding fast their profession of him. The end of writing these things to them was, that ye may know that ye have eternal life; that there is such a thing as eternal life; that this is in Christ; that believers have it in him, and the beginning of it in themselves; and that they have a right unto it, and meetness for it, and shall certainly enjoy it; the knowledge of which is had by faith, under the testimony of the Spirit of God, and particularly what is above written concerning eternal life, being a free grace gift of God; and this being in Christ, and the assurance of it, that such who have him, or believe in him, have that which might serve to communicate, cultivate, and increase such knowledge: and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God; which they had done already, and still did; the sense is, the above things were written to them concerning the Son of God, that they might be encouraged to continue believing in him, as such; to hold fast the faith of him and go on believing in him to the end; and that their faith in him might be increased; for faith is imperfect and is capable of increasing, and growing exceedingly: and nothing more tends unto, or is a more proper means of it, than the sacred writings, the reading and hearing them explained, and especially that part of them which respects the person, office, and grace of Christ. The Alexandrian copy, and one of Beza's manuscripts, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, read, "these things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, who believe in the name of the Son of God".