1 John 5:20
Verse
Context
The True God
19We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.20And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We know that the Son of God is come - In the flesh, and has made his soul an offering for sin; and hath given us an understanding - a more eminent degree of light than we ever enjoyed before; for as he lay in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him unto us; and he hath besides given us a spiritual understanding, that we may know him who is true, even the True God, and get eternal life from him through his Son, In whom we are by faith, as the branches in the vine, deriving all our knowledge, light, life, love, and fruitfulness from him. And it is through this revelation of Jesus that we know the ever blessed and glorious Trinity; and the Trinity, Father, Word, and Holy Ghost, in the eternal, undivided unity of the ineffable Godhead.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Summary of our Christian privileges. is come--is present, having come. "HE IS HERE--all is full of Him--His incarnation, work, and abiding presence, is to us a living fact" [ALFORD]. given us an understanding--Christ's, office is to give the inner spiritual understanding to discern the things of God. that we may know--Some oldest manuscripts read, "(so) that we know." him that is true--God, as opposed to every kind of idol or false god (Jo1 5:21). Jesus, by virtue of His oneness with God, is also "He that is true" (Rev 3:7). even--"we are in the true" God, by virtue of being "in His Son Jesus Christ." This is the true God--"This Jesus Christ (the last-named Person) is the true God" (identifying Him thus with the Father in His attribute, "the only true God," Joh 17:3, primarily attributed to the Father). and eternal life--predicated of the Son of God; ALFORD wrongly says, He was the life, but not eternal life. The Father is indeed eternal life as its source, but the Son also is that eternal life manifested, as the very passage (Jo1 1:2) which ALFORD quotes, proves against him. Compare also Jo1 5:11, Jo1 5:13. Plainly it is as the Mediator of ETERNAL LIFE to us that Christ is here contemplated. The Greek is, "The true God and eternal life is this" Jesus Christ, that is, In believing in Him we believe in the true God, and have eternal life. The Son is called "He that is TRUE," Rev 3:7, as here. This naturally prepares the way for warning against false gods (Jo1 5:21). Jesus Christ is the only "express image of God's person" which is sanctioned, the only true visible manifestation of God. All other representations of God are forbidden as idols. Thus the Epistle closes as it began (Jo1 1:1-2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And we know that the Son of God is come,.... That the second Person in the Godhead, who is equal to the Father, and of the same nature with him, is come from the Father, from heaven into this world, not by local motion, but by assumption of nature; that he is come in the flesh, or is become incarnate, in order to work out salvation for his people, by his obedience, sufferings, and death; and this John and others knew, for they had personal knowledge of him, and converse with him; they saw him with their eyes, heard him, and handled him: he dwelt among them, preached to them, wrought miracles before them, which proved him to be what he was; and it may be known that the Messiah must become, since Daniel's weeks, which fixes the time of his coming, are long ago up; the sceptre is departed from Judah, and the second temple is destroyed, neither of which were to be till the Messiah came; and that Jesus of Nazareth is he who is come may be known by the characters of him, and the works done by him: and hath given us an understanding; not a new faculty of the understanding but new light into it; a knowledge of spiritual things of himself, and of God in him, and of the truths of the Gospel, and of all divine and heavenly things; for he, the Son of God, is come a light into the world, and gives spiritual light to men: that we may know him that is true; or "the true God", as the Alexandrian copy and some others, and the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read; that is, God the Father, who is the true God, in opposition to the false gods of the Heathens, though not to the exclusion of the Son and Spirit; and the spiritual knowledge of him as the Father of Christ, and as a covenant God and Father in him, is only given to men by Christ, and this is life eternal; see Mat 11:27; and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ; the words "Jesus Christ" are left out in the Alexandrian copy, and in the Vulgate Latin version; however, certain it is, that Jesus Christ is meant by his Son, who is the Son of the true and living God, and is himself "true"; not only true God, as hereafter asserted, but true man, having a true body and a reasonable soul, and was true and faithful in the discharge of his offices, as prophet, priest, and King; he faithfully declared the whole will of God, and taught the way of God in truth; he was faithful to him that appointed him, by securing his glory when he made reconciliation for the sins of the people; and all the administrations of his kingly office are just and true; yea, he is truth itself, the substance of all the types, in whom all the promises are yea and amen, and who has all the truths of the Gospel and treasures of wisdom in him; now his people are in him; they were secretly in him before the world was, being loved by him, chosen in him, put into his hands, preserved in him, and represented by him; and openly, at conversion, when they are anew created in him, brought to believe in him, and live upon him, and he lives in them, and they are in him as branches in the vine; and this is known by his Spirit being given them, by the communication of his grace unto them, and by the communion they have with him. This is the true God and eternal life; that is, the Son of God, who is the immediate antecedent to the relative "this"; he is the true God, with his Father and the Spirit, in distinction from all false, fictitious, or nominal deities; and such as are only by office, or in an improper and figurative sense: Christ is truly and really God, as appears from all the perfections of deity, the fulness of the Godhead being in him; from the divine works of creation and providence being ascribed to him; and from the divine worship that is given him; as well as from the names and titles he goes by, and particularly that of Jehovah, which is incommunicable to a creature; and he is called "eternal life", because it is in him; and he is the giver of it to his people; and that itself will chiefly consist in the enjoyment and vision of him, and in conformity to him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20 The NLT interprets the phrase the true God as referring to God, since the next phrase refers to his Son, Jesus Christ. John is also saying that Jesus Christ is the only true God (see John 1:1, 18; 20:28; Rom 9:5; Titus 2:13; 2 Pet 1:1). • To have fellowship with Jesus Christ is to have eternal life, because he is eternal life (1 Jn 5:12; see John 1:4; 3:16; 14:6; 20:31).
1 John 5:20
The True God
19We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.20And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The True God
By Brian Brodersen1.1K37:04ISA 7:14JER 31:3JHN 3:16JHN 5:18JHN 14:9JHN 17:3COL 1:15HEB 1:31JN 5:20This sermon delves into the revelation of God through Jesus Christ, emphasizing how Jesus clarified misunderstandings about God, demonstrated God's mercy, grace, compassion, and love, and revealed the triune nature of God. It highlights the importance of knowing God personally through Jesus for eternal life and the necessity of acknowledging God's holiness. The message invites individuals to receive Christ for a personal relationship with the true and living God.
Highlights From Isaiah 9:-04 God in His Person
By James K. Boswell88440:47ISA 43:2MAT 28:20JHN 14:27ROM 9:51TI 3:16HEB 1:21JN 5:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's plan for believers and how he is seeking to transform them into the image of his son, Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that God has a five-step plan for believers, which includes predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. The speaker also shares personal anecdotes and stories to illustrate the power and presence of God in difficult times. The sermon concludes with the message that believers are more than conquerors through Christ and that God's plan includes his provision and power for daily victorious living.
God Given Intuition
By Erlo Stegen75643:58IntuitionMAT 6:33EPH 4:17EPH 5:17HEB 8:101JN 5:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our senses. He references Ephesians 4:17-18, which speaks about not walking in the futility of the mind like the Gentiles. The preacher highlights the significance of having faith and not being alienated from the life of God. He also mentions the story of Abraham and Rebekah, emphasizing the unity and oneness they had in their relationship. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need to let go of sin and hold onto the understanding and sixth sense that comes from knowing and loving God.
Eternal Life: What It Is, What It Cost, and Who Can Have It John 3:1-21
By R.A. Torrey0New BirthEternal LifeJHN 1:12JHN 3:3JHN 3:16JHN 3:18JHN 3:36JHN 5:24ROM 10:10GAL 2:20EPH 2:81JN 5:20R.A. Torrey explores the profound concept of eternal life as presented in John 3:1-21, emphasizing that it is humanity's greatest need. He discusses Nicodemus's encounter with Jesus, highlighting the necessity of being 'born again' to enter the kingdom of God. Torrey explains that eternal life is purchased through the sacrificial death of Christ and is offered freely to all who believe. He contrasts the acceptance of eternal life by believers with the rejection by unbelievers, underscoring the importance of coming to the light of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a personal response to the gift of eternal life available through faith in Jesus.
Wisdom Justified of Her Children
By Charles Finney0WisdomSpiritual DiscernmentPRO 3:5PRO 4:7ECC 7:12MAT 11:19LUK 7:35ROM 12:21CO 2:14COL 2:3JAS 1:51JN 5:20Charles Finney explores the concept of wisdom as it relates to the teachings of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, emphasizing that true wisdom is recognized and justified by those who are spiritually discerning. He contrasts the austere lifestyle of John, which called for repentance, with Christ's example of gospel liberty, which was misunderstood by the self-righteous. Finney argues that wisdom is about promoting the highest good through benevolence and that those who are truly wise will understand and appreciate the truth, while the selfish will stumble over it. He concludes that wisdom is validated by its fruits, as seen in the lives of those who embrace it.
1 John 5:20
By John Gill0Incarnation of ChristEternal LifeMAT 11:27JHN 1:14JHN 14:6JHN 15:5JHN 17:3ROM 8:1EPH 1:4COL 2:9HEB 1:31JN 5:20John Gill emphasizes the significance of the incarnation of the Son of God, affirming that Jesus Christ came to provide salvation through His obedience and sacrifice. He highlights the personal knowledge that the apostles had of Christ, who was both true God and true man, and the understanding that believers receive through Him about the true God, the Father. Gill explains that being in Christ means being in communion with the true God, who is the source of eternal life. He asserts that Christ embodies truth and is the fulfillment of all divine promises, making Him the true God and eternal life for His people.
The Form of Sound Words to Be Held Fast.
By John Gill0Faithfulness in MinistrySound DoctrineROM 5:9ROM 10:82CO 5:19GAL 1:9EPH 1:41TI 6:32TI 1:13HEB 12:151PE 1:21JN 5:20John Gill emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the form of sound words as instructed by the Apostle Paul to Timothy. He outlines the essential doctrines that should be preserved, including the Trinity, the everlasting love of God, and the doctrine of justification by faith. Gill encourages ministers to maintain these truths with faith and love, warning against the dangers of deviating from sound doctrine. He stresses that these teachings are foundational for the church and vital for the spiritual health of believers. The charge serves as a reminder for all ministers to be steadfast in their commitment to the gospel.
1 John 1:2
By John Gill0The Incarnation of ChristEternal LifeJHN 1:1ROM 6:23COL 1:16HEB 1:31JN 1:21JN 5:20John Gill emphasizes the manifestation of the Word of life, Jesus Christ, who is the source of eternal life and was revealed in human form. He highlights the apostles' unique experience as eyewitnesses of Christ's incarnation, affirming His divine and human nature. Gill explains that eternal life is found in Christ, who possesses it inherently and offers it to His followers. The sermon underscores the eternal relationship between Christ and the Father, showcasing His pre-existence and divine authority. Ultimately, the message invites believers to recognize the significance of knowing Christ as the foundation of eternal life.
Of the Life of God.
By John Gill0The Nature of GodSpiritual LifeDEU 30:20PSA 36:9JER 10:10JHN 5:26JHN 10:28ACT 17:25ROM 8:2EPH 4:18JAS 2:261JN 5:20John Gill expounds on the life of God, emphasizing that God's essence is life itself, distinct from all created beings. He explains that while creatures exhibit various forms of life, God's life is self-sustaining, eternal, and independent, making Him the ultimate source of life for all creation. Gill highlights that God's life is not only essential but also efficient, as He grants life to all beings, from plants to humans, and especially imparts spiritual life to the regenerated. He contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, affirming that true life is found only in God, who is eternal and immutable. Ultimately, Gill encourages believers to recognize their spiritual life as a reflection of God's divine nature, which is perfect and everlasting.
Of the Veracity of God.
By John Gill0God's TruthFaithfulness of GodNUM 23:19PSA 19:9PSA 100:5JER 18:7JHN 17:3ROM 3:4EPH 1:13TIT 1:2HEB 11:61JN 5:20John Gill emphasizes the veracity of God, asserting that God is true in His essence, works, and words. He explains that God's truth is intrinsic to His nature, distinguishing Him from fallible humans and false deities. Gill highlights that God's truth is eternal, immutable, and the foundation of His faithfulness, which is evident in His promises and actions throughout history. He also notes that God's truth is reflected in the reality of creation, providence, and grace, as well as in the person of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures. Ultimately, Gill calls believers to trust in the unwavering truth of God, which stands in contrast to the deceitfulness of man.
Knowing With the Heart
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual ExperienceInner WitnessPSA 42:1JHN 14:17JHN 16:13ROM 8:161CO 2:9GAL 5:22EPH 1:17COL 3:2HEB 10:221JN 5:20A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true religion is rooted in an inward witness of God, an awareness that comes from the Holy Spirit and is cultivated through faith and obedience to Scripture. This profound experience transcends mere doctrine, leading to a deep consciousness of God that is often unexplainable. Tozer reflects on how this intimate acquaintance with God was once a common expectation in Protestant churches, highlighting that even today, many believers can attest to this spiritual reality. He encourages the recognition of this inner witness as a vital aspect of the Christian faith, affirming that God continues to reveal Himself to those who seek Him earnestly.
Hope-or Despair?
By A.W. Tozer0Divine RevelationHopeMAT 11:25LUK 10:21JHN 3:27JHN 14:26ROM 11:331CO 2:14EPH 1:172TI 3:16JAS 1:171JN 5:20A.W. Tozer explores the dichotomy of hope and despair in humanity, emphasizing that true understanding and spiritual truth can only be received as a divine gift from heaven. He highlights John the Baptist's assertion that human reason cannot grasp divine truth, which leads to despair, while the promise of the Holy Spirit offers hope and revelation. Tozer underscores that this gift of knowing is not accessible through human wisdom but is revealed to those who are humble and receptive, as affirmed by Jesus' teachings.
Close Fellowship
By C.H. Spurgeon0Fellowship With GodKnowledge Of GodPSA 25:14JER 31:34JHN 14:6JHN 17:3ROM 8:15GAL 4:6EPH 2:19PHP 3:10JAS 4:81JN 5:20C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound truth that all believers, regardless of their spiritual maturity, have a personal knowledge of God through Christ Jesus. This intimate relationship transforms us from strangers to friends, allowing us to experience close fellowship with our Creator. Spurgeon highlights that this knowledge is not merely intellectual but deeply relational, as we can call God our Father and Friend. He encourages believers to rejoice in this relationship, recognizing it as the source of eternal life and the foundation of all saving knowledge. The sermon calls us to cherish and celebrate our connection with God, which is a gift beyond what nature could reveal.
The Scriptures and God
By A.W. Pink0Knowledge Of GodSupernatural RevelationPSA 36:9JHN 3:3JHN 17:3ACT 17:231CO 1:211CO 2:142CO 4:62TI 3:162PE 1:211JN 5:20A.W. Pink emphasizes the supernatural nature of the Scriptures as a divine revelation, asserting that they are not merely inspired but verbally dictated by God. He warns against human theories that undermine their authority and highlights the necessity of a supernatural revelation to truly know God, which cannot be achieved through mere intellectual study. Pink argues that a genuine knowledge of God leads to a transformed life, characterized by a deeper reverence for His commandments, a firmer trust in His sufficiency, and a more fervent praise for His goodness. He stresses that true conversion involves recognizing God's claims and submitting to His will, resulting in a supernatural experience that is evident in the believer's life. Ultimately, Pink calls for a return to a biblical understanding of God, contrasting it with the paganized views prevalent in modern Christianity.
The Doctrine of Christ
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein01JN 1:71JN 3:81JN 4:21JN 4:91JN 5:51JN 5:91JN 5:131JN 5:20Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the importance of holding fast to the doctrine of Christ, emphasizing that denying the deity of Jesus Christ is denying God Himself and leads to being without hope in the world. He urges believers to have a divine jealousy for the honor and glory of Christ, separating from those who deny His true nature. Gaebelein highlights the blessings and comforts that come from abiding in the doctrine of Christ, leading to deeper fellowship with the Father and the Son.
The Gospel That Makes a Gospel Community, Part 2
By Michael Durham0PSA 51:12ROM 1:16ROM 1:21ROM 1:261CO 10:131JN 5:20Michael Durham preaches on the power of the Gospel to bring salvation to all who believe, revealing the righteousness of God and the consequences of ungodliness and idolatry. He emphasizes the need for believers to deepen their understanding of the Gospel to experience its full richness and to grow in sharing it with others. The sermon delves into the stages of salvation, highlighting the first stage as deliverance from sin's penalty, which is the wrath of God on those who do not believe, leading to a distance from God. Durham explains that salvation not only saves from the negative aspects but also for a relationship with God.
The Son of the Father's Love
By H.J. Vine0PSA 2:7ISA 9:6JHN 3:36ACT 13:23GAL 4:4EPH 4:13COL 1:15HEB 1:81JN 5:20H.J. Vine preaches about the eternal nature of the Son of the Father's love, who was begotten in time to fulfill promises to Israel as the Savior from sins. Psalms 2 and Hebrews highlight His Kingship, Priesthood, and Salvation. Despite His divine origin, He humbly came to earth, born in Bethlehem, magnifying His grace and love for humanity.
The True God and Eternal Life"
By H.J. Vine0JHN 3:36JHN 6:51JHN 14:6JHN 17:3ACT 3:151CO 2:14TIT 1:21JN 2:231JN 5:121JN 5:20H.J. Vine preaches about the profound subjects of 'The true God' and 'Eternal life,' emphasizing that man's intellectual efforts are insufficient to fully understand them due to sin. He highlights that the only way to know these important matters is through God's revelation, not human attainment, and that salvation, forgiveness, and the gift of the Spirit enable us to grasp God's wisdom and grace. Vine underscores that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, is the key to knowing the true God and eternal life, and that through Him, believers have the high privilege of knowing the Father.
The Truth or Its Effects?
By H.J. Vine0JHN 1:17JHN 14:6EPH 4:13COL 1:25COL 2:9HEB 12:21PE 2:241JN 4:61JN 5:20H.J. Vine preaches on the profound truth that grace and truth are found through Jesus Christ, as depicted in John 1:17. The sermon emphasizes the unique roles of different apostles in ministering the truth about Jesus, with Paul revealing Him as the Son of God and John providing the deepest understanding of His divine nature. The Holy Spirit guides believers to progress in the truth, encouraging them to grow in grace, knowledge, and communion with God, while warning against distractions that hinder true understanding and joy in the truth.
The Unknown One
By H.J. Vine0JHN 1:10JHN 4:48JHN 6:9JHN 8:191JN 2:31JN 5:20H.J. Vine preaches about the unknown One, Jesus Christ, who knew all men and all things, yet was unrecognized by the world He created. Despite performing miraculous signs and revealing God's love and light, many remained in darkness, not recognizing Him. Jesus, the true Light, displayed His power through various acts of grace, demonstrating His authority over sickness, hunger, death, and darkness. Although rejected by some, those who believed in Him became children of God, experiencing His forgiveness, compassion, and life-transforming power.
Intimacy
By H.J. Vine0EZK 34:31JHN 10:14JHN 20:171JN 5:131JN 5:20H.J. Vine preaches about the deep ties of Divine love that bind the Lord to His people and His people to Him, emphasizing the intimate oneness believers have with Jesus as their Head, Brother, and Shepherd. Through Ezekiel and the teachings of Jesus, the message of oneness with Christ in His resurrection life is conveyed, highlighting the secure and abundant life His death and resurrection have provided for His flock. Believers are encouraged to understand and embrace the living bonds that unite them to Jesus, knowing that He intimately knows and loves each one, ensuring their eternal security and care as His sheep.
The Father's Name Made Known
By H.J. Vine0PRO 18:10JHN 1:12JHN 17:2JHN 17:251JN 2:241JN 5:20H.J. Vine preaches on the profound relationship between the Father and the Son, emphasizing how the Father's Name is revealed through the Son, Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, believers are granted the privilege of knowing the Father's love and experiencing His eternal life. The Son, being the perfect manifestation of the Father, imparts divine understanding to those who believe in Him, allowing them to partake in the incomparable knowledge of God. This sermon highlights the unique role of Jesus in making known the Father's Name and the eternal life that comes through Him.
The Knowledge of Christ
By J.C. Philpot0MAT 11:27JHN 6:45JHN 14:18JHN 17:3EPH 1:17COL 1:9HEB 11:161JN 2:271JN 5:20J.C. Philpot preaches on the profound declaration made by Jesus Christ about eternal life being found in knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent. This knowledge is not merely intellectual, but a deep, spiritual revelation that leads to possessing life everlasting. The sermon emphasizes that true eternal life begins on earth, sown in grace and harvested in glory, through a personal and intimate knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. Philpot highlights the exclusive and precious nature of this knowledge, which is a divine gift granted only to those chosen by the Father, and its critical role in salvation and eternal happiness.
Spiritual Worship
By John Wesley0Spiritual WorshipCommunion with GodPSA 42:1MAT 5:8JHN 14:6JHN 15:5ROM 11:36PHP 3:8COL 3:31JN 1:31JN 5:111JN 5:20John Wesley emphasizes the essence of spiritual worship as a deep communion with the true God, who is both the Creator and the sustainer of life. He explains that true happiness and eternal life are found in knowing and loving God, as revealed through Jesus Christ. Wesley highlights that this relationship is not merely about outward actions or beliefs but is rooted in a transformative experience of God's love and presence in our lives. He encourages believers to seek their fulfillment in God alone, as all other pursuits are ultimately unfulfilling. The sermon concludes with a call to maintain this relationship through prayer and spiritual vigilance.
Some Things of Great Weight and Concernment to All
By Isaac Penington0JHN 8:32JHN 14:6JHN 16:13EPH 4:241JN 5:20Isaac Penington preaches about the importance of coming into a true capacity of knowing and receiving the truth, emphasizing that it is a principle of life from God that gives the true capacity. He highlights that true faith, love, sanctification, justification, peace, and joy are all received and held in this principle from God. Penington also discusses the unity and love found among those gathered in this principle, contrasting it with those who walk in darkness and error. He concludes by emphasizing the necessity of being begotten and born of the eternal, unchangeable nature of God's truth for salvation and redemption.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We know that the Son of God is come - In the flesh, and has made his soul an offering for sin; and hath given us an understanding - a more eminent degree of light than we ever enjoyed before; for as he lay in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him unto us; and he hath besides given us a spiritual understanding, that we may know him who is true, even the True God, and get eternal life from him through his Son, In whom we are by faith, as the branches in the vine, deriving all our knowledge, light, life, love, and fruitfulness from him. And it is through this revelation of Jesus that we know the ever blessed and glorious Trinity; and the Trinity, Father, Word, and Holy Ghost, in the eternal, undivided unity of the ineffable Godhead.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Summary of our Christian privileges. is come--is present, having come. "HE IS HERE--all is full of Him--His incarnation, work, and abiding presence, is to us a living fact" [ALFORD]. given us an understanding--Christ's, office is to give the inner spiritual understanding to discern the things of God. that we may know--Some oldest manuscripts read, "(so) that we know." him that is true--God, as opposed to every kind of idol or false god (Jo1 5:21). Jesus, by virtue of His oneness with God, is also "He that is true" (Rev 3:7). even--"we are in the true" God, by virtue of being "in His Son Jesus Christ." This is the true God--"This Jesus Christ (the last-named Person) is the true God" (identifying Him thus with the Father in His attribute, "the only true God," Joh 17:3, primarily attributed to the Father). and eternal life--predicated of the Son of God; ALFORD wrongly says, He was the life, but not eternal life. The Father is indeed eternal life as its source, but the Son also is that eternal life manifested, as the very passage (Jo1 1:2) which ALFORD quotes, proves against him. Compare also Jo1 5:11, Jo1 5:13. Plainly it is as the Mediator of ETERNAL LIFE to us that Christ is here contemplated. The Greek is, "The true God and eternal life is this" Jesus Christ, that is, In believing in Him we believe in the true God, and have eternal life. The Son is called "He that is TRUE," Rev 3:7, as here. This naturally prepares the way for warning against false gods (Jo1 5:21). Jesus Christ is the only "express image of God's person" which is sanctioned, the only true visible manifestation of God. All other representations of God are forbidden as idols. Thus the Epistle closes as it began (Jo1 1:1-2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And we know that the Son of God is come,.... That the second Person in the Godhead, who is equal to the Father, and of the same nature with him, is come from the Father, from heaven into this world, not by local motion, but by assumption of nature; that he is come in the flesh, or is become incarnate, in order to work out salvation for his people, by his obedience, sufferings, and death; and this John and others knew, for they had personal knowledge of him, and converse with him; they saw him with their eyes, heard him, and handled him: he dwelt among them, preached to them, wrought miracles before them, which proved him to be what he was; and it may be known that the Messiah must become, since Daniel's weeks, which fixes the time of his coming, are long ago up; the sceptre is departed from Judah, and the second temple is destroyed, neither of which were to be till the Messiah came; and that Jesus of Nazareth is he who is come may be known by the characters of him, and the works done by him: and hath given us an understanding; not a new faculty of the understanding but new light into it; a knowledge of spiritual things of himself, and of God in him, and of the truths of the Gospel, and of all divine and heavenly things; for he, the Son of God, is come a light into the world, and gives spiritual light to men: that we may know him that is true; or "the true God", as the Alexandrian copy and some others, and the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read; that is, God the Father, who is the true God, in opposition to the false gods of the Heathens, though not to the exclusion of the Son and Spirit; and the spiritual knowledge of him as the Father of Christ, and as a covenant God and Father in him, is only given to men by Christ, and this is life eternal; see Mat 11:27; and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ; the words "Jesus Christ" are left out in the Alexandrian copy, and in the Vulgate Latin version; however, certain it is, that Jesus Christ is meant by his Son, who is the Son of the true and living God, and is himself "true"; not only true God, as hereafter asserted, but true man, having a true body and a reasonable soul, and was true and faithful in the discharge of his offices, as prophet, priest, and King; he faithfully declared the whole will of God, and taught the way of God in truth; he was faithful to him that appointed him, by securing his glory when he made reconciliation for the sins of the people; and all the administrations of his kingly office are just and true; yea, he is truth itself, the substance of all the types, in whom all the promises are yea and amen, and who has all the truths of the Gospel and treasures of wisdom in him; now his people are in him; they were secretly in him before the world was, being loved by him, chosen in him, put into his hands, preserved in him, and represented by him; and openly, at conversion, when they are anew created in him, brought to believe in him, and live upon him, and he lives in them, and they are in him as branches in the vine; and this is known by his Spirit being given them, by the communication of his grace unto them, and by the communion they have with him. This is the true God and eternal life; that is, the Son of God, who is the immediate antecedent to the relative "this"; he is the true God, with his Father and the Spirit, in distinction from all false, fictitious, or nominal deities; and such as are only by office, or in an improper and figurative sense: Christ is truly and really God, as appears from all the perfections of deity, the fulness of the Godhead being in him; from the divine works of creation and providence being ascribed to him; and from the divine worship that is given him; as well as from the names and titles he goes by, and particularly that of Jehovah, which is incommunicable to a creature; and he is called "eternal life", because it is in him; and he is the giver of it to his people; and that itself will chiefly consist in the enjoyment and vision of him, and in conformity to him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20 The NLT interprets the phrase the true God as referring to God, since the next phrase refers to his Son, Jesus Christ. John is also saying that Jesus Christ is the only true God (see John 1:1, 18; 20:28; Rom 9:5; Titus 2:13; 2 Pet 1:1). • To have fellowship with Jesus Christ is to have eternal life, because he is eternal life (1 Jn 5:12; see John 1:4; 3:16; 14:6; 20:31).