“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God [which represents all that Jesus Christ is and does], so that you will know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal life. 14This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us.15And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him.” 1 John 5:13-15

Our Scripture today is from one of the most profound Epistle chapters written by the Apostle. Chapter 5 explores the themes of love, faith, obedience, and eternal life. John opens chapter 5 with a discussion of the new birth. 

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him. 2By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, 4because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.” 1 John 5:1-4 AMP

Our “new life” should be a demonstration of obedience to His commandments. It isn’t enough to just know the Word of God one must do the Word of God. That premise lays the foundation for his statement in verses 13-15 about walking in obedience to His plan equals fulfilment of our prayers. Verse 13 gives us the reason for his writing these things; “..so that you will know with settled and absolute knowledge…” If we are settled about the promises of the Father then we can walk in obedience and yield to His plan not ours! 

There is a key word in chapter 5 of 1^st John, “believe.” It is interesting to note that the words believe and faith are related but not interchangeable! The word faith is in relationship our accepting the reality of Christ’s work; belief is concerned with the application of four faith. John is trying to remind us that our faith sustains us and our belief empowers us! I love how the amplified stresses the Greek in verse 13 with the words “with settled absolute knowledge.” We are not in blind hope that the Word of God is true. We are walking with absolute confidence that He has spoken the truth and the truth will set us free!

Do you have absolute confidence in His abilities today? The Bile tells us that “faith comes by hearing the Word.” Victory comes then by applying it! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken