1 John 5 -- Getting Down To The Basics

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is God’s child.”  My commentary added:  “Belief here is not mere intellectual assent to the fact, but rather a committal of one’s life to Jesus as the Christ.”  In verses 2-3, John talks about the actions of those who are truly saved:  They will be characterized by a desire to DO the will of God – willing obedience to His commands.

He also says that God’s commands are not too hard for us.  My commentary added:  “He doesn’t mean that they are not difficult, but rather that they are the very things which born again people love to do.”  It was likened to a mother being told to care for her newborn.  Yes, it’s work, but it is also exactly what she would enjoy doing.

In verse 12, he says, “Whoever has the Son has life, but whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”  In my commentary:  “Eternal life is not found in education or philosophy or science or good works or religion or the church.  To have life, one must have the Son of God.”

Years ago, I fell into that trap of intellectualism, wrongly convinced of what I thought I knew.  But I’d let myself forget who knew me and loved me enough to die for me.  He loved me enough to draw me back to Himself, out of my wrong-headed thinking.  Eternal life is not a philosophy – it’s a Person.  And simply acknowledging that He lived is not enough – He requires a committal of my life to Him as Lord.

Father, I make it a point now to tell others what it took me so long to discover – that Jesus wants to be the Boss of my life, and I must let Him be that Boss.  Thank You for revealing Your truth to me.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford