Introduction

1 John 5:13–21: The writer concludes the letter with the assurance of eternal life for believers in God’s Son Jesus Christ.

Today’s Key Verse: 1 John 5:20b

We live in union with the true God—in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life.

Reading

13 I am writing this to you so that you may know that you have eternal life—you that believe in the Son of God. 14 We have courage in God’s presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will. 15 He hears us whenever we ask him; and since we know this is true, we know also that he gives us what we ask from him.

16 If you see a believer commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray to God, who will give that person life. This applies to those whose sins do not lead to death. But there is sin which leads to death, and I do not say that you should pray to God about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which does not lead to death.

18 We know that no children of God keep on sinning, for the Son of God keeps them safe, and the Evil One cannot harm them.

19 We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One.

20 We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God—in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life.

21 My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!

Reflect

Verses 13–21 provide a comprehensive summary of the letter’s key points. Some translations describe these verses as the epilogue. What is your understanding of John’s teaching to the children of God? Do you live like you know you have eternal life (verse 13)?

Pray

Loving God, give me courage in your presence. I trust that you hear me when I pray and that you are with me in the midst all my joys and my sorrows. Empower me with your Holy Spirit, that I may be filled with your light and love and remain in union with you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

2 John 1:1–13: The writer warns believers about those who seek to deceive them.