Believe, Love and Obey Christ

Belief that Jesus is the Christ (by faith alone, by grace alone, to the glory of God alone) leads to a rebirth (John 3:1-8) that draws believers invariably into love for God's other covenant children. 1 John 5:1 is not saying faith causes new birth. Rather it says "everyone who believes . . . has been begotten" and thus makes it clear that one result of new birth is the source of faith (Eph. 2:10). See "Confess . . . believe . . . believe . . . confess - Romans 10:9-10" below. The only ones who believe are the elect. See "Definite Atonement: For Whom Did Jesus Die?" below.

the Christ. In his gospel, John narrated the signs and sayings of Jesus to show that he was the Messiah (see notes on Jn. 20:31). In this letter, John affirmed this mark of divine kinship, his readers' true confession, that Jesus was the Son of God, who came in the flesh and died for the sins of the whole world (see notes on 2:2; 4:2-3, 15; 5:1, 6-8)

John writes a near chiastic structure (a writing style that uses a unique repetition pattern for clarification and emphasis) in 1 John 5:1-4 (see Smalley), stressing that faith or rebirth necessarily expresses itself in obedience:

• A. - faith and love (1 John 5:1)

  • B. - love and obedience (1 John 5:2)

  • B'. - love and obedience (1 John 5:3)

• A'. - victory and faith (1 John 5:4)

John emphasizes that believers express love for God and for his children by obeying his commands.

So, love for God's people is defined in terms of obedience to the commands of God. All of God's commands were designed to give proper honor to God and to his people made in his image. Therefore, believers are not left to speculate as to what it means to love others. Following the commands of God (e.g., keeping the Sabbath, not stealing, and so forth) is the sure way to demonstrate love for others. WCF 13.3; 14.3; BC 10.

By obeying God's commands, a person shows that they love God and love his children. This command to love God and one another is not as burdensome as a life of hate. Those who are born of God share his likeness, and find ultimate delight in doing his will, despite the sacrifices that love may require.

See WCF 13.3; 14.3; BC 10. See notes on 2:12-14; 4:15. overcome. Overcoming the evil one is an important Johannine theme in this letter (see notes on 2:13-14; 4:4) and in the messages to the seven churches in the Revelation (see notes on Rev. 2:11, 26; 3:5, 12, 21); 12:11; 15:2; 21:7). The word, nike, has to do with victory. Jesus leads the victory procession as the one who has overcome the world (see notes on Jn. 16:33 and Rev. 5:5; 17:14)