Ep 232 – 1 John 5:1-5 PT 1

This is the first of seven episodes on 1 John, chapter five, verses 1-5. This first one is called, "Proof Positive" and will deal with a topic that should be of concern for each and every Christ-follower: The assurance of our salvation. While that is not necessarily the primary thought John was trying to get across in these verses, it comes out loud and clear. The real issue is that of belief. Belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior, sent by God to die for the sins of men. It is our belief in Him that provides us with assurance of our salvation. Not only that, John writes in his gospel, "that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." If we believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior, we can know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we are saved. And when we find ourselves loving our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are doubly assured, because that capacity to love comes from God. It is His Spirit living within us, made possible by Christ's death on the cross, that allows us to love selflessly and sacrificially. And to know that we are sons and daughters of God.