This provides a powerful conclusion to the epistle by affirming the truth of our relationship with Jesus Christ and the importance of guarding ourselves from idolatry. In these verses, the Apostle John emphasizes the significance of knowing God through His Son and remaining steadfast in our devotion to Him. He affirms that through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, we have been given the understanding to know God, who is true. Through our faith in Christ, we are united with the true God and have eternal life. This is a powerful reminder of the reality of our relationship with God through Christ, and the assurance of eternal life that comes from knowing Him.
Applying this aspect of the passage to our lives, we are encouraged to deepen our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Through faith in Christ, we gain an understanding of God's truth and experience the reality of being in Him. Our relationship with God is not merely intellectual knowledge, but a living and transformative experience of being united with Him through the work of Jesus Christ.
The theme of eternal life is central to the Gospel message. In John 3:16, Jesus Himself proclaims, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Applying this passage to our understanding of 1 John 5:20-21, we are reminded of the incredible gift of eternal life that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. This eternal life is not merely a future hope but a present reality for all who believe in Him.
John's exhortation to "keep ourselves from idols" serves as a crucial warning against idolatry. Idols can take various forms in our lives, such as material possessions, success, or even personal desires. By putting anything above God in our hearts, we risk compromising our devotion to Him and hindering our spiritual growth.
Applying this aspect of the passage to our lives, we are called to examine our hearts and identify any areas where we may be tempted to prioritize something above God. We must guard ourselves from allowing anything to become an idol in our lives, instead maintaining a singular devotion to the true God.
The theme of avoiding idolatry is reiterated throughout the Bible. In Exodus 20:3-5, the first two commandments specifically address the issue of idolatry:
"You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourselves an idol or any image of what is in the heavens above, or on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God."
Applying this passage to our understanding of 1 John 5:20-21, we are reminded of God's commandment to worship Him alone and avoid idolatry. He is the one true God, and our devotion should be solely directed towards Him.
The New Testament also addresses the danger of idolatry. In 1 Corinthians 10:14, the Apostle Paul warns, "Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry."
Applying this passage to our understanding of 1 John 5:20-21, we are called to actively flee from idolatry and guard our hearts against anything that might distract us from our devotion to God.
In conclusion, 1 John 5:20-21 provides a powerful reminder of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the assurance of eternal life that comes from knowing Him. We are encouraged to deepen our understanding of God's truth and experience the reality of being in Him. Additionally, we are called to guard ourselves from idolatry, keeping our devotion solely directed towards the true God. Let us embrace the truth of our relationship with God and live with hearts devoted to Him, experiencing the fullness of His love and eternal life. Amen.
See also: vs 18-19
1 John 5:20-21. We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.