In his letters, the Apostle John emphasizes the life-giving power of knowing and having a relationship with Jesus Christ, encapsulating it in the statement, "Whoever has the Son has life." This life, both eternal and abundant in the present, is a gift from God that transforms every aspect of a believer’s existence. John urges believers to walk in the truth of the Gospel and to live out that truth through love and obedience. Having the Son means not only knowing Jesus intellectually but also being united with Him personally, allowing His presence to shape our actions and relationships.
John also reassures believers of their salvation and the assurance they have in Christ. He writes to dispel fear and doubt, encouraging them to have confidence in their eternal life through Jesus. At the same time, he warns against the dangers of false teachings and the need for discernment. The letters make it clear that walking in the truth requires rejecting deceptive messages and standing firm in the truth of Jesus’ incarnation and divinity, as well as living in love for others, which demonstrates a genuine relationship with God.
Ultimately, John points to the promise of eternal life for those who have the Son, reminding us that this life begins now and continues into eternity. By walking in truth, love, and obedience, believers participate in the fullness of life that God offers, living with joy and assurance in the present while anticipating the reward of eternal life in His presence. John’s message is both a call to action and a comfort: to have the Son is to have life, now and forever.
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