TO SUM UP…

1 John 5:18-19 NLT
[18] “We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. [19] We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.”

How does John sum up this rambling letter, full of repetition and going around in circles? He has repeatedly affirmed the believer’s status in Christ, and the ways in which we can have assurance that we belong to Him.

Now he begins his conclusion with his final “we know”. What do we know that makes us secure in our faith in Jesus?

Sin, the enemy within, and the evil one, the enemy without, are lumped together as the great cause of our doubts and fears. John has repeatedly assured his readers that, through God’s great love, Jesus has taken care of the issue of sin. His atoning sacrifice has dealt with our guilt, and delivered us from sin’s power over us because He came to destroy the works of the devil.

Therefore, we no longer practise sin as a way of life. In fact, if we keep on deliberately sinning after claiming to be God’s child, we negate that claim and still come under God’s judgment. Those who are “in Christ” are protected from a life of sin by His power.

The other great truth that we know is that the world is clearly divided into two camps, us and them. We, as children of God, come under His authority and protection. They, as those who have rejected saving faith in Jesus, come under the control of the evil one. That includes all the people who side with him and all the world systems opposed to God.

This clash of kingdoms that affects our lives, will only end for us when we leave this earth. Therefore, our role here is to stand firm in our faith, put the flesh to death, choice by choice, through the Spirit’s power in us, and persevere, moment by moment, in our obedience to Jesus until we see Him.

What a hope for those who have committed to this way of life until we reach our goal!