Walking in Faith That Overcomes

While John has spoken much of love and obedience as fruit of faith, now he underscores faith itself, summoning readers to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Moreover, everyone who wholeheartedly trusts in the saving work of Jesus Christ has (1) been born of God; (2) overcome the world; and (3) received the gift of eternal life. This Gospel testimony of Jesus’ salvific work in flesh and blood is not really John’s eyewitness account (e.g. man’s testimony) though it is, but this testimony concerning Jesus comes from God Himself. Thus, to believe this testimony about Jesus is to accept God’s very message to us; to reject this testimony is to make God a liar.