WHAT CAN YOU KNOW? Devotion 12 of 32 What sort of external or fleshly evidence could any person assume to present to confirm they have eternal life? Apart from Divine affirmation, how can such a thing be proved? Even if eternal life is actually experienced, it can only be known that it is possessed because of what the Lord has declared. What form of human rationality can be brought forward that can bring us to such a conclusion? Such wonderful knowledge is acquired by believing what the Lord has declared – such declarations as is provided in this Epistle. THE MEANS OF KNOWING There are two means employed in this Epistle for the accomplishment of the intended knowledge i.e., knowing we have eternal life. THE ROLE AND POWER OF JESUS First, the indispensable role of Jesus is powerfully declared. He is absolutely central in our salvation. Consequently, there is no point in spiritual life where He recedes into the background, is given second place, or is to be taken for granted. EVIDENCE OF AFFILIATION Secondly, the Spirit holds before us the EVIDENCE of our affiliation with Christ. This confirmation is essential. -- Tomorrow:
Religious sophists boast of the effects apologetics, archaeological finds, and tangible evidences have had upon their faith. But which of them will say that the dead sea scrolls have confirmed to them they have eternal life? Let the person step forward who has been convinced he has eternal life through an apologetic argument. Which archaeological discovery has persuaded men they have everlasting life, or are in fellowship with the Living God through Christ and by the Holy Spirit? Who is the person who can point to the stars, reason upon the remarkable orderliness of the universe, or ponder fossil findings, and conclude from them that their sins have been forgiven and their name is written in heaven? The very notion is so utterly absurd there is no further need to deal with it. Even those ascribing inordinate value to such things will not say that they have made them sure they possess eternal life.
1. Jesus IS "that eternal life" (1:2)
2. He IS "the Son of God" (1:3,7)
3. He IS "the Christ" (2:22; 5:1)
4. The blood of Jesus Christ "CLEANSES us from all sin" (1:7).
5. He IS our "Advocate" with the Father (2:1).
6. He IS "the Righteous" (2:1)
7. He IS the "Propitiation for our sins" (2:2).
8. We SHALL be "like Him" (3:2).
9. He IS "pure" (3:3).
10. He WAS manifested "to take away our sins" (3:5).
11. We "live THROUGH Him" (4:9).
12. He IS the "Savior of the world" (4:14).
These are all in our spiritual base of knowledge. And how is it that we have come to know these remarkable things? Is it through apologetics? Did we arrive at this knowledge through some logical form of reasoning, or some imagined hermeneutic? What evidence can be produced for these things that lies within the realm of nature? If God did not declare them, who is the person who would ever have known a single one of them? This knowledge is wholly dependent upon Divine affirmation.
1. Keep His word (2:5)
2. Loving the brethren (2:10).
3. Doing the will of God (2:17).
4. Acknowledging the Son (4:2-3).
5. Doing righteousness (3:7).
6. Keeping His commandments (2:23; 3:24).
7. Loving in deed and in truth (3:18-19)
8. When we discerningly hear the Word of the Apostles (4:6)
9. Dwelling in love (4:16).
10. Overcoming the world (5:4-5).
11. Believing on the Son of God (5:10).
You will notice that all of these are spiritual in nature. They are things that cannot be substantiated in the flesh. They can all be emulated in the flesh, through a "form of godliness" that denies "the power thereof" – but they can only be confirmed by faith. That condition does not diminish the power of the knowledge affirmed. Rather, it proves the knowledge to be superior.
All of these are matters that can become clearer to us – and the more apparent they become, the more we will be convinced we "have eternal life." If they are not clear to us in some measurable degree, we simply will not be assured we have eternal life. When we become aware of these things, it will at once be apparent to us that those who fail to edify the people of God have actually given the advantage to the devil. They have, in a sense, robbed the people of God of the power that is reserved for them. I understand that this condition can be overcome through personal faith and diligence, but woe to that person who makes it difficult for the saints to know they have eternal life.
When you, dear reader, make it your aim to know what God has said about His Son, and about those who are in Him, you will at once find yourself in a "large room" (Psa 31:8). If you are in Christ, you will find that room laden with holy evidences and proofs that you have eternal life. Put this to the test and see if it is not true.
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank You that Your children not only have eternal life, but that they can know they have it.