1 John 5:1-12

Be Still: Lord, open my heart to hear from your word.

Read: 1 John 5:1-12
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (v12)

Encounter: I often begin devotionals with an anecdote to illustrate the tension of the text or highlight its point. Yet with today’s passage, its simplicity and profundity made an anecdote feel out of place.

This passage emphasises the truthfulness of God and his word, culminating in: ’Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life’ (v 12). With no room for misinterpretation, it declares: if you have Jesus, you have life. If you don’t, you do not.

John uses the Greek term Zoe for ‘life,’ which doesn’t only refer to existence now but includes the fullness of life that continues beyond physical death into eternity. Don’t be fooled by a pulse; just because you have one doesn’t mean you have Zoe. True life comes only through a relationship with Jesus.

If you’re reading this and you have Jesus -- be deeply encouraged. You have life! Not just here and now, but eternally. Let that eternal perspective shape your present reality. Life can be challenging, and you may feel a lack in some areas, but the promise of eternal life with Jesus surpasses it all.

I don’t want to make any assumptions - If you’re reading this and wouldn’t call yourself a Christian, please know this: God in heaven made you for a relationship with himself. You are no accident. While selfish choices severed that relationship, God never gave up on you. He sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the Cross and restore what was broken. Relationship with Jesus is the only way to life, both now and forever, and the good news is Jesus is inviting you into that today.

Apply: Take a moment to consider eternity and let the reality of eternity put your present into perspective. 

Devote: God, thank you for sending your son that I may have life!