1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true… I. THE CHARACTER HERE GIVEN OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST — "Him that is true," "the true God and eternal life," "the Son of God." 1. The first object in this glorious description which claims our notice refers to the truth of our Saviour's character and mission — "Him that is true." This title is descriptive of our blessed Lord's faithfulness, and His punctuality in the performance of every engagement; He is true to His word of promise, though "heaven and earth shall pass away, yet His word shall not pass away till all be fulfilled." This title also refers to the validity of His claim to the character of Messiah. He was no pretender to a station which did not of right pertain unto Him — He was the true Messiah. Jesus Christ is also called "true," to express that all the types and shadows of the Levitical dispensation received a complete fulfilment in Him, "who is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth." 2. The next appellation is, "the true God." This epithet is not conferred upon the Redeemer merely as an honorary distinction — no, it is given to Him as asserting His Divine nature; a declaration, that He is "very God of very God." If Christ be not truly and properly God, He cannot be the Saviour of sinners. 3. Another epithet here applied to Christ is, "eternal life." He is so called with reference to His glorious work, as the Saviour of sinners. By the gospel He has "abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light," — has "opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers"; and by His meritorious death has obtained life for them; hence He is called the Prince of life. By His mighty power spiritual life is revealed in the hearts of His people. 4. The concluding words of the clause now under consideration are, "His Son Jesus Christ," which confirms His claim to the Divine character. The Father and the Son are one in nature, as well as in affection. II. THE PRESENT STATE OF TRUE BELIEVERS. "We are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ." To be in Christ is to be united to Him by faith, which worketh by love. The nature and necessity of this union with the Lord Jesus are most beautifully illustrated in His last discourse with His disciples previous to His sufferings: "I am the true vine," etc. Believers are "cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and are grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree," the influences of Divine grace flow into their souls, they bring forth fruit unto perfection, and are at length gathered into the garner of God. III. THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF BELIEVERS. 1. "We know that the Son of God is come." The import of these words appears to be this — we are satisfied the promised Christ has actually made His appearance in the flesh; and believe that Jesus of Nazareth was that person. I apprehend that these words refer to the revelation of our Lord Jesus, in the believer's heart, by the Holy Spirit of God. 2. "He hath given us an understanding that we may know Him that is true." We have already observed that Jesus is the truth. Now we are not naturally acquainted with Him; we know not His glorious excellences; hence, when beheld by the eye of carnal reason, the Redeemer seems to have no beauty in Him; there is no form or comeliness, that we should desire Him. This darkness remains upon the mind till dispersed by a light from heaven, and when that light shineth, Jesus is revealed in the soul, and becomes the supreme object of the believer's affections. Men may, by dint of application, become systematic Christians; they may understand the theory of the gospel; but they cannot thus become wise unto salvation. (S. Ramsey, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. |
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