We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:18 – 20.

So John concludes this precious letter, his word of testimony, so to speak, with what we, as believers know.  Not what we allured by but what we know.

First of all, we know that God’s born-again children do not continue to sin as they had done.  John, then assures us believers that God keeps us safe, that we are protected by Him now and always.   He covers us so that no evil one can harm us. God keeps them safe. What a relief to know that God fights our battles for us and with us.  We know that God will be our shield and protector.

Second, we know that we are children of God.  We all need to keep in mind, every day and in every situation, whose we are.  That is more important, I do believe, than to know who we are.  If I try to figure out who I am, I am lost. I have no idea. If I realize that I am a reborn child of God, born of his Spirit, I know exactly who I am.  That is who I am!!  Unbelievers are under the control of the evil one.

Third, the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.  The thing I need to understand is that I cannot figure out who I am but, having been born of God by the atoning work of Jesus, I am given understanding regarding the things of the Spirit.  The question is not, who am I? but who is God?  The doors of understanding open wide when I know Him who is true.  I need to grasp this truth with both hands and with all my strength.

Fourth, we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.  This is a pillar truth, but one of the hardest to grasp.  I am in Jesus Christ!! That is my new identity, my eternal identity.  It makes all the difference. John reminds us that the One we are in is the true God, not some faltering idol, but God who is eternal, absolutely trustworthy.