Gloriographs by Rick Reynolds

And we know 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, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.  (1 John 5:20)

John is now wrapping up, as a reporter would from the scene of some newsworthy event. He or she will tell us what we know up to this point. This will be especially helpful with John’s report, because he’s discussed some pretty heady stuff.

Here’s the short list without the qualifiers.

• We can know we have eternal life. v. 13
• We can know with confidence that if we ask God anything he’ll hear us. v. 14
• We can know he’ll grant our requests. v. 15
• We can know that no one who is born of God sins. v. 18
• We can know that we are of God. v. 19
• We can know that the Son of God has come. v. 20

This is a lot to know, so the question is, what do we do with this knowledge? It is also important to grasp the various caveats and prerequisites to acquiring and using the knowledge to which John refers. It’s also very important to know the “evil one” lurks in the background (v. 18-19). But Jesus fought this battle and won. He’s paved the way. We know what we know because he first knew us.

29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.  (Romans 8:29–30)

Therefore, we love because He first loved us.  (1 John 4:19).

As in everything, knowledge must be applied to be useful. If we know we have eternal life, live joyfully and hopefully. If we know he hears us, what are we waiting for. Ask him! If we know he will grant our requests, ask him with confidence. If we know that our default position is one of sinlessness, then don’t sin. It’s a fair request to know from him what’s right and what’s wrong in every walk of life. Isn’t it? If we know we are “of God,” proudly wear the t-shirt. And finally, of all people, live as if Jesus has come, and if so, things are different now. Our day of reckoning has come and gone. It’s been cancelled by our faith in him.

We now know it all.

This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;  (James 1:19)