There were a number of reasons why John wrote this letter, they are sprinkled through these 5 chapters. Here we have another one. Actually, there are two listed in this one verse.
He tells us ( It's a blessing to know that while it's John writing and speaking, it's the Lord who had him write this, as He did with all the authors in the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments. ) why he had written these things to his readers.
He identifies them as those who believe in the name of the Son of God, it's so that, they may know that they have eternal life, and that they might continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. So, these are two reasons for writing this letter.
Personal knowledge of, or assurance of their having eternal life, having Jesus the Son of God as their savior, and that they might continue, or abide in the Lord.
The word, "Know", that you may know, means, to behold, to perceive, to see, to perceive with the senses, to discern, to discover, to have knowledge and understanding....
So, when a person reads through this short little 5 chapter letter, one of the blessings that the Lord will bring into their lives, is this assurance of having eternal life.
And, they will be encouraged to continue believing, or continue to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are having trouble in your walk right now, just trying to stay on track with the Lord, that is, following Jesus, then this letter will help you. John's second reason listed above, has to do with continuing to believe. To remain, to abide, to keep on, keeping on looking to Jesus Christ.
You may want to try reading this letter over a few times, it will only take you about 15 minutes, but well worth the time. Pray and ask the Lord to speak to you through it.
May You be blessed in your walk with the Lord.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
