2. The First Epistle of John Life in the Son 1 John 5:11-13

3. Review Witnesses for Jesus Christ as come in the flesh –The water, the blood, and the Spirit –God –Within ourselves But what exactly is the content of the testimony within ourselves? –1 John 5:11-13

4. God has given us eternal life Eternal life: a present possession or a future hope? –3x John uses the present tense –Paul used the future tense Romans 2:6-7 Romans 6:22 Titus 1:2 –So which is it?

5. Eternal life: present and future One phrase, different meanings –“Eternal life” often used for the time after judgment Mt 25:46 –But does that “eternal life” began at the judgment or does it merely continue? Jn 17:1-3

6. Eternal life in 1 John 1 John 1:2 –Jesus is called “the eternal life” 1 John 5:20 –Eternal life is knowing Jesus and being known by Jesus 1 John 3:14-15 –Eternal life abides in us once we pass out of death and into life –That is, once we are in fellowship with God –“Eternal” in quality, and potentially in quantity

7. Eternal life is in His Son (5:11-12) He who has the Son has life –Jesus defined “eternal life” as knowing the Father and the Son (Jn 17:3) –Jesus taught that He came that we might have “abundant life” (Jn 10:10) –Peter confessed only Jesus has “the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68) –If we wish to have eternal life (now and in future), then we must be in fellowship with Jesus

8. Eternal life is in His Son (5:11-12) He who does NOT have the Son does NOT have life –Sounds exclusive, because it is exclusive John 14:6 Acts 4:12 –Without Christ, there is no eternal life, now or in the future 1 Timothy 2:3-4 –God wants all to be saved –But requires coming to a knowledge of the truth

9. We may know that we have eternal life (5:13) John has written that we might know –“Know” not “just hope” 1 Jn 2:3-4 when keep commandments 1 Jn 2:5 when keep His words 1 Jn 3:14 when love the brethren 1 Jn 3:18-19 when love in deed and truth 1 Jn 3:24 when believe what the Spirit revealed 1 Jn 4:12-13 when love is perfected in us 1 Jn 4:15 when we confess Jesus as Son of God 1 Jn 5:1 when we believe Jesus is the Christ

10. Conclusion Do you have eternal life? –Do you believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God? –Do you believe He died for your sins? –Are you keeping His commandments? What about His command to be baptized? –Do you love the brethren? If your answer to any of these is “No” –Why not make it right now?