1 John 5:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

NIV: We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

NASB: We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

CSB: We know that we are of God, and the whole world is under the sway of the evil one.

NLT: We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.

KJV: And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

NKJV: We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

Both John and his readers "know that we are from God." Though it is true believers are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), the context indicates the idea of salvation or being born again. Believers are children of God (John 1:12) and are from God spiritually and relationally.

John again notes that Satan has spiritual control over the entire world. John has already noted the believers he is writing to have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:13–14), mentioning Satan as the "evil one" also in 1 John 3:12 and 1 John 5:18. This letter has also spoken previously of the power of the world (1 John 2:15–17). Jesus prayed to the Father to keep believers from Satan (John 17:15). Believers are to use the armor of God against the evil one (Ephesians 6:16), knowing God will guard us against him (2 Thessalonians 3:3). The "world" is also mentioned in the first chapter of the Gospel of John, as something created by Jesus, and from which He takes away sins (John 1:9–10, 29).

First John 5:13–21 closes out the letter by focusing on assurance of salvation. The goal of John's letter is to provide believers with a means to know, for sure, that they have eternal life. Those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ can be absolutely sure that they are saved. Despite our failures and sins, God is forgiving. And, through Christ, we have the power to overcome the world's temptations to sin.

Chapter 5 concludes the book of 1 John, once again emphasizing the supremacy of love in the Christian experience. Those who put their faith in Christ can know, for sure, that they have eternal life. This assurance comes by trusting what we know of the life of Jesus Christ, as well as the evidence of the Holy Spirit within us. Following God's commands, particularly love, results in confidence of our salvation, as well as strength against the temptations of the world.

First John 5 completes the letter by summarizing how Christians can know that they have eternal life. Prior chapters have explained the various signs of ''abiding'' with God, but the key measurement is love. In this final passage, love is once again used as the supreme measurement. In light of the rest of the letter, love for God and love for others is shown to be both a source of confidence and a sign of faith.

First John seems to assume that the reader is familiar with the gospel. Rather than re-state these facts, John is concerned with building confidence in Christian believers. At the same time, his words encourage believers to examine their own lives for signs of their relationship with Christ. This letter also challenges false teachers and their incorrect claims about Jesus. Many themes are shared with the Gospel of John.

Accessed 4/28/2024 6:12:11 PM