1 John 5:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

NIV: for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

NASB: For whoever has been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.

CSB: because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith.

NLT: For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.

KJV: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

NKJV: For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

John returns again in this verse to the theme of believers as overcomers. Jesus cannot be overpowered by darkness (John 1:5), and has defeated the powers of this world (John 16:33). Believers are not to be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Believers have overcome both the evil one (1 John 2:13–14) and evil spirits (1 John 4:4). Christians are not left weak and defenseless in spiritual battles. On the contrary, those battles are already won, by Christ.

How do believers overcome the world? Verse 5 gives a more direct explanation: by believing in Jesus as the Son of God. Here in verse 4, John simply refers to "faith" as our victory. The faith of the believer is the victory that overcomes. Every believer is an overcomer and is victorious because they have eternal life in Christ (John 3:16) and abundant life now (John 10:10). God's Spirit lives within the believer to provide power over the battles of this world.

First John 5:1–5 develops two major ideas. Initially, John repeats the idea that love, as a commandment from God, is a necessary action by believers. Showing love to others is how we demonstrate that we are ''born of God.'' Second, John explains that those who have faith in Christ can overcome worldly sins and temptations. Victory, for the Christian, is through faith in Christ, who has already defeated these powers of darkness.

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 5/3/2024 12:37:30 AM