The events of the world, even within our own lifetime, demonstrate the uncertainty of life. Just a few years ago the Soviet Union was a powerful force, not only in Eastern Europe and Asia, but also in the world. Today the Iron Curtain has fallen and Russia's economy is still struggling. How quickly things can change!

Maybe you have experienced the uncertainties of life. One day you are on "top of the world," but the next day, things seem to be falling apart.  One day your job is going well, and your health is good. But overnight you lose a job, or you are stricken with a life-threatening disease. Yes, life is uncertain.

In contrast to the uncertainties of life, when we read the book of 1 John in the New Testament, we enter a world of assurance, confidence, and hope. "These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life".  (1 John 5:13)

Yes, we can know that we have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  We do not have to guess or be uncertain about it.  Notice these thoughts from the book of 1 John:

1. "And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:3). This statement of John is consistent with the statement of Jesus, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). There is a principle that is taught throughout the Scriptures: Our faith in God and our love for Jesus will be tested by our willingness to submit to His instructions and conform our actions to His will. "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:2-3).

2. "No one who abides in Him sins" (1 John 3:6). Another indication of our relationship with Jesus is the avoidance of sin. Certainly we understand that no one lives completely without sin, and John says that the person who says they have no sin is deceiving themselves (1:8). But there are two difference pictures given to us in the book of 1 John. One is of the individual who "walks in darkness" (1:6, 2:11), who "practices sin" (continual action, 3:4), and is "of the devil" (3:8).  The other is the individual who is born of God and does not habitually practice sin (3:9, 5:18).  When this person does wrong, he confesses the sin (vs. 9), and continues to seek a relationship with Jesus by repenting of that sin. This is referred to as "walking in the light" (1:5-9). 

3. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God" (1 John 4:7). The word love is found 33 times in this short epistle, and such a profound concept is difficult to summarize in just a few words. But one thing is clearly indicated by John - our relationship with God is determined our willingness to love. Notice these thoughts: (1) The love of God has been perfected in those who keep His word (2:5). (2) We know we have passed out of death into life when we love the brethren (3:14). (3) God is love, and we are to imitate that love in our obedience to God and in our love of our brethren (3:7-21)  (4)  "We love, because he first loved us" (4:19).

Do you know God?  Do you know His Son, Jesus Christ?  John says that we can know that we know Him! We can know that he abides in us!  We can know that we have eternal life! Study 1 John carefully so that you can have the confidence and assurance of eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ. We want to aid you in your search for God.  Enroll in our free home Bible Correspondence Course, or email us with your questions.

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