1 John 5:13

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

(v13, NIV)

John seems to be bringing this to a close now. Here he tells us of why he writes these things. First of all, he is writing to those who believe in the name of the Son of God. This is the assumption for those who are reading. This isn't to say that if you don't believe that you shouldn't read this or can't get anything out of it. Rather, the purpose for his writing of this hinges on this assumption. The purpose is so that these people who believe may know that they have eternal life. His writing is to help them know and be assured of eternal life. Reading through 1 John we read of many "tests" that John describes. These are certain ways in which believers will in fact act and there are also certain ways in which non-believers will act. This way, believers can read and see if their lives fit in accordance with how their life should look like if they are true believers of Jesus. This isn't to say that these actions are the way in which people are given or granted eternal life. Rather, their actions prove that they are in fact true believers. Actions are mere evidences to the true state of their soul.

If this purpose if what John intends for those who believe in Jesus, what is the result for those who do not believe? He doesn't say it in this verse, but I don't think his hope is for people to be misled or confused. I don't think he intended for non-believers to be assured of eternal life because non-believers are not granted eternal life. Salvation is only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. So, even though he didn't say it, I think John intended for non-believers to realize the true state of their soul. This isn't some cruel devious plan only finding joy in the suffering of others. Realizing your true state is important. If someone is driving along some dirt road leading off a cliff, wouldn't it be kind of a person to warn him of that danger? Or would you rather him think he's on a safe path leading to wherever he wants to go even if he is in fact heading to his death? If he is made aware of where his path is leading him, he is then able to turn around and go in a different direction. Whether he chooses to change directions or not is up to him. Similarly, I think John wants to warn those who are not believers of the true state of their soul so that they may eventually possibly be saved. Believers, read and learn and be assured of your salvation. If you do not believe, learn the true state of your soul, so that you may possibly be saved.