1 John 5:20

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

(v20, NIV)

I was reading about how this last section of 1 John is known as the "Three Certainties". Well, it might not be well known, but here in verse 18-21 talks about three certainties. We've already seen the first two certainties. First of all, there is deliverance from sin. Those born of God do not sin and our regeneration causes us to have a different relation with sin. The second certainty is divine sonship. We as children of God belong to God.

Coming to verse 20, we find the third certainty. This last certainty is about fellowship with the true God. With regards to this fellowship with God, we are first made aware and given understanding. Through Jesus Christ, we are given understanding. It is only through him and this understanding that we may even know him who is true. Back in chapter 4 we learn about testing the spirits. Spirits that are from God are ones that acknowledge Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus that we are able to discern which spirits are from God and which are not. In addition, in chapter 2 we learn about the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit whom we are able to know and be taught about the truth. When Jesus came, he promised the Holy Spirit to us before he left. He promised the Holy Spirit to his followers. Jesus had to go before the Holy Spirit would come to those who follow him.

We are given understanding. This understanding is the understanding of God - God is truth. We are not given the power to understand things in a general sense. The understanding of God is what we are given. The understanding of truth is really all we need. This isn't to say that we fully understand God. Rather, maybe it is better described as the power to know him who is true. We are able to know him and get to know him better. This is only made possible by Jesus Christ his son.

This verse also reminds me of the theme of abiding. John mentions us being "in" him. We are in him who is true. In addition, we are in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is referred to as the true God. He is also referred to as eternal life. For Jesus is God. He brings us understanding of the true God and he brings us eternal life through propitiation for our sins. To know the father is to know the son, and to know the son is to know the father. I don't know what to say other than to simply stress and focus on Jesus Christ our Lord.