Faith That Overcomes The World1 John 5:1-5

A Salvation Equation

Our salvation depends upon love, faith and obedience.

We are not saved by love only. Or faith only. Or grace only.

We are saved by a working combination of these and other elements.

Everyone Who Believes

•1 John 5:1-2 -- Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.

John’s Melding of Belief and Love

1 John 2:23 -- …whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also….1 John 2:29 – Everyone who does what is right is born of him.1 John 4:7 – Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.1 John 4:16 – Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.1 John 5:1 – Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.

There is more to it than John’s brief statements: Matthew 7:21

Luke 6:46

•“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

Jesus knew not everyone who said they believed really did:

•John 2:23-25 -- Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

•Everyone who obeys

•1 John 5:3 -- In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,

•Love and belief are demonstrated by obedience

•John 14:21 -- Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

The Commands Are “Keepable”

Matthew 11:29-30 -- Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Faith Is The Victory

1 John 5:4-5 -- …for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Those born of God overcome the world

Faith in Jesus overcomes the world

2 Timothy 2:19 -- Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Romans 10:9-10 -- If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.