1 John

Lesson 71 John Chapter 5:1-21

Bible

This lesson concludes our study of 1 John, as we read and study 1 John Chapter 5. Our areas of focus for this portion of the study are (1) how we know that we are saved, and (2) the Doctrine of the Trinity. May God bless you as we consider our salvation and the difficult, but fundamental, doctrine of Christian faith known as the Trinity.

Please read all of 1 John Chapter 5, and then consider your answers to the following questions:

  1. How are we saved? (see 1 John 5:1 and Ephesians 2:8)
  2. Who saves us? (see John 3:16)
  3. Who can be saved? (see Romans 10:13)
  4. Is believing that God exists enough to save a lost person? (Read Job 1:1-12 and Luke 4:1-13 and understand who is talking with God and Christ in each of them.)
  5. Are Jesus and God one? (see John 10:30,38 and Matthew 1:21-23)
  6. Are Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit one being? (see 1 John 5:7)
  7. What does John assert in 1 John 5:1 that we are to believe? Is it to "believe in Jesus?" Is it to "believe in God?" Or is it that we should believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah— the Christ?
  8. How can we know that Jesus is the promised "Messiah" (a Hebrew term) and that he is the "Christ" (a Greek term)? (see 1 John 5:6-9 and Matthew 3:16-17)
  9. In 1 John 5:6-9, John says that three "bear record in heaven that Christ is the Messiah." List who they are, and then list what they bear witness to in earth.
  10. Why did John write Chapter 5? (see 1 John 5:13-14)

Bonus Question:

  1. The Doctrine of the Trinity teaches us that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) are all of the same being, i.e., "God is one." It is not just God simply describing himself in three ways—in the way that a man, for example, can be a father, brother, and husband, and still be one. We can say from our studies that God is our Father and Creator, and that creation was accomplished by and through Jesus who came to earth to pay the price of death for our sin. Furthermore, we can say that, upon Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven, God sent His Holy Spirit to be a comforter, a teacher, and a guardian over us until Christ comes again. Therefore, if we believe that all three are one in God, then we can conclude that God created us knowing how we would turn out. And he elected to pay the price of death and blood for our salvation himself. He is now with us who believe, indwelling in us until the day of the rapture when we all will be called to meet Him in the air. It is a mystery revealed to us through God’s Holy Word. As such, the Bible defines the Trinity as one divine essence with three eternal distinctions known as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. An example of this can be seen in John’s Gospel, Chapter 1, verses 1-5.

    After considering this difficult doctrine, can you find an example in creation (i.e., in man or his surroundings) that might be analogous to the Trinity and/or how it functions?

Romans 1:20 tell us, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." So, while our finite mind cannot completely comprehend the concept of a triune being, God tells us that if we study creation, we can see discern God’s power and nature "from what has been made."

In this lesson, John encourages to approach God in boldness, knowing we are His saved children. His love for us is greater than our understanding. May we always be aware of this love and His great presence in our lives.

Have a great week everyone!

In Christ,

Wes

[2021]

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