These things are written so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life

In the first letter of John, chapter 5, verse 13, we read these words: “I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

These are great words of promise to the believer in Christ — for the true believer in Christ: a true believer who has repented of their sin, who has trusted in Jesus’ death on the cross as the payment for their sin, who believes with all their heart that Jesus rose from the dead, who is unashamed of Jesus and committed to following Jesus Christ.

The theological terms that describes this biblical doctrine are: perseverance of the saints and eternal security of the believer. In simple terms: once-saved, always-saved. Or, another way to say it is this: if-saved, then always-saved.

To followers of Jesus Christ the Bible offers great promises of eternal life, of a home in heaven, of spending forever with the LORD, in a place full of such wonder, incredible joy and love that you will be continually amazed for all eternity.

Notice these promises from God’s Word. These are great verses to memorize. I challenge you to commit them to memory.

Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29)

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples.” (John 8:31)

Jesus says, “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! (Romans 8:38-39)

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The LORD says, “Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Wow. God’s righteous right hand holds on to us. No one can snatch us out of His hand. Our salvation is secure in the strong hands of God. The evidence of our salvation is that we continue in His Word. We are saved by His grace, not our efforts. Our God is an amazing God.

The Bible says, “I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

This confidence in our salvation makes us spiritually strong and compels us to live by faith — a life of faithfulness to God. This good news is too good to keep to yourself — share this good news with others.