3. Security in the Son (5:18-20)

The key word of the epistle, know, comes to the forefront as John rehearses the certainties he has described in his letter. It is a recapitulation of the basic themes. While the gnostic teachers claimed superior knowledge, the believer in Christ “knows” certain practical and existential truths because he has known the true Representative of the true God and thus is saved (has eternal life).

The first thing we know is that the new birth results in new behavior. Second, we know we belong to God and have been delivered from the dominion of Satan. Third, we know that we have found the source of life in Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God.