1 John

1 John 5:18-21

Believers born of God are guarded from the evil one, know the true God through His Son, and must therefore reject idols.

1 John 5:18-21 (WEB)

18 We know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn’t touch him.

19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

20 We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Central Idea

Believers born of God are guarded from the evil one, know the true God through His Son, and must therefore reject idols.

Authorial Intent

To conclude the letter by reaffirming assurance of protection, clarity about spiritual realities, and exclusive devotion to the true God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Chapter: 1 John 5

Faith in the Son, Victory over the World, and Assurance of Eternal Life

Those born of God overcome the world by faith in Jesus the Son of God, possess eternal life in him, pray with confidence, and guard themselves from idols.