Journal: Faith and Mission
Volume: FM 16:3 (Summer 1999)
Article: A Greek Exposition of 1 John 5:1–5
Author: Abidan Paul Shah

FM 16:3 (Summer 1999) p. 39

A Greek Exposition of 1 John 5:1–5

Abidan Paul Shah

M.Div. Student
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587

1999 Cowinner of the Baxter C. Phillips
and Wanda L. Phillips Greek Exposition Award
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Wake Forest, North Carolina

What is the essence of the Christian life? One may simply answer, “The gift of sonship.” J. I. Packer states, “If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child and having God as his father.”1 Sadly, many believers remain spiritually immature due to a lack of understanding of the doctrine of adoption. It calls for a return to proper doctrinal beliefs. One cannot deny the deity of the Son, Jesus Christ, and claim inheritance in the Father’s family; nor can one claim love for God’s children and disobey His commandments. Instead, every believer receives the gift of adoption into the family of God through faith in the Son, Jesus Christ, and is called to love the family members through obedience to God; and ultimately, he is assured victory over the world. This theme is highlighted in 1 John 5:1–5 by the Apostle John, who warns the believers against existing heresies, assures them of their status in the family of God, and exhorts them to “abide in Him.”

Background: Warning, Faith Building, or Both?

John’s loving concern for his readers is apparent throughout the epistle as he addresses them as “children” (τεκνία 2:1, 12, 28; 3:7; 5:21; παιδία 2:14, 18), “fathers” (πατἐρες 2:13, 14), and “young men” (νεανίσκοι 2:13, 14).2 In such loving words, he warns them to depart and flee from the “antichrists” (ἀντίξριστοι 2:18, 22; You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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