1 John 5:11-13 "  These things I have written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God...."

John, the "beloved disciple" is writing to you and me.  He is writing to every believer.  All of the faithful in God.  He wants to say something that will encourage us--and all people down through the ages.  He continues:

"...that you may know that you have eternal life..."  He was speaking as an expert!!  He wanted us to know.  He uses the word "Know" over and over in this short letter.  Even those who were disciples and followers of Jesus had days when they wondered if it was true--would they have eternal life?

Some of the Jewish leaders taught that there was no life after death.  This was a big obstacle for people to rethink.  The idea of eternal life was exhilarating.  It is exhilarating to us as well.  It is our hope.  Of course you want to be sure where you are going to spend that eternal life.

Then, speaking to those of us who believe, John continues the sentence.  "...and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God."

The three parts of the verse are.  1.  He is writing to Christians.   2.  He wants us to know that we have life eternal.  3.  He wants us to believe.

But if you are writing to believers, why would you want to encourage them to believe?  The entire verse seems circular.  But John recognizes that the entire idea of God coming to earth to die for our sins to give us eternal life with Him is almost too good to be true.  He wants to strengthen our faith.

Mark 9:24  "...Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."

It is unbelievable that God would die for us.  Just because He loves us.  The step from unbelief to belief is faith that God will do what he said he would do.  Give us eternal life.  Thank God.

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