1 John 5:11-15

The Means and Results of Having Eternal Life

Jesus was sent to open the way to eternal life in heaven, and to believe on Him, in the obedient way already discussed in earlier comments, is to gain that life (John 17:3). Having eternal life in heaven is contingent upon having the Son, or being a Christian (John 20:30-31; Mark 10:29-30). In 1:4, John had said he wrote that their joy would be made full. Certainly, there is no fuller joy than in knowing one will be in heaven. As long as one walks in the light (1:7), he can know eternal life is his promised possession. Literally, John was writing to those who would keep on believing (1 John 5:11-13). How can one really claim to believe Jesus is God's Son and fail to obey Him?

Having eternal life as a promise from God also gives the Christian confidence in his prayer life. God will answer if Christians pray in accord with His will (compare Mark 11:15; Mark 11:24; John 14:14; John 15:7; James 4:3; 1 John 3:22). Christians can be sure God will give them those things which are in their best interests (Matthew 7:7-11). They are so sure that God hears them that they can know He answers their prayers, even though the answer may not come in the way anticipated (1 John 5:14-15).