The purpose of John's writing was to reassure his readers. "That you have eternal life". Eternal life is not just a matter of what happens after we die, it is about the nature and character of life as well.
Asking is central to the Christian life, and not just asking, but receiving as well. Now this is not treating God as a slot machine, rather it is that the more our hearts and minds come into line with God's heart, then we will be thinking and desiring along the right lines, and we will receive what we ask for. We are never helpless, for we can always ask God.
It is not clear exactly what the sin that leads to death is. However, if we see someone sin we should pray that God will restore them, that they will come to repentance and turn back to God. However, if someone dies, then it is out of our hands. We are no longer to pray for the person then.
In the final paragraph John summarises the message he wants to get over. Note the frequent use of the word "know". They need have no fear of false teachers. We are completely secure in Christ, and in Him we have true understanding.
No comments:
Post a Comment