1 John 4:15-16 ESV: The Assurance of Salvation
Confessing Jesus as the Son of God
In 1 John 4:15-16, the apostle John writes:
"Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." (ESV)
The Importance of Confession
In these verses, John emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as the Son of God. This confession is not just a mental acknowledgment of Jesus' divinity, but a heartfelt declaration of faith. When we confess Jesus as the Son of God, we are acknowledging His deity and lordship over our lives.
The Result of Confession
The result of this confession is a deepening of our relationship with God. When we confess Jesus as the Son of God, God abides in us, and we in Him. This abiding presence of God in our lives is a source of comfort, strength, and guidance. We are assured of God's love for us, and we are filled with confidence in His presence.
Abiding in Love
John also highlights the importance of abiding in love. When we abide in love, we abide in God, and God abides in us. This mutual indwelling is a result of our confession of Jesus as the Son of God. As we remain in God's love, we experience the transformative power of His love in our lives.
Conclusion
In 1 John 4:15-16, we are reminded of the importance of confessing Jesus as the Son of God and abiding in His love. As we do so, we experience the assurance of salvation, the comfort of God's presence, and the transformative power of His love. May we confess Jesus as the Son of God with confidence and abide in His love forever.
