What does 1 John 5:11 mean?

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:11

Explanation

1 John 5:11 is a verse from the First Epistle of John, which conveys a foundational Christian belief: God provides eternal life to humanity, and this life comes through Jesus Christ, His Son. In a literal sense, the apostle John is affirming that the essence of eternal life, according to Christian faith, is a gift from God that believers have access to through their relationship with Jesus. The “record” implies a testimony or witness, suggesting that this truth is something testified to and not merely a philosophical idea. Deeper meanings of this verse point toward understanding the nature of eternal life as more than just unending existence; it involves a qualitative aspect of life defined by a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

This epistle, traditionally believed to be written by John the Apostle, is thought to have been composed near the end of the 1st century (around 90-110 AD). The early Christian community faced internal divisions and external persecution. Some of those external influences included Gnosticism and Docetism, which brought about differing views on the nature of Christ and salvation. Within this context, the author sought to affirm the fundamental Christian beliefs about Jesus and the promise of eternal life to his audience, who were being challenged by various conflicting teachings.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is pivotal for several reasons. From an orthodox Christian viewpoint, it underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the source of eternal salvation, dismissing any notion that salvation could be achieved through other means or figures. In broader Christianity, different denominations may interpret the concept of eternal life in Jesus in varying ways, ranging from a focus on afterlife in heaven to a transformative life here and now. A Calvinist perspective might emphasize the sovereignty of God in the gift of eternal life, while an Arminian viewpoint might highlight human free will in accepting this gift.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can guide believers in several ways. First, it reassures individuals of the certainty of God’s promise of eternal life for those who are in Christ. Additionally, it can inspire Christians to live with hope and purpose, knowing that life does not end with physical death. Furthermore, it encourages individuals to share this message of eternal life with others, which can be a motivation for evangelism and missionary work.

Cross-References

• John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
• John 10:28: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
• John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
• John 17:3: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, “record” translates to “μαρτυρία” (martyria), which means “testimony” or “witness.” The phrase “hath given” comes from the Greek “δέδωκεν” (dedōken), which is in the perfect tense indicating a past action with present effects, emphasizing the enduring nature of God’s gift. “Eternal life” translates from “ζωὴν αἰώνιον” (zōēn aiōnion), where “ζωὴν” (zōēn) signifies life, and “αἰώνιον” (aiōnion) means eternal or everlasting.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of eternal life is found in various religious traditions. In some ancient Egyptian beliefs, the idea of an afterlife was central, with a focus on overcoming death through rituals and moral living. Hinduism speaks of moksha, a release from the cycle of rebirth. However, the Christian concept of eternal life as presented in 1 John 5:11 is unique in its declaration that it is a gift from God and exclusively accessible through Jesus Christ, rather than through moral merit or ritual practice.

Scientific Perspectives

Science primarily deals with empirical evidence and the natural world, and thus does not affirm or deny religious claims about eternal life. The concept of eternal life as discussed in 1 John 5:11 is inherently metaphysical and beyond the scope of scientific investigation. However, scientific understandings of life and death can drive philosophical conversations about the meaning of life, mortality, and the possibility of an existence beyond what can be measured and observed.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians provide different interpretations of 1 John 5:11:

• John Stott, an Anglican clergyman, views this verse as confirming the historical reality of God’s gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ and sees it as a source of assurance for believers.
• William Barclay, a Scottish author, puts emphasis on the Greek verb tense of “hath given,” highlighting the permanent nature of the gift of eternal life.
• Charles Ryrie, a theologian and Bible scholar, understands this verse to reflect the assurance of salvation, a central theme of the epistle, and notes that this assurance is based on the testimony of God Himself.
• Matthew Henry, an English commentator, sees the testimony of God about His Son as the highest evidence for believers to rest upon for their faith and hope in eternal life.