What does 1 John 5:14 mean?

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 1 John 5:14

Explanation

1 John 5:14 is a verse that offers assurance to believers regarding the nature of prayer and God’s responsiveness. It emphasizes that when prayers are aligned with God’s will, they are not only heard but are also within the realm of being granted. The phrase “this is the confidence that we have in him” underlines a sense of trust and assurance believers have in God’s fidelity. The word “confidence” here can imply a boldness or liberty in approaching God with our requests. It underscores the relational aspect of prayer, suggesting that it is an intimate and open communication with the divine rather than a formal or distant ritual.

The latter part of the verse, “if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us,” points to a conditional statement where the fulfillment of requests is contingent upon their alignment with God’s will. This serves as a principle that prayer is not merely about expressing personal wishes, but it involves seeking what is in accordance with the purposes and plans of God. The acknowledgment that God “heareth us” reinforces the belief in a personal and caring God who is attuned to the needs and desires of His followers.

Historical Context

The First Epistle of John is believed to have been written between 85-95 AD. It is traditionally attributed to John the Evangelist, although the actual authorship has been the subject of debate among scholars. The epistle was written in the context of addressing early Christian communities that were facing internal divisions and heretical teachings, particularly the denial of Christ’s humanity or divinity. The book of 1 John seeks to reinforce the orthodox Christian belief and encourage its readers to live out the ethical implications of those beliefs in their conduct, including maintaining fellowship with God and with one another.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, 1 John 5:14 presents several insights. From a Calvinist perspective, this verse might be seen as affirming the sovereignty of God in prayer, meaning that God’s will is paramount and prevails over human desires. In contrast, an Arminian viewpoint may focus more on human free will and the ability to freely communicate with God, even though God’s will remains the ultimate deciding factor. A Catholic interpretation might place this verse in the context of the larger teaching on prayers of intercession, where asking according to God’s will is essential, and the saints may be invoked to pray with and for us according to that same will.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire believers to seek a deeper understanding of God’s will and to align their prayers accordingly. It encourages self-reflection on whether one’s requests are self-centered or God-centered. The verse can also bring comfort, serving as a reminder that God is attentive to our prayers, and even when the answer is not what we hoped for, it can be trusted to fit into a larger, divine framework that may be beyond our immediate understanding.

Cross-References

• John 14:13: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
• James 4:3: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
• Matthew 6:10: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
• Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words like “confidence” (παρρησία – parrēsia) carry connotations of openness, boldness, and assurance. The term “ask” (αἰτέω – aiteō) refers to a request or petition, often used in the context of asking God in prayer. The phrase “according to his will” (κατὰ τὸ θέλημα – kata to thelēma) introduces the qualifier that requests must align with God’s desire or purpose, where “will” (θέλημα – thelēma) indicates God’s design or intention.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, the emphasis on aligning personal desires with a divine will is not unique to Christianity. In Islam, for example, the concept of “Insha’Allah” (if God wills) reflects a submission to the will of Allah in all aspects of life, including prayer. In Buddhism, while there is no personal deity to align one’s will with, there is an echo in the principle of seeking enlightenment and aligning one’s intentions with the Dharma or the nature of reality.

Scientific Perspectives

While science generally does not directly address theological concepts like prayer, some scientific studies have attempted to investigate the efficacy of intercessory prayer with mixed and controversial results. However, studies on mindfulness and meditation suggest that forms of prayer or meditation that promote feelings of trust and reduce anxiety can have positive mental health benefits.

Commentaries

Commentators offer a range of perspectives on 1 John 5:14. John Calvin viewed this verse as emphasizing the sovereignty of God over our wishes. Matthew Henry saw it as an encouragement to pray with the comfort of knowing that if we ask anything according to God’s will, He hears us. Contemporary commentators might focus on the relational aspect of prayer emphasized in this verse and the confidence believers can have in God’s oversight and care for their lives, acknowledging the complexity of discerning and understanding the divine will in the context of prayer.