Through the words written in chapter 5 of the letter of John, we know that through our Lord we have eternal life (1 John 5:13), and this is the true knowledge, but this world is plunged into the darkness of the evil one .
These words were written to strengthen the faith of believers, reminding them that eternal life is not something uncertain or distant, but a present reality for those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ. John speaks with assurance, not from human reasoning, but from the revelation given by God. This certainty is essential for the Christian life, because without assurance, faith becomes weak and unstable in the face of trials.
John exhorts his brothers to follow the good path, to believe faithfully in the name of the Lord, in the knowledge of the truth, of the eternal life that comes from Him.
To believe in the name of the Lord is not merely to acknowledge His existence, but to live in obedience to His teachings, trusting fully in His promises. This belief implies a daily commitment to walk according to His will, even when circumstances seem contrary or when the world pressures believers to compromise their faith.
John exhorted them not to stop believing in the Lord, so that they would not lose hope at any time, since the time would come when they would be forced to deny the name of the Lord.
The apostle understood that persecution, deception, and discouragement would arise. He knew that believers would face moments of testing where their faith would be challenged. That is why his exhortation is firm and loving: perseverance in faith is essential. Giving up belief would mean losing sight of the hope that sustains the soul and gives meaning to life in Christ.
This we know, that we belong to the Lord and the world is under the evil one:
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
1 John 5:19
This verse clearly establishes a contrast between two realities: those who belong to God and the world that is under the influence of evil. John does not write these words to create fear, but to open the eyes of believers so they may live with discernment. Understanding this spiritual reality helps us to be alert and to depend more deeply on God.
Did John write this prophetically? We ask this question because this verse faithfully describes the current scenario, because today more than ever the world is immersed in sin, calling evil good and good evil, condemning those who do good.
In our days, moral values are often inverted, and righteousness is frequently mocked or rejected. This should not surprise us, because Scripture already warned us about these times. As believers, we are called not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to remain faithful to the truth revealed by God, even when it is unpopular or misunderstood.
But there is very good news and that is that if we belong to God, we will be protected, we will be strengthened by the powerful hands of the Lord. God is and will be our sustenance.
Belonging to God gives us confidence and peace. Although the world may be unstable and filled with darkness, those who are in Christ are not abandoned. God sustains His children, strengthens them in weakness, and provides refuge in times of trouble. His faithfulness does not depend on the circumstances around us.
Believe and trust, do not lose hope, let us meditate on these good exhortations of John to his brothers so that they we be built and strengthened. Let us not doubt, let us not stop believing that in Christ we have eternal life.
Let us therefore remain firm in our faith, walking in obedience and love, remembering that eternal life is not only a future promise but a present gift from God. As we live in a world influenced by evil, may our lives reflect the light of Christ, bearing witness to the hope that dwells within us and encouraging others to seek the truth that leads to life everlasting.