18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:18-21 KJV)
Knowing the True—Rejecting the False
Here we have a summary of the privileges and advantages of genuine Christian believers.
They are protected from sin’s full dominion and guilt: We know that whoever is born of God (and the believer in Christ is born of God, 1 John 5:1) does not sin (1 John 5:18)—that is, not with the wholehearted intent and spirit of the unregenerate (as mentioned in 1 John 3:6,9), and therefore not with the same level of guilt. They are kept from that sin which leads inevitably to eternal death; the new nature and the indwelling Spirit of God prevent them from committing unpardonable sin.
They are fortified against the devil’s destructive attacks: He who is born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him (1 John 5:18)—meaning that he is empowered to guard himself. This isn’t just a description of duty but a statement of the believer’s power through regeneration. The devil may tempt them and sometimes succeed in leading them into sin, but they are shielded from the kind of demonic influence that results in eternal condemnation. Their new birth protects them from the devil’s full influence, which poisons others or drives them to final ruin.
They belong to God and stand apart from the world: We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness (1 John 5:19). Humanity is divided into two camps—those who belong to God, and the rest, under the influence of evil. Believers are from God and for Him. They are His inheritance, His chosen people (Deuteronomy 32:9). In contrast, the rest of the world lies in the grip of the evil one. Though there are many wicked spirits, they are united in nature and purpose under one head—the prince of this world. He is called the god of this world because of his sway over it. It’s staggering that such a powerful being is so fiercely opposed to God, even knowing his end is destruction. May God continue to destroy his work and bring souls into the kingdom of His beloved Son.
They are enlightened in the knowledge of the true God: We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so we may know Him who is true (1 John 5:20). The Son has come and revealed to us the true God (John 1:18), and He has opened our minds to recognize and grasp this revelation. We are certain that the God He shows us is the real and living God—superior in every way to the false gods of the world. He is the Creator, the covenant-maker, the Redeemer, and the one who gave us His word and law. We know Him by His wisdom, power, mercy, and justice. He alone is the true and living God.
It is a great privilege to know the true God through Christ; it is eternal life (John 17:3). The Christian faith gives the clearest view of God and opens our eyes to see His reality.
They enjoy union with God and His Son: And we are in Him who is true—through His Son Jesus Christ (1 John 5:20). The Son brings us to the Father. We are in union with both, in their love, grace, and covenant, through the Holy Spirit. And—so we understand the greatness of this blessing—this is the true God and eternal life (1 John 5:20; John 1:1; 1 John 1:2). The Son of God is Himself the true God and eternal life. In being united with Him, we are united with the very source of all life and truth.
The apostle closes with a final exhortation: Little children, keep yourselves from idols (1 John 5:21). Since you know the true God and are united to Him, let His truth and love protect you from anything that competes with or opposes Him. Reject the false gods of the world—they are nothing compared to the God you serve. Do not try to worship Him through statues or images, which degrade Him.
God is Spirit and cannot be honored by physical representations. Have no part in idolatrous worship, and don’t let worldly desires take the place of God in your heart. The God you know is the one who made you, redeemed you through His Son, gave you His gospel, forgave your sins, gave you new life by His Spirit, and promised you eternal life. Stay close to Him in faith, love, and obedience, resisting anything that would draw your heart away from Him. To this living and true God be glory and dominion forever. Amen.