Ezekiel Kimosop Supporter

1 John 5:13 says "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." (NKJV). 

This text of Scripture affirms that believers are assured of eternal life in Christ Jesus even as the grow in the knowledge of Him. The writer takes pride in this truth as he encourages his recipients to stand firm in the faith. 

Our journey of faith in this world takes us through the mountains and valleys. The mountain season is a moment of celebration of God's faithfulness in the particular circumstances of context. The valley experience represents the trying moments of life when our faith is tried and tested by God (Psalm 34:19; James 1:2-4). This is the moment that messages of comfort and encouragement are profound to the suffering believer. 

Job went through the valley experience in Job 1-2. The visit by his three friends did not help matters. They took him through fault-finding rather than praying and comforting him! God came out for Job in the end. 

1 John 5:14-15 says "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." (NKJV).

This scripture assures us of God's immeasurable grace whenever we approach Him in prayer. It inspires our confidence in Christ. It also underscores God's divine discretion on our petitions. In the exercise of His divine discretion, God will answer us in accordance with His will. God truly hears His covenant people whenever they approach His divine presence in prayer. This assurance is significant because our relationship with God is founded on our covenant with Him through Christ. Whether are prayers are granted, differed, or declined, we have peace in our hearts that God's purposes for us will be served.

How does the assurance of eternal life (1 John 5:13) relate to our confidence in prayer (1 John 5:14-15)?

Our assurance of eternal is the anchor and pillar of hope that stands out whenever we appear before the presence of God. We are conscious of our special relationship with God as His redeemed in Christ. We are members of God's household of faith, His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). 

We therefore have our solid standing before the presence of God as His covenant children (John 1:12); His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:19-20); His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9); His precious saints that He has purchased through Christ's shed blood (John 1:29). He hears us when we pray and cherishes our special relationship with Him. We can therefore walk into His holy presence unannounced and petition Him in confidence because of the righteousness of Christ in us. We have put on Christ. 

This privileged standing in the presence of God should always lift our hearts as we call on our heavenly Father.

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Donna Williams Supporter

Dear Anonymous, the two are related because God, who cannot lie gives us the assurance that we have eternal life through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

And by our faith, we have hope and confidence that when we ask Him for anything that is in accordance with His will, He hears us and will surely answer our prayers. 

We are God's children, and have been united with Him through Christ Jesus. We have been given the privilege to come boldly to His throne of grace, because of our relationship with Him.

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