Quite simply. That those of us who have the Son, have life.
The point is to look at what "these things" means. By all means, if one reads and puts into play all of the things that were written, then one can be reasonably sure of having the Son and hence Christ.
But to simply consider that he wrote just this one or two sentences and that that is all we need to know "to know" that we have eternal life, is to miss the point.
We need to examine the totality of what is written, not just this excerpt.
And, as always, the very same class of people are addressed, "you that believe." What does that mean? Does that mean those that profess a belief once, or those that show that their beleif is genuine by persevering?
SD
The point is to look at what "these things" means. By all means, if one reads and puts into play all of the things that were written, then one can be reasonably sure of having the Son and hence Christ.
But to simply consider that he wrote just this one or two sentences and that that is all we need to know "to know" that we have eternal life, is to miss the point.
I am adressing the point that John the apostle seems to think that we can know that we have eternal life, ... something you seem to think is above our pay-grade.
And, as always, the very same class of people are addressed, "you that believe." What does that mean? Does that mean those that profess a belief once, or those that show that their beleif is genuine by persevering?
What does believe mean to you, Dave ?
You're fond of dictionary definitions. Here's one for you ...believeIf one has to endure in anything, it would be belief, for belief is the qualification that scripture puts forth for salvation.
v. be·lieved, be·liev·ing, be·lieves
v. tr.1. To accept as true or real: Do you believe the news stories?v. intr.
2. To credit with veracity: I believe you.
3. To expect or suppose; think: I believe they will arrive shortly.1. To have firm faith, especially religious faith.
2. To have faith, confidence, or trust: I believe in your ability to solve the problem.
3. To have confidence in the truth or value of something: We believe in free speech.
4. To have an opinion; think: They have already left, I believe.
Have you ever considered that one's belief, acted upon by God's grace, produces the qualifications you would add for salvation ?
IOW, those who believe will endure to the end ... or ... those who believe will produce corresponding works.
One of you compatriots (I don't remember which) went through a thorough examination of the salvation of the thief upon the cross ... how the thief's faith (it was all he had) indeed produced a number of corresponding works. His was a good analysis.
However, if this be the case, how could anyone make a declaration of their faith ... and ... have that faith not produce any works ? Why, you would, at the very least, have the very same works that the thief on the cross did!
And, once again, what, besides faith (belief) is there for Christians to endure in ?
It's the only way to make the scriptures harmonize without changing the meanings of words (i.e. believe).
I mean ... look again at John 1:12 ...But, to those that received Him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them which believe on His name.What do you think that final phrase means (other than what it clearly says) ?