1 John 4:15

15 Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God.

1 John 4:15 Meaning and Commentary

1 John 4:15

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God
The only begotten of the Father; that he is not a mere man, as the Jews, and Ebion and Cerinthus said, but a divine person, equal with the Father; which contains all that relates to the dignity of his person, and his fitness for his office as a Saviour, and which was the test of faith in those times, and the grand article of belief: not that a bare assent to this had what followed annexed to it; for the devils believed and owned that Jesus was the Son of God; and so might, and did, unregenerate persons, as the centurion at the cross of Christ, who know nothing what communion with God is; but this confession is such as is attended with a believing in Christ from the heart unto righteousness, life, and salvation, and a cheerful obedience to his ordinances and commands, from a principle of love to him, and faith in him, things not to be found in devils and carnal men; see ( Romans 10:9 Romans 10:10 ) .

God dwelleth in him, and he in God; (See Gill on 1 John 4:13); this should encourage to an open and hearty confession of Christ as the Son of God, and Saviour of sinners, and to a public profession of his name, and faith in him, and an holding it fast without wavering.

1 John 4:15 In-Context

13 This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit.
14 Also, we've seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world.
15 Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God.
16 We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.
17 This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day - our standing in the world is identical with Christ's.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.