1 John 4:15

15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.

1 John 4:15 in Other Translations

KJV
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
ESV
15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
NLT
15 All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.
MSG
15 Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God.
CSB
15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God-God remains in him and he in 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 that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S 1 John 2:23; 1 John 5:5; Romans 10:9
  • 2. 1 John 3:24
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