1 John 5:5

5 Who is able to overcome the world but the man who has faith that Jesus is the Son of God?

1 John 5:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 John 5:5

Who is he that overcometh the world
This question carries in it a strong affirmation, that no other person is the conqueror of the world:

but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
and this points out what that faith is which obtains the victory over the world; and shows that it is not that trust and confidence which has a man's self, or any mere creature, thing, or person, for its object, but only Jesus Christ, and that as he is the Son of God; and which is not a mere assent to such a proposition, to which devils and unregenerate persons may assent, and do; but it is a seeing of the Son in the glory, fulness, and suitableness of his person, office, and grace; a going to him, being drawn by the Father; and a living upon him as the Son of God, and trusting in him for life, righteousness, and salvation: and this shows, that the victory over the world is not owing to faith itself, but to its object Christ, who has overcome it, and makes true believers in him more than conquerors over it.

1 John 5:5 In-Context

3 For loving God is keeping his laws: and his laws are not hard.

4 Anything which comes from God is able to overcome the world: and the power by which we have overcome the world is our faith.

5 Who is able to overcome the world but the man who has faith that Jesus is the Son of God?

6 This is he who came by water and by blood, Jesus Christ; not by water only but by water and by blood.

7 And the Spirit is the witness, because the Spirit is true.