1 John 4:15

15 If we declare that Jesus is the Son of God, we live in union with God and God lives in union with us.

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 We are sure that we live in union with God and that he lives in union with us, because he has given us his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and tell others that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
15 If we declare that Jesus is the Son of God, we live in union with God and God lives in union with us.
16 And we ourselves know and believe the love which God has for us. God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them.
17 Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on the Judgment Day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ's.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.