Examining Christian Certainties (Part One)

From the desk of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Expositor & Teacher. The passage says, “We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:18-20). Perhaps the most striking thing about this wonderful passage is the threefold occurrence of the phrase “we know” in verses 18, 19, and 20! John says that biblical Christianity creates certainties, and with these three certainties he closes this letter. These words stand out in these days when we are told that we cannot know anything for sure. There is a quiet ring of assurance about the phrase “we know” especially when we discover that John uses a word in the original Greek which refers not to knowledge gained by experience, but to an inward learning process. It is precisely that kind of knowledge to which Paul refers in 1 Corinthians 2:10 when he speaks of a hidden wisdom from God which is not available to the world in general but which is imparted to those who are taught by the Spirit of God. Paul describes the Holy Spirit as being in constant search mode, searching even the depths of God. The Spirit searches and understands what is spiritual and makes it possible for us to perceive it. Thus, “we know!” Be encouraged! Stay tuned for Part Two.