1 John 5:5

5 And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth 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 this is the charity of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments be not heavy [and his commandments be not grievous].

4 For all thing that is born of God, overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, our faith.

5 And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

6 This is Jesus Christ, that came by water and blood; not in water only, but in water and blood. And the Spirit is he that witnesseth, that Christ is [the] truth.

7 For three be, that give witnessing in heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost [For three be, that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word, or Son, and the Holy Ghost]; and these three be one.