1 John 5:20 — “We know also 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 by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is a powerful conclusion to John’s message. He reminds believers of three essential truths:

1. The Son of God has come.
   This is a statement of fact. Jesus Christ came into the world, not as an idea or vision, but in real history.

2. He has given us understanding.
   Without Jesus, people are lost in confusion and lies. But Jesus came to reveal the truth about God so that we can know Him.

3. We are in Him who is true by being in His Son.
   This means that believers have a real, personal relationship with the one true God because they are joined to Jesus Christ.

John then makes a bold and clear statement: Jesus Christ is the true God and eternal life.
There is no life outside of Him.
He is not just a teacher or prophet—He is God Himself.

Historical Context

In the time John wrote this letter, there were false teachers spreading lies about Jesus. Some said He wasn’t truly God. Others claimed that knowing God required secret knowledge or special experiences.

John is cutting through all of that confusion.
He reminds believers that everything they need to know about God is found in Jesus Christ.
Knowing Jesus means knowing the true God and receiving eternal life.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches clearly that:

• Jesus is the Son of God.

• Jesus gives true understanding about God.

• Jesus is Himself the true God and eternal life.

It also teaches that relationship with God is possible only through Jesus.
There is no other way to know God or to receive eternal life apart from Him.

This verse is one of the strongest statements in the Bible about the full divinity of Jesus.

Literary Analysis

John’s writing in this verse is confident and clear.
He uses the word “know” multiple times:

• “We know also”

• “So that we may know”

This repetition emphasizes certainty. John wants believers to have no doubt about who Jesus is and what He has done.

The sentence builds to a climax with the final, powerful statement: “He is the true God and eternal life.”

Cross-References

• John 1:18 — “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son… has made him known.”

• John 14:6-7 — “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

• John 17:3 — “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

• Colossians 2:9 — “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a clear reminder that everything they need to know about God is found in Jesus.
You don’t need to chase after secret teachings or spiritual experiences outside of Him.

It also gives great assurance.
Because Jesus has come and made God known, you can live confidently, knowing that you are in relationship with the true God and that you already possess eternal life.

How This Verse Shows God’s Love

This verse shows God’s love in a powerful way.
God didn’t leave people guessing about who He is.
He sent His Son to reveal the truth and to give people the gift of eternal life.
He wants to be known, and He made the way clear and personal—through Jesus.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is entirely about Jesus Christ.
It declares:

• He is the Son of God.

• He gives true understanding of God.

• He is the true God.

• He is eternal life.

This is one of the clearest statements in all of Scripture about Jesus’ full identity and His unique role in giving eternal life to those who trust in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse shape your understanding of who Jesus is?

2. Why do you think John emphasizes that Jesus is the true God and eternal life?

3. How does knowing that Jesus gives you understanding of God encourage you in your faith?

4. What false ideas about God does this verse help correct?

5. How can you help others understand that knowing Jesus is the only way to truly know God?