“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son.... And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:9-11.
Note.—The primary basis of all faith and acceptance is the word of God,—that which God Himself has said. To receive and believe this is the first essential to salvation,—the first evidence of acceptance.
4. Why did John write his testimony concerning God's love and purpose in giving Christ?
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” Verse 13. “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20:31.
5. What witness does the true believer in Christ have that he is accepted of God?
“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son.” 1 John 5:10.
Note.—Faith and feeling should not be confounded. Faith is ours to exercise in the Word of God, regardless of our feelings, and often in opposition even to our feelings. Many fail to accept the pardon and assurance of the acceptance of Heaven, because they do not take God at His word, but instead turn their attention to their changeable moods and feelings. Faith always precedes the joyful feelings which naturally result from the assurance of forgiveness and acceptance. This order is never reversed.
6. How only do any become children of God?
“Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:26.
7. What is the foundation of faith?