A Study of 1st John Chapter Five

Introduction

There’s something profoundly beautiful about endings that aren’t really endings at all. As we arrive at 1st John Chapter Five, we discover that John’s final chapter doesn’t conclude his message—it crystallizes it. Here, in these twenty-one verses, the beloved apostle weaves together the golden threads of his entire epistle: faith, love, assurance, and the magnificent truth that life in the Son, victory through faith, transforms everything we thought we knew about spiritual security.

Recently, I found myself sitting with a young father who’d been wrestling with doubt. “Pastor Bruce,” he said, “I believe in Jesus, but how can I really know I have eternal life? How can I be sure?” His question echoed through my heart because it’s the same question that has haunted believers for centuries. Yet here in 1st John 5, we discover that John anticipated this very struggle and provided not just answers, but assurance—the kind that settles deep in the soul and changes how we pray, how we love, and how we face each day.

What if the certainty you’ve been seeking isn’t found in perfect performance or flawless understanding, but in the person of Jesus himself? What if life in the Son, victory through faith, isn’t just theological language, but the very foundation of spiritual confidence?

Together, we’ll explore how John’s closing chapter reveals the magnificent truth that eternal life isn’t a future reward we hope to earn, but a present reality we possess through faith in Christ. We’ll examine how different translations illuminate the depths of this assurance, discover what the original Greek reveals about spiritual victory, and listen to the wisdom of church fathers who found comfort in these same truths. Furthermore, we’ll trace the biblical connections that show God’s consistent character throughout Scripture and uncover practical ways to live with the confidence that comes from knowing we have life in the Son, victory through faith.

Translation Comparison: Discovering the Depths of Assurance

1 John 5:1 – The Foundation of Faith

ESV: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.”

NASB: “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.”

NET: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been fathered by God, and everyone who loves the father loves the child fathered by him.”

NLT: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too.”

TPT: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Anointed One has God as his father. And everyone who loves the Father will also love those who are born from his life.”

The variations here illuminate the profound reality of spiritual birth. Consequently, the ESV and NASB emphasize “born of God,” while the NET uses “fathered by God,” highlighting the active role of divine initiative. The NLT’s “become a child of God” emphasizes the relational transformation, whereas the TPT’s “born from his life” suggests participation in God’s very nature. Together, these translations reveal that life in the Son, victory through faith, begins with a divine birthing that creates both identity and love.

1 John 5:4-5 – The Victory Declaration

ESV: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

NASB: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

NET: “because everyone who has been fathered by God conquers the world. Now this is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. Now who is the person who has conquered the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

NLT: “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”

TPT: “For everyone who is born from God’s life has conquered the world’s system. The “breakthrough” that overcomes the world is our faith! Who could be victorious over this world system but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

These translations beautifully complement each other in revealing the nature of spiritual victory. The ESV and NASB use “overcomes,” suggesting ongoing triumph, while the NET employs “conquers,” indicating decisive victory. The NLT’s “defeats this evil world” clarifies the enemy, and the TPT’s “breakthrough” suggests a sudden, decisive moment of triumph. All translations agree that life in the Son, victory through faith, is not achieved through human effort but through believing in Jesus as the Son of God.

1 John 5:11-12 – The Heart of Assurance

ESV: “And this is the testimony, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

NASB: “And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”

NET: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has this life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have this life.”

NLT: “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

TPT: “And this is his testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is found in his Son. The one who has the Son has eternal life, and the one who does not have the Son does not possess eternal life.”

The remarkable consistency across translations emphasizes the absolute nature of this truth. However, the nuances are telling: the ESV and NLT use “given us,” emphasizing the gift nature of salvation, while the NET and TPT clarify that “this life” refers specifically to eternal life. The NASB’s use of “the life” (with the definite article) suggests not just any life, but the life—the very life of God himself. This is the core of life in the Son, victory through faith: eternal life is not a reward for good behavior but a present possession through a relationship with Jesus.

1 John 5:13 – The Purpose of Assurance

ESV: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”

NASB: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

NET: “I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

NLT: “I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.”

TPT: “I’ve written this letter to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you will be assured and know without a doubt that you have eternal life.”

While most translations maintain beautiful consistency, the TPT adds interpretive clarity with “assured and know without a doubt.” This expansion captures John’s pastoral heart—he doesn’t want believers to hope they have eternal life; he wants them to know with certainty. Therefore, life in the Son, victory through faith, includes the blessed assurance that removes doubt and establishes confidence in our relationship with God.

Greek Word Study: Unlocking the Language of Victory

Born of God (γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ)

The Greek word γεγεννημένος (gegennēmenos) is a perfect passive participle of γεννάω (gennaō), meaning “to beget” or “to give birth to.” The perfect tense indicates a completed action with ongoing results—once born of God, always born of God. Moreover, the passive voice emphasizes that this birth is something done to us, not something we accomplish. The preposition ἐκ (ek) means “out of” or “from,” indicating source and origin.

This grammatical construction reveals that life in the Son, victory through faith, begins with a divine birthing that creates permanent spiritual identity. Augustine wrote in his Tractates that this birth “is not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” The perfect tense assures us that what God begins, He completes.

Victory (νίκη)

The Greek word νίκη (nikē) appears in verses 4 and 5, referring to decisive victory or conquest. In ancient Greek culture, nikē was personified as the goddess of victory, but John transforms this concept into a spiritual reality. The victory isn’t an ongoing struggle but a completed triumph. Additionally, the definite article (ἡ νίκη) emphasizes that this is the victory—the decisive, ultimate conquest.

When John declares that “this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith,” he uses the aorist tense of νικάω (nikaō), indicating a completed action. Consequently, life in the Son, victory through faith, isn’t about winning battles but about possessing the victory already won through Christ.

Eternal Life (ζωὴ αἰώνιος)

The phrase ζωὴ αἰώνιος (zōē aiōnios) appears repeatedly in this chapter. Zōē refers not to mere existence (bios) but to life in its fullest sense—divine life, abundant life, the very life of God. Aiōnios means “eternal” or “everlasting,” but in Johannine theology, it emphasizes quality as much as duration.

The structure of verse 11 places ζωὴ αἰώνιος as the object of God’s giving, while verse 12 locates this life “in his Son” (ἐν τῷ υἱῷ). The preposition ἐν (en) indicates sphere or location—eternal life doesn’t exist independently but is found in relationship with Jesus. This grammatical precision reveals that life in the Son, victory through faith, is not merely about going to heaven someday but about possessing divine life now through union with Christ.

Testimony (μαρτυρία)

The Greek word μαρτυρία (martyria) appears throughout this chapter (verses 9, 10, 11) and carries legal weight. In ancient courts, martyria was the formal witness or testimony that established truth. John uses this legal terminology to emphasize that our assurance rests not on feelings but on God’s sworn testimony.

The aorist tense in “God has given” (ἔδωκεν, edōken) indicates a completed legal transaction. Therefore, life in the Son, victory through faith, stands on the unshakeable foundation of divine testimony, not human experience or emotion.

Theological Significance: The Foundation of Christian Confidence

The Trinity and Testimony

Chapter 5 reveals the profound Trinitarian foundation of Christian assurance. The Spirit, water, and blood bear witness (verses 6-8), representing the work of the Holy Spirit, the baptism of Jesus, and His sacrificial death. Furthermore, this threefold testimony establishes the legal certainty of Christ’s identity and work.

The theological implication is staggering: our assurance doesn’t rest on our ability to believe correctly but on God’s ability to testify truthfully. When doubts arise, we can return to this rock-solid foundation—the Triune God has spoken, and His word cannot be broken. Therefore, life in the Son, victory through faith, is anchored in divine testimony, not human performance.

The Nature of Eternal Life

John’s theology transforms our understanding of eternal life from future hope to present reality. Instead of something we earn through good works or achieve through spiritual discipline, eternal life is something we possess through a relationship with Jesus. The verb tense in verse 13 (“that you may know that you have eternal life”) indicates present possession, not future possibility.

This reality changes everything about Christian living. We don’t strive to earn eternal life; we live from the security of already possessing it. Consequently, life in the Son, victory through faith, liberates us from the anxiety of spiritual performance and frees us to love and serve from a place of grateful assurance.

The Paradox of Spiritual Victory

John presents the beautiful paradox that victory comes through faith, not force. The world operates on the principle of might makes right, but the kingdom of God operates on the principle that surrender leads to triumph. Our victory over the world’s system of values, priorities, and pressures comes not through fighting but through believing.

This theological truth has profound practical implications. When we face temptation, opposition, or spiritual warfare, our first response isn’t to try harder but to believe more deeply. Life in the Son, victory through faith, teaches us that spiritual strength comes through spiritual surrender to Christ’s lordship.

The Assurance of Prayer

Verses 14-15 reveal that confident prayer flows from confident identity. Because we know we have eternal life through the Son, we can approach God with boldness. The phrase “according to his will” doesn’t limit prayer but liberates it—when we pray in alignment with God’s character and purposes, we pray with supernatural confidence.

This theological principle transforms prayer from begging to believing, from pleading to partnering with God’s purposes. Life in the Son, victory through faith includes the blessed privilege of approaching the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that our prayers are heard and answered.

Augustine’s Wisdom: Ancient Insights for Modern Hearts

Augustine’s “Tractates on the First Epistle of John” offer profound insights into the meaning of this chapter. Writing in the early 5th century, Augustine understood that believers needed more than intellectual knowledge—they needed heart assurance.

On Being Born of God

Augustine writes about verse 1: “He who believes that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God. What is it to believe that Jesus is the Christ? It is to believe that He is the Son of God, by whom alone men can be saved.” Augustine understood that life in the Son, victory through faith begins with recognizing Jesus not merely as a good teacher or moral example, but as the Christ, the anointed Savior sent by God.

Furthermore, Augustine emphasized that this birth is entirely God’s work: “No one can make himself to be born. No one can make themselves be born again. As birth is the work of parents, so the new birth is the work of God.” This insight liberates us from the exhausting effort of trying to generate our own spiritual life.

On Love and Obedience

Addressing verses 2-3, Augustine writes: “His commandments are not burdensome, because love makes them light. What is burdensome to him who loves? Nothing is hard to love; nothing is impossible to love.” Augustine understood that life in the Son, victory through faith, transforms duty into delight through the power of divine love.

He continues: “The man who loves God has already begun to keep His commandments. The man who keeps His commandments has already begun to love God.” This circular relationship between love and obedience reveals that authentic Christianity is not about external compliance but internal transformation.

On Victory Over the World

Augustine’s commentary on verses 4-5 is particularly powerful: “What is this world that is overcome by faith? It is not the heavens and the earth, but the lovers of the world. Faith overcomes the world by not believing what the world promises.” Augustine recognized that life in the Son, victory through faith, involves rejecting the world’s false promises of security, significance, and satisfaction.

He adds: “The world promises temporal things; God promises eternal things. The world’s promises are uncertain; God’s promises are sure. Why, then, do you not believe God rather than the world?” Augustine understood that victory comes through choosing to believe God’s promises over the world’s propaganda.

On Assurance of Eternal Life

Augustine’s treatment of verses 11-13 reveals his pastoral heart: “These things I write to you that you may know—not that you may doubt, not that you may waver, but that you may know—that you have eternal life.” Augustine emphasized that life in the Son, victory through faith, includes the blessed certainty that settles anxious hearts.

He concludes: “Let no one say, ‘I do not know if I have eternal life.’ If you love, you have. If you believe, you have. If you hope, you have. Why do you torture yourself with uncertainty when the Scripture declares with certainty?”

Scripture Cross-References: The Tapestry of Biblical Truth

Old Testament Foundations

The themes of 1st John 5 echo throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, revealing God’s consistent character and plan. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 declares that God’s commandments are not burdensome—they are “very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” Similarly, John writes that God’s commandments are not burdensome (verse 3), showing that life in the Son, victory through faith, fulfills the Old Testament promise of internal transformation.

Psalm 2:7 records the Father’s declaration: “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.” This royal psalm finds its fulfillment in Jesus, whom we confess as the Son of God (verse 5). The victory theme also appears in Psalm 98:1: “Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” The psalmist’s confidence in God’s victory prefigures the believer’s confidence in life in the Son, victory through faith.

The concept of divine testimony appears in Deuteronomy 19:15: “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge be established.” John’s reference to the Spirit, water, and blood as witnesses (verses 6-8) reflects this legal principle, establishing the certainty of Christ’s identity and work.

New Testament Connections

John’s Gospel provides the closest parallels to 1st John 5. Jesus declares in John 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” This verse perfectly parallels 1 John 5:12, showing that life in the Son and victory through faith have been John’s consistent messages throughout his writings.

The victory theme resonates with Jesus’ words in John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus’ victory becomes our victory through faith, demonstrating that life in the Son, victory through faith, is not just a theological truth but a practical reality.

Paul’s writings also echo these themes. Romans 8:37 declares: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” The Greek word for “conquerors” (hypernikaō) is related to John’s nikaō, showing that victory is a central theme of New Testament theology. Additionally, Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is “by grace through faith… not a result of works,” confirming that life in the Son, victory through faith is God’s gift, not our achievement.

The assurance theme appears throughout the New Testament. Hebrews 10:22 encourages believers to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Similarly, 2 Timothy 1:12 declares: “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” These passages confirm that life in the Son, victory through faith, includes the blessed certainty that God finishes what He starts.

Practical Application: Living with Confidence

Daily Assurance in Christ

The truth that we have life in the Son, victory through faith, transforms how we begin each day. Instead of waking up wondering if we’re right with God, we can wake up knowing we’re His beloved children. This certainty doesn’t make us complacent; it makes us grateful. When we know we’re secure in Christ’s love, we’re free to love others without keeping score.

I remember a season when I struggled with assurance. Every morning, I’d wake up with a spiritual checklist: Did I pray enough yesterday? Did I share my faith? Did I lose my temper? The burden was exhausting until I realized I was trying to earn what Christ had already given. Life in the Son, victory through faith, means starting each day not with anxiety about our performance but with gratitude for His provision.

Confident Prayer Life

Verses 14-15 revolutionize our prayer life by anchoring confidence in God’s character rather than our eloquence. When we pray “according to his will,” we’re not limiting our requests but aligning them with God’s heart. Since we know God’s will is always good, perfect, and loving, we can pray with supernatural confidence.

This doesn’t mean we always get what we want, but it means we always get what we need. Life in the Son, victory through faith teaches us that unanswered prayers are sometimes God’s way of giving us something better than we asked for. When we pray from this confidence, we’re not begging but partnering with God’s purposes.

Overcoming Worldly Pressures

The world constantly pressures us to find our identity in achievement, accumulation, or approval. However, life in the Son, victory through faith, provides an alternative identity that circumstances can’t shake. When we face financial pressure, relational conflict, or professional challenges, we can remember that our ultimate security is in Christ, not in our circumstances.

This victory isn’t about escaping the world but engaging it from a place of spiritual strength. We don’t withdraw from society; we participate in it with different values and priorities. Life in the Son, victory through faith, means we can love our enemies, serve sacrificially, and maintain hope even when the world seems to be falling apart.

Community and Intercession

John’s instruction about praying for others who sin (verses 16-17) reveals the communal dimension of faith. Our victory isn’t just personal; it’s shared. When we see fellow believers struggling with sin, our first response should be intercession, not isolation. Life in the Son, victory through faith, creates a community of grace where we bear one another’s burdens.

This doesn’t mean we ignore sin or pretend it doesn’t matter. Rather, it means we approach struggling saints with the same grace we’ve received. We pray for restoration, not condemnation. We offer hope, not judgment. Life in the Son, victory through faith, transforms us into agents of God’s grace in a broken world.

Personal Reflection: Grace in the Trenches

There was a time in my pastoral ministry when I felt like a fraud. I was preaching about God’s love while struggling with my own sense of inadequacy. I’d stand in the pulpit proclaiming the security of salvation while internally questioning whether I was truly saved. The weight of pastoral responsibility, combined with my own spiritual struggles, created a perfect storm of doubt.

It was during this season that 1st John 5:13 became my lifeline: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” John didn’t write so we might hope we have eternal life or so we might work to earn eternal life. He wrote so we might know with certainty that we have eternal life through faith in Jesus.

The breakthrough came when I realized that my assurance was based on Christ’s worthiness, not my own. Life in the Son, victory through faith, doesn’t depend on my ability to believe perfectly but on Christ’s ability to save completely. My confidence isn’t in my spiritual performance but in His finished work.

This truth changed everything about my ministry. Instead of preaching from a place of spiritual insecurity, I began preaching from a place of spiritual confidence. The same message that liberated me began liberating others. I discovered that life in the Son, victory through faith, isn’t just a theological truth—it’s pastoral medicine for anxious hearts.

Now, when I counsel believers who struggle with assurance, I take them to 1st John 5. I remind them that their security isn’t based on their ability to maintain faith but on God’s ability to maintain them. Life in the Son, victory through faith, means that even when our feelings fluctuate, our position in Christ remains secure.

Conclusion: The Unshakeable Foundation

As we conclude our journey through 1 John 5, we discover that John’s final chapter is, in fact, a magnificent beginning. The assurance he offers isn’t just comfort for uncertain hearts—it’s the foundation for confident living. Life in the Son, victory through faith, isn’t merely a theological concept; it’s the bedrock reality that transforms everything about our relationship with God, others, and ourselves.

The translations we’ve explored reveal the multi-faceted beauty of this truth. The Greek words unveil the precision of divine promises. Augustine’s ancient wisdom speaks to our modern anxieties. The biblical connections show us God’s consistent character throughout history. Together, these insights create a symphony of assurance that drowns out the discordant notes of doubt and fear.

What we’ve discovered is that Christian confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s assurance. It’s not presumption—it’s promise. It’s not about what we’ve done but about what Christ has done. Life in the Son, victory through faith, liberates us from the exhausting effort of trying to earn what we can never deserve and invites us into the rest that comes from receiving what we could never achieve.

The question that lingers is this: Will you allow this truth to transform not just your theology but your daily experience? Will you let the reality of life in the Son, victory through faith, change how you wake up in the morning, how you face challenges, how you love difficult people, and how you approach the throne of grace?

As you continue your spiritual journey, remember that your assurance doesn’t depend on your ability to understand everything perfectly or to believe without any doubts. Your confidence rests on the unchanging truth that Jesus is the Son of God, that eternal life is found in Him, and that everyone who has the Son has life. This is not merely good news—it’s the best news your heart will ever hear.

May you walk in the confidence that comes from knowing you have life in the Son, victory through faith. May this truth settle your anxious thoughts, strengthen your weary heart, and inspire your grateful worship. And may you discover, as countless believers before you have discovered, that the assurance John offers is not just for eternity but for every moment of your earthly journey.

Enhanced Reading List

Primary Commentaries

• Augustine of Hippo. Tractates on the First Epistle of John. The foundational patristic commentary that combines theological depth with pastoral warmth. Augustine’s insights into assurance, love, and spiritual victory remain unmatched in their ability to comfort anxious hearts while challenging shallow faith.
• Stott, John. The Message of John’s Letters. A masterful exposition that balances scholarly rigor with practical application. Stott’s clear writing style and pastoral heart make complex theological concepts accessible without sacrificing depth. Essential for understanding the historical context and contemporary relevance of John’s message.
• Marshall, I. Howard. The Epistles of John (NICNT Series). A comprehensive academic commentary that provides a thorough analysis of the Greek text, textual variants, and theological implications. Marshall’s balanced approach to disputed passages and his careful attention to John’s pastoral concerns make this an invaluable resource for serious students.

Theological Works

• Bray, Gerald. God is Love: A Biblical and Systematic Theology. An excellent exploration of how John’s theology of love integrates with broader biblical themes. Bray’s systematic approach helps readers understand how the assurance found in 1st John 5 fits within the larger framework of Christian doctrine.
• Lloyd-Jones, Martyn. Life in Christ: Studies in 1st John. The beloved Welsh preacher’s sermonic approach to John’s epistle combines doctrinal precision with a passionate evangelistic style. Lloyd-Jones’s emphasis on assurance and spiritual victory makes this work particularly relevant for understanding the practical implications of John’s message.

Historical and Cultural Context

• Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude. A rich collection of patristic insights that shows how early church fathers understood and applied John’s teachings. The diverse perspectives from various church fathers provide a broader understanding of how these texts were interpreted in the early centuries of Christianity.

Practical Resources

• Phillips, John. Exploring the Epistles of John. A devotional commentary that emphasizes practical application without sacrificing theological accuracy. Phillips’ accessible style makes this an excellent choice for personal study or small group discussion.
• Ironside, H.A. Expository Notes on the Epistles of John and Jude. A clear, straightforward exposition that emphasizes the assurance theme throughout John’s letters. Ironside’s pastoral approach and emphasis on grace make this work particularly helpful for believers struggling with doubt.

Contemporary Perspectives

• Hodge, Zane. The Epistle of John: Walking in the Light of John’s Love. A modern commentary that emphasizes the relational aspects of John’s theology. Hodge’s focus on love and assurance provides fresh insights for contemporary readers seeking to understand how John’s message applies to modern spiritual challenges.

Multimedia Resources

• Through the Bible Audio Series with J. Vernon McGee. McGee’s conversational teaching style and emphasis on practical application make these audio studies excellent for those who prefer listening to reading. His treatment of 1st John 5 particularly emphasizes the assurance theme that resonates with anxious hearts.

The value of continued study lies not in accumulating more information but in allowing these truths to penetrate deeper into our hearts and lives. As you explore these resources, approach them prayerfully, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate the same truths that have comforted and challenged believers throughout church history. Remember that the goal isn’t academic mastery but spiritual maturity—the kind that comes from knowing with certainty that we have life in the Son, victory through faith.

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This Bible study was written from the perspective of Pastor Bruce Mitchell, reflecting a non-denominational Orthodoxy theological framework that emphasizes grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love. For more resources on biblical study and spiritual formation, visit allelon.us.