Homilist 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true… In this verse we have three of the greatest things. I. The greatest FACT IN HUMAN HISTORY. That the Son of God has come. There are many great facts in the history of our race. But of all the facts the advent of Christ to our world eighteen centuries ago is the greatest. This fact is the most — 1. Undeniable. 2. Influential. 3. Vital to the interests of every man. II. The greatest CAPABILITY OF THE HUMAN MIND. What is that? "An understanding, that we may know Him that is true." Men are endowed with many distinguishing faculties — imagination, memory, intellect. But the capacity to know Him who is true is for many reasons greater than all. 1. It is a rare faculty. The mighty millions have not this power, "O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee." 2. It is a Christ-imparted faculty — "He hath given us." What is it? It is love. "He that loveth not, knoweth not God." Christ generates this love. Love alone can interpret love, "God is love." III. The greatest PRIVILEGE IN HUMAN LIFE. "We are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ." This means, Jesus Christ is the true God. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. |
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