THE two facts (and blessed facts they are) spoken of in this verse, are that Jesus is the Christ, and also the Son of God; and the consequence is, “that believing ye might have life through His name.”
“These things”―that is, the whole of this precious gospel of John―are written that people might believe these two facts, with the subsequent assurance, that where there is faith there is also “life through His name.”
Twenty chapters occupied in demonstrating the personal glory of Jesus! And yet how many more might have been written on the same all-engaging theme!
Now why is it necessary that these two facts should be established? Because, first, if Jesus were not the Christ, the Anointed, then the nation of Israel would not have been responsible for accepting Him, and, further, His rejection at their hands would have been justifiable; and, second, had He not been the Son of God, His death on the cross would have been without any saving value, and unbelievers everywhere would not be guilty for their refusal of it. But their rejection of the Messiah has brought on Israel “wrath to the uttermost and their refusal of the death of the Son of God involves unbelievers in the doom of” everlasting punishment.”
But, on the other hand, how blessed it is to know that the Christ, the Son of God, in all His eternal glory, is the lowly Jesus who came to “save His people from their sins.”
What infinite value must attach to the death of that Saviour, who is the Christ, the Son of God! No wonder that “life through His name” should be the portion of all who believe. Who can tell the extent of the blessing that flows from such a source?
And therefore, reader, you will see the need of establishing these two facts. Their bearing on your eternal destiny is evident. Do you really believe them? Perhaps you may reply that you never disbelieved them; that you were brought up in the faith they set forth, and that on this ground alone you think to claim life.
Stay. It is not through believing the facts, essential as that is, that life is acquired, but “through His name.” It is not faith in facts, but in Christ, that saves. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.”
J. W. S.