For us to conquer the world (1 Jn 5:5), we must believe "that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 Jn 5:5). "Whoever does not believe God has made God a liar by refusing to believe in the testimony He has given on His own Son's behalf" (1 Jn 5:10). We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God to possess eternal life (1 Jn 5:11-12).

"There are three that testify, the Spirit and the water and the blood" (1 Jn 5:7-8). God the Father testified that Jesus is His Son when, at Jesus' baptism in the waters of the River Jordan, the Father said to Jesus, "You are My beloved Son. On You My favor rests" (Mk 1:11). "Jesus Christ it is Who came through water and blood — not in water only, but in water and in blood" (1 Jn 5:6), prompting the centurion at the foot of Jesus' cross to proclaim: "Clearly this Man was the Son of God!" (Mk 15:39) "It is the Spirit Who testifies to this" (1 Jn 5:6), for "no one can say: 'Jesus is Lord,' except in the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor 12:3). "Thus there are three that testify, the Spirit and the water and the blood — and these three are of one accord" (1 Jn 5:7-8).

"I have written this to you to make you realize that you possess eternal life — you who believe in the name of the Son of God" (1 Jn 5:13).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, June 11, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 20, 1998