In this chapter the apostle asserts, I. The dignity of believers, 1 John 5:1. II. Their obligation to love, and the trial of it, 1 John 5:1-5:3. III. Their victory, 1 John 5:4, 5:5. IV. The credibility and confirmation of their faith, 1 John 5:6-5:10. V. The advantage of their faith in eternal life, 1 John 5:11-5:13. VI. The audience of their prayers, unless for those who have sinned unto death, 1 John 5:14-5:17. VII. The preservation from sin and Satan, 1 John 5:18. VIII. Their happy distinction from the world, 1 John 5:19. IX. Their true knowledge of God (1 John 5:20), upon which they must depart from idols, 1 John 5:21. MHBCC 1165.1