John Makes It Crystal Clear What the Gospel Message Is

1 John 5:11-13 – “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.”

The “record” is not that we must prove our salvation through works, ongoing obedience, or perseverance. It is simply that eternal life is a gift given through Christ.

If someone says they believe in Jesus but doesn’t believe this record, then what exactly are they believing in? A false gospel of faith plus works? A temporary salvation? A conditional salvation? If so, they are not actually trusting in Christ alone.

Are They Even Saved?

If someone genuinely placed their faith in Christ at some point—even if they are later confused by false teachings—they are still saved (2 Timothy 2:13). However, if they never truly trusted Christ alone but instead believed in a works-based gospel (even subtly mixed with grace), then they never actually believed the saving gospel to begin with. They don’t believe the record.

Scriptural Warnings Against a False Gospel

  • Galatians 1:6-9 – Paul warns that any gospel that adds works is a false gospel.
  • Romans 11:6 – Grace and works cannot mix: “If by grace, then it is no longer by works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.”

Someone who thinks they must prove their salvation through ongoing obedience, works, or perseverance is not believing in Christ’s finished work. They are essentially trusting in themselves to stay saved. They don’t believe the record.

Lordship Salvation and Perseverance of the Saints Deny This Record

Many in the Reformed and Lordship Salvation camps deny the simplicity of the gospel by adding requirements:

  • “If you’re really saved, you’ll persevere to the end.”
  • “True faith produces obedience, so if you backslide, you were never saved.”
  • “You must surrender fully to Christ as Lord in every area or you’re not really saved.”

All of these ideas subtly shift faith away from Christ alone and place it on performance, works, and personal effort. This is why many of them lack assurance—because they do not truly believe the record of 1 John 5:13.

The Danger of Not Believing the Record

If someone has never trusted in Christ alone—because they think salvation depends on their obedience or endurance—then they haven’t believed the gospel at all.

The Assurance of Salvation in Scripture

  • John 5:24 – “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.”
  • Ephesians 1:13 – “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.”

The moment someone truly believes in Christ alone, they are sealed and eternally secure. But if someone never truly trusted in Him alone, then they were never saved to begin with—because their faith was divided between Christ and their own efforts.

Conclusion

1 John 5:13 tells us we can KNOW we have eternal life. If someone does not believe in eternal security, they are not fully trusting in Christ alone.

  • Those who mix works with faith have never truly believed the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9).
  • If someone is trusting in their perseverance, obedience, or works to prove they are saved, they are not actually believing the record of salvation by grace through faith alone.