1 John 4:15

Whosoever. See on John 3:16; 1 John 3:4, 6; Rev. 22:17.

Shall confess. Or “confesses.” See on verse 2.

Jesus. John uses the human name of the Saviour, doubtless because he wishes to emphasize the recognition of Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God (see on 1 John 1:3; 3:23).

Son of God. See on Luke 1:35; John 1:14.

God dwelleth. Not only are we “of God” (verse 2) when we confess the Saviour, but God abides in our hearts and we abide in Him. Thus the confession of Jesus by the believer constitutes a further test by which he may know that God dwells in him (cf. verses 12, 13; 1 John 2:5), and he in God.

A connection between verses 14 and 15 lies in the fact that the believer’s confession of the divine Sonship of Jesus is dependent upon the witness of the apostles to that which they had beheld in the earthly life of Christ. We have never seen Christ, except with the eye of faith in the pages of Holy Writ, yet our personal testimony to His divinity, based on the reality of our own communion with God, will usually do more to win others to share the same joy than the most skillful presentation of doctrinal reasons. Of course, our lives must conform to our high profession if they are to have any value for others, but the very constancy of our fellowship with the Father will guarantee that Christ will always be seen in us (Gal. 2:20).

The type of communion possible has been demonstrated by our Lord. He was always in close communion with God. He constantly surrendered His will to that of the Father and consciously sought to do His will (see on Ps. 40:8). With us this experience is intermittent, for few have learned to stay surrendered for any length of time. We are likely to take our lives out of the hands of the Saviour and to break the link that binds us to the Father.

Satan is well aware of the tremendous value to man of this direct communion with heavenly beings, and he has worked hard to rob us of the privilege that he long ago forfeited (Rev. 12:7-10). But we must be aware of his sophistries and resist his efforts to separate us from God. Since confession of the Lord Jesus Christ is a sign of the mutual indwelling of God and man, the breaking of that communion is a denial of the Saviour. And when we deny Him we cease to enjoy His services as our Advocate (Matt. 10:32, 33).