Marks of Regeneration: John has repeatedly spoken about spiritual birth in this letter.[1] Jesus called it being “born again” (John 3:3, 7; cf. also 1 Pet. 1:3, 23). This is what the Bible also calls “regeneration” (Titus 3:5). In this text, John points out the marks of regeneration as faith, love, and obedience (or righteousness[2]). The first of these is abundantly explained in his gospel.[3] This is likewise affirmed first in this passage (5:1). He who is born of God believes in Christ. The second and third marks are near axiomatic. “God is light” (1:5) and those who have fellowship with Him conform to His character, not contradict it (1:6-7). Put it another way: all the children of God bear the resemblance of their heavenly Father. As He is love, so they exhibit love (4:7-8). As He is righteous, so they also practice righteousness (2:29; 3:7, 10). Our resemblance may not be perfect (1:8-10), but it is undeniable. Spiritual birth is an internal reality that is impossible to fake or hide.[4]
Obedience: In this passage, John underscores the mark of obedience. Those who love God love the children of God born of Him, and they do so under the direction of God’s commandments. God defines what love is because He is love (4:8, 16). Therefore, we love one another as God directs us through His word. His directives are no burden to us, because we trust in our loving Father, and we are certain that His commandments are meant to bless us, not burden us.
[1] The idea of being born of God has been seen in 2:29; 3:9; 4:7 as well as the idea of God’s children (3:1, 2, 10).
[2] This is seen in John’s discussion of sin as lawlessness (3:4). All who are children of God do not continue in sin/lawlessness (3:6, 9) but instead practice the opposite (lawfulness), which is righteousness (3:7, 10).
[3] This is actually the thesis of John’s gospel (John 20:31). In the opening chapter John tells us that it is those who believe who are children of God (John 1:12-13) and it is they who possess eternal life (John 3:15-18).
[4] Someone who walks in lawlessness cannot possibly be born again (3:4-7) and neither is anyone who hates his brother (2:9, 11; 3:15; 4:20). Regeneration is also equally undeniable (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:10).