For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Character of Justifying Faith: A, Begotten Of God
Our main topic is Faith. We capitalize “Faith” to signify that we are describing a very special kind of faith.
One special attribute of Faith is that it is begotten of God.
Our text is very clear about this. Particularly when examined closely.
The conclusion is plain: He that possesses Faith that is begotten-of-God has already achieved victory over the world.
Notes. “Whatever”, not “whoever” is plainly indicated by the Greek. “Overcomes” is closely related to “victory” in the Greek. “Has the victory over” may be substituted for “overcomes”, giving greater accuracy at the cost of wordiness. “Begotten” is a more literal translation than “born”. It covers the entire process from conception to birth. It is up to the reader to apply a narrower interpretation where it seems warranted.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; - First John 1:1 KJV
Hear, and thy soul shall live. - Isaiah 55:3 KJV
