Certainty of Eternal Life

The apostle John explained his purpose in writing his first epistle, just as he earlier specified why he wrote the Gospel of John. He wrote his gospel account so that we may believe and have life in His name, and he wrote his first epistle to those who believe so that we may know that we have eternal life. Is it important to know for sure that you have eternal life? Is that even possible? John contends that it is not only possible, but vital. He urged everyone to turn away from confidence in their own efforts and to trust in what Jesus has already accomplished on our behalf. That reliance on what Christ has done coupled with a right understanding of His nature as fully God and fully man is the basis of knowing for certain that we have everlasting life.