1 John 5:5: Who Is It That Overcomes the World

1 John 5:5
[5] Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (ESV)

This world is in bondage to a philosophy of deception. He is referred to by various names and titles in Scripture. It is significant to realize that this deceiver is temporarily in a position where he is able to cause great destruction. Those who do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God will not overcome the world. They will not overcome the system of deception that ensnares them. Here are the ways that the deceiver is referred to in Scripture:

Abaddon (destroying angel), Revelation 9:11

Angel of the bottomless pit, Revelation 9:11

Apollyon (destroyer), Revelation 9:11

Accuser of our brethren (the devil is the chief complainer against those who believe in God), Revelation 12:10

Adversary (opponent), 1 Peter 5:8

Angel of light (messenger of light), 2 Corinthians 11:14

Antichrist (opponent of the Messiah), 1 John 4:3

Beelzebub (the dung god, ruler of the devils), Luke 11:15

Belial (worthlessness), 2 Corinthians 6:15

Crooked serpent, Isaiah 27:1

Devil, Matthew 4:1, 5, 8, 11, 9:32, etc.

Dragon, Revelation 12:7

Enemy (the hateful, hostile one), Matthew 13:39

Father of Lies, John 8:44

God of this world (god of this age), 2 Corinthians 4:3 - 4

Great dragon, Revelation 12:9

Great fiery red dragon (serpent), Revelation 12:3

These descriptive words alert us to the fact that the enemy wants our destruction. We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God. To believe anything other than that is to be deceived by the enemy. There are many who claim to believe in Jesus, yet when you press them further about their beliefs you discover that they do not truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? If not, you are in the snares of the enemy of our souls. I invite you to surrender your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He will overcome!