“For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, ‘even’ our faith.” 1 John 5:4

In the KJV you will find some words italicized.  These words were added by the editors to help clarify the meaning.  Just to be clear, the KJV is a word for word translation of the Word of God, while others are a thought for thought. Furthermore, it was not translated by theologians.  In other words, they did not put their theological slant on the Scripture, like many other translations we will find.  For me, KJV is my go to Bible.  It has not been filtered through various theologians and is a word for word, not a thought for thought translation.

I said all of that to say this, in 1 John 5:4, you will notice the word “even” is italicized.  That word was in fact added by the editors in an attempt to clarify. Please look at your own KJV to confirm.  So the original text read as follows:

“For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.” 1 John 5:4.

This I want you to know, our faith does not bring the victory….it IS the victory.

“⁶ For I (Apostle Paul) am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Simple faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ to pay the penalty of sin for the sinner and break the power of sin for the Saint is NOT easy “believism”. It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to isolate the Believer’s sin nature and free us from the law of sin and death when our faith is placed solely and exclusively in the finished work of Jesus (Romans 8:2).  Our carnal mind is at enmity with this Truth (Romans 8:7) and man made rules (laws) constantly appeal to our flesh to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil.

The good fight of faith is the only fight the Believer is called to fight…faith in Jesus Christ, Who HE is and what He has done for whosoever will believe.  For the overcomer, faith IS the victory.  Faith does not bring the victory for the overcomer but, again, it IS the victory.

To be the overcomer so many taunt behind the pulpit, we must not deny ourselves, our self effort and self will, and FIGHT the good fight of faith. Be determined to know NOTHING else among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  The daily battle is appropriating our faith in Jesus and His work, not faith in our abilities.

“¹⁷ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

¹⁸ For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:17-18.

The Cross of Christ is the power of God unto us who are saved.

-Donna Clark Warren