What does “that we might live through Him” mean (1 John 4:9)?

1 John 4:9 declares, “In this, the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him” (ESV). God revealed His love for sinners by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world so we might live through him. “Live” refers to spiritual rebirth and daily dependence on Christ. Through Him, God transforms sinners, fills them with the Holy Spirit, and enables them to experience communion with God.

Before this, sinners are “dead in the trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1, ESV). However, Jesus came “that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). Faith is how sinners pass from death to life, according to Jesus: “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24, ESV). In this way, Christ is the life-giving water and bread of eternal life (John 4:14, 6:35).

God calls believers to have an ongoing and intimate relationship with Christ. In John 15:4–5, He says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (ESV). Abiding in Christ means actively relying on Him through prayer, meditation, and obedience. To abide in Christ is to live through Him, as expressed in 1 John 4:9.

Before knowing Christ, sinners were enslaved to sin and unable to please God (Romans 8:7–8). However, in Christ, they have victory over sin through the Holy Spirit. As Paul writes, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20, ESV). Living through Christ calls for believers to die to themselves and surrender to His Lordship. By walking in the Spirit, they are not bound to their sinful nature (Galatians 5:16–17). This allows them to experience the abundant life He desires.

Christians are not immune to suffering. Jesus declared, “In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, ESV). We can draw strength from His victory on the cross, find peace amid hardship, and trust His sovereign plan. God’s grace is sufficient in weakness and allows us to persevere with hope. If we live through Him, we can confidently say, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, ESV).

Christ entered the world to redeem humanity and to offer people salvation. John writes, “God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life” (1 John 5:11–12, ESV). Living through Him means we will enjoy eternal fellowship with God in heaven. The promise of eternal life is anchored in Jesus’ resurrection, which enables those who were dead in sin to abide in His presence forever (John 14:2–3).

1 John 4:9 reflects the heart of the gospel. It speaks of the salvation of sinners, an abiding relationship with Christ, victory over sin, strength in trials, and eternal destiny. Living through Him means embracing the life He offers and surrendering to His will. Abundant life is found in Christ alone, for “in him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4, ESV).