But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name — the stated purpose (hina clause) establishes faith as the Gospel's goal. The dual textual tradition (pistuēte present subjunctive: 'may come to believe' versus pisteuēte present indicative: 'may continue to believe') reflects debate about whether faith is initiatory or ongoing. The phrase 'life in his name' indicates that salvation is participation in Jesus' identity and presence. This purpose statement makes John fundamentally evangelistic theology, not detached narrative.

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