1 John 2:3
Verse
Context
Jesus Our Advocate
2He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.3By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.4If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And hereby we do know that we know him - If we keep the commandments of God, loving him with all our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves, we have the fullest proof that we have the true saving knowledge of God and his Christ. The Gnostics pretended to much knowledge, but their knowledge left them in possession of all their bad passions and unholy habits; they, therefore, gave no proof that they had known either God or his Son Jesus - nor is any man properly acquainted with God, who is still under the power of his sins.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
hereby--Greek, "in this." "It is herein," and herein only, that we know (present tense) that we have knowledge of (perfect tense, once-for-all obtained and continuing knowledge of) Him" (Jo1 2:4, Jo1 2:13-14). Tokens whereby to discern grace are frequently given in this Epistle. The Gnostics, by the Spirit's prescient forewarning, are refuted, who boasted of knowledge, but set aside obedience. "Know Him," namely, as "the righteous" (Jo1 2:1, Jo1 2:29); our "Advocate and Intercessor." keep--John's favorite word, instead of "do," literally, "watch," "guard," and "keep safe" as a precious thing; observing so as to keep. So Christ Himself. Not faultless conformity, but hearty acceptance of, and willing subjection to, God's whole revealed will, is meant. commandments--injunctions of faith, love, and obedience. John never uses "the law" to express the rule of Christian obedience: he uses it as the Mosaic law.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And hereby we do know that we know him,.... Either the Father, with whom Christ is an advocate; not as the God of nature, and by the light of it, nor as the lawgiver and Judge of the whole earth, and by the law of Moses; but as the God of all grace, as a God pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin, as the Father of Christ, and as in him by the Gospel; and this not in a mere notional and speculative way, but with love and affection; not with fear and trembling, as devils know him, nor in theory, as formal professors and hypocrites, but with a knowledge, joined with hearty love of him, and cheerful obedience to him: or else Christ, the advocate and propitiation for sin; and him also, not with a mere notional knowledge of his person and offices, which carnal men and devils themselves have of him, but with that which is spiritual, special, and saving, being from the Spirit and grace of God; and regards Christ as a Saviour, as a propitiatory sacrifice for sin, and an advocate with God the Father; and by which he is approved as such, to the rejection of all other savours, sacrifices, and advocates; and is trusted, confided, and believed in as such, and affectionately loved, and that above all others, in sincerity and truth; and is readily obeyed in his word and ordinances; for where there is true knowledge of Christ, there is faith in him; and where there is faith in him, there is love to him, for faith works by love; and where there is love to him, there will be an observance of his commands; and this is here made the evidence of the true knowledge of him: for it follows, if we keep his commandments; not the commandments of men, for the keeping of them arises from ignorance of God, and is a proof of it; nor the commandments of the ceremonial law, which are abolished, particularly circumcision, which is opposed to the keeping of the commandments of God, Co1 7:19; but either those of the moral law, and which are more particularly the commandments of God the Father; the observance of which, though it cannot be with perfection, yet being in faith, and from love to God, and with a view to his glory, is an evidence of the true knowledge of him and of his will: or else those commandments, which are more especially the commandments of Christ Jesus; such as the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper, which are peculiar to the Gospel dispensation; and which being kept as they were delivered by Christ, and in his name and strength, and to his glory, without depending on them for life and salvation, is an argument and proof of the right knowledge of him; and particularly his new commandment of loving one another may be chiefly designed, that being what the apostle has greatly in view throughout this epistle; now let it be observed, that keeping of the commands of God, or Christ, is not the knowledge of either of them itself, for much may be done in an external way, yet neither God nor Christ be spiritually and savingly known; nor is it the cause of such knowledge, for that is owing to the Spirit and grace of God; but is an effect or consequence of spiritual knowledge, and so an evidence of it; hereby is not the knowledge itself, but the knowledge of that knowledge, that is, that it is true and genuine.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
These verses may seem to relate to the seventh verse of the former chapter, between which and these verses there occurred an incidental discourse concerning the believer's duty and relief in case of sin, occasioned by the mention of one of the believer's privileges - his being cleansed from sin by the Mediator's blood. In that verse the apostle asserts the beneficial consequence of walking in the light: "We have then fellowship with one another, such divine fellowship and communion as are the prerogative of the church of Christ." Here now succeeds the trial or test of our light and of our love. I. The trial of our light: And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments, Jo1 2:3. Divine light and knowledge are the beauty and improvement of the mind; it becomes the disciples of the Mediator to be persons of wisdom and understanding. Young Christians are apt to magnify their new light and applaud their own knowledge, especially if they have been suddenly or in a short time communicated; and old ones are apt to suspect the sufficiency and fulness of their knowledge; they lament that they know God, and Christ, and the rich contents of his gospel, no more: but here is the evidence of the soundness of our knowledge, if it constrain us to keep God's commandments. Each perfection of his nature enforces his authority; the wisdom of his counsels, the riches of his grace, the grandeur of his works, recommend his law and government. A careful conscientious obedience to his commands shows that the apprehension and knowledge of these things are graciously impressed upon the soul; and therefore it must follow in the reverse that he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him, Jo1 2:4. Professors of the truth are often ashamed of their ignorance, or ashamed to own it; they frequently pretend to great attainments in the knowledge of divine mysteries: Thou makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and approvest (in thy rational judgment) the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law and art confident that thou thyself art (or art fit to be) a guide to the blind, etc., Rom 2:17, etc. But what knowledge of God can that be which sees not that he is most worthy of the most entire and intense obedience? And, if that be seen and known, how vain and superficial is even this knowledge when it sways not the heart unto obedience! A disobedient life is the confutation and shame of pretended religious knowledge; it gives the lie to such boasts and pretences, and shows that there is neither religion nor honesty in them. II. The trial of our love: But whoso keepeth his word in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him, Jo1 2:5. To keep the word of God, or of Christ, is sacredly to attend thereto in all the conduct and motion of life; in him that does so is the love of God perfected. Possibly, some may here understand God's love to us; and doubtless his love to us cannot be perfected (or obtain its perfect design and fruit) without our practical observance of his word. We are chosen, to be holy and blameless before him in love; we are redeemed, to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works; we are pardoned and justified, that we may be partakers of larger measures of the divine Spirit for sanctification; we are sanctified, that we may walk in ways of holiness and obedience: no act of divine love that here terminates upon us obtains its proper tendency, issue, and effect, without our holy attendance to God's word. But the phrase rather denotes here our love to God; so Jo1 2:15, The love of (to) the Father is not in him; so Jo1 3:17, How dwelleth the love of (to) God in him? Now light is to kindle love; and love must and will keep the word of God; it enquires wherein the beloved may be pleased and served, and, finding he will be so by observance of his declared will, there it employs and exerts itself; there love is demonstrated; there it has its perfect (or complete) exercise, operation, and delight; and hereby (by this dutiful attendance to the will of God, or Christ) we know that we are in him (Jo1 2:5), we know that we belong to him, and that we are united to him by that Spirit which elevates and assists us to this obedience; and if we acknowledge our relation to him, and our union with him, it must have this continued enforcement upon us: He that saith he abideth in him ought himself to walk even as he walked, Jo1 2:6. The Lord Christ was an inhabitant of this world, and walked here below; here he gave a shining example of absolute obedience to God. Those who profess to be on his side, and to abide with him, must walk with him, walk after his pattern and example. The partisans of the several sects of philosophers of old paid great regard to the dictates and practice of their respective teachers and sect-masters; much more should the Christian, he who professes to abide in and with Christ, aim to resemble his infallible Master and head, and conform to his course and prescriptions: Then are you my friends if you do whatsoever I command you, Joh 15:14.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:3-6 Obedience is one clear indication that we know Christ and belong to him. If we do not obey Christ, it is obvious that we do not belong to him or love him. • As we obey Christ and his commandments, our love for God and our knowledge of him will grow toward completeness and maturity. We will live . . . as Jesus did, in union with God and showing love for others.
1 John 2:3
Jesus Our Advocate
2He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.3By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.4If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(So Great a Salvation) Loving Ones Brother
By Paris Reidhead6.6K1:10:24LoveJHN 13:342CO 13:51JN 1:61JN 2:31JN 2:91JN 3:11In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a woman who cared for a sick mother and her children. Despite being just a laundress, she shared the message of Jesus with them. The speaker emphasizes that through the power of God, even the simplest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others. The sermon also focuses on the importance of loving one's neighbor and how being born again in Christ leads to a deep love for all people, regardless of distance or nationality. The speaker then references several scriptures from the book of 1 John to highlight the evidences of eternal life, including loving one's brother and walking in the light.
Biblical Assurance 1 - Austin, Tx
By Paul Washer4.1K43:16AssuranceMAT 6:33ROM 8:92CO 13:5GAL 5:22JAS 2:171JN 1:51JN 2:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of God and His will. He criticizes the reduction of Christianity to a few principles and a prayer for personal gain. The speaker highlights that God is not a hidden or distant deity, but has revealed Himself and His desires to humanity. The sermon also introduces the concept of tests in Scripture, with the first test being discussed at the end of the transcript.
(Evidence of Eternal Life - Part 2) Keeping His Commandments
By Paris Reidhead3.1K45:221JN 2:3This sermon delves into the evidences of eternal life as outlined in 1 John, emphasizing the importance of true fellowship with God over mere religious affiliation. It highlights the necessity of repentance, obedience to God's commandments, and the pursuit of holiness as key indicators of genuine faith. The message underscores the critical role of intention and commitment in pleasing God and loving others, contrasting it with the dangers of living in known sin and false professions of faith.
The Mightiest Weapon God Can Have at His Disposal
By Keith Daniel2.9K1:06:13PrayerMAT 7:232CO 13:5JAS 1:211JN 2:31JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith accompanied by works. He quotes from the book of Matthew, where Jesus teaches that a good tree will produce good fruit, while a corrupt tree will produce evil fruit. The preacher urges the audience to examine themselves in the mirror of God's Word to determine if they are truly in the faith. He also references passages from 1 Peter and 2 Peter, highlighting the call to holiness and the promise of partaking in the divine nature through faith. The sermon concludes with a thought-provoking question from the book of James, questioning whether faith without works can truly save a person.
(Evidence of Eternal Life - Part 6) Hating Sin
By Paris Reidhead2.5K49:421JN 2:3This sermon delves into the importance of recognizing true salvation and being born of God, emphasizing the need to examine one's life in light of God's Word. It highlights the distinction between those who practice righteousness as evidence of being born of God and those who continue in sin, attributing their actions to being of the devil. The sermon underscores the transformative power of Christ to destroy the works of the devil and the manifestation of being children of God through a life dedicated to pleasing God and hating sin.
College Conference - 2 Cor. 13:5 & 1 Jn.
By Paul Washer2.3K50:31AssuranceMAT 7:20ROM 8:92CO 13:5EPH 2:81JN 1:91JN 2:31JN 2:6In this sermon, the speaker highlights the problem of reductionism in our understanding of the gospel. He criticizes the tendency to simplify the message of Jesus Christ into a few basic principles, diminishing its depth and significance. The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate his point, emphasizing the need to truly marvel at the gospel rather than treating it as a basic introductory lesson. He also emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to sin and growing in our knowledge of God.
Evangelism Conference - Part 2
By Henry Blackaby2.2K55:29DEU 21:22DEU 31:19MAT 5:17MAT 6:33JHN 4:41JN 1:51JN 2:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the songs we sing in worship. He shares his experience of being moved to tears by the hymns that describe the mighty deeds of God, particularly the cross. He also mentions the significance of music in conferences and expresses gratitude for the great old hymns. The speaker then references a moment from the book of Deuteronomy where God commanded Moses to teach the Israelites a song as a witness against them and a deterrent to sin. He concludes by discussing the impact of walking in the light as God is in the light and shares testimonies of individuals who have been called by God for specific purposes in their countries.
(1 Corinthians) Carnal Christianity
By Brian Brodersen2.1K46:341JN 2:3In this sermon, the preacher addresses the behavior of the people in the church. He highlights the fact that many individuals in the congregation have engaged in sinful activities such as watching inappropriate movies, getting drunk, and engaging in sexual activity. The preacher emphasizes the importance of selflessness and the need for repentance. He explains that repentance goes beyond feeling sorry for one's actions; it requires a change in thinking and lifestyle. The preacher also emphasizes the significance of having a broken and contrite heart before God and trembling at His word. He warns that those who continue to practice sinful behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God, as stated in Galatians 5.
Evidences of the New Birth
By Paris Reidhead1.8K38:19New BirthGAL 4:61JN 1:61JN 2:31JN 2:101JN 3:241JN 5:41JN 5:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the evidences of eternal life as described in the first epistle of John. He emphasizes the importance of believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, in order to have eternal life. The preacher also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in confirming our status as children of God and the need to overcome the world through faith. Additionally, he warns against loving the world and living in sin while claiming to be a child of God.
Studies in 1 John-03 1 John 3:12-29
By William MacDonald1.3K40:15JHN 20:27EPH 4:281JN 2:31JN 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the love of Jesus and how it should inspire love in return. The speaker also mentions the importance of memorizing and keeping God's commandments, as well as the need for a change in behavior after accepting Christ. The sermon highlights the contrast between the passing nature of the world and the eternal nature of doing God's will. The speaker concludes by discussing the choice individuals have to make between choosing Christ or the world.
Are You a Christian? - 1 John
By Anton Bosch1.3K47:18JHN 3:161JN 1:71JN 2:31JN 3:101JN 3:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the darkness and sinfulness of the world we live in. However, he assures that if we are truly of the light, the darkness will not overcome us. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having Jesus in our lives, as he is the source of life. He urges believers to not just talk about love, but to demonstrate it through their actions. The preacher also warns against being too focused on worldly things and urges believers to prioritize the things of God.
Not Loving the World
By Paris Reidhead1.2K46:20WorldlinessMAT 24:38LUK 21:34JAS 4:41JN 1:61JN 2:31JN 2:91JN 2:151JN 3:141JN 4:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the grace of God that brings salvation teaches everyone the same things, regardless of their cultural background or language. The speaker shares a personal experience of arriving in Sudan and being shown around by a senior missionary. The sermon then delves into the importance of the word of God in discerning between the soul and spirit. The speaker highlights the commandment to not love the world and explains that doing the will of God is evidence of love. The sermon concludes by suggesting that one's attitude towards the world can be revealed through their actions, and encourages listeners to let others discover their own attitudes rather than judging them.
Can a Christian Commit Suicide?
By Tim Conway1.2K32:19PSA 34:17ISA 41:10MAT 27:5MRK 3:281CO 6:91CO 10:13HEB 12:1JAS 4:21JN 2:3REV 21:4This sermon addresses the question of whether a Christian can commit suicide, highlighting that suicide is self-murder driven by unfulfilled desires. It explores biblical examples of suicide and the implications of such actions on one's faith and salvation. The speaker emphasizes the need to trust in God's grace and endure suffering, rather than resorting to self-will and unrighteousness. Suicide is portrayed as a dishonorable and sinful act, contrasting with the call to find rest and satisfaction in Christ.
In the Word #6
By Milton Green1.0K58:23ROM 6:6ROM 7:4ROM 8:2GAL 5:16HEB 3:182PE 1:31JN 2:31JN 2:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, righteousness, and holiness in the church today. It highlights the need to die to the flesh, be joined to Christ, and bear fruit for God. The speaker encourages a shift from a form of godliness to a genuine transformation in Christ, leading to freedom, peace, and victory over the powers of darkness.
If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments
By Rolfe Barnard97252:00MAT 22:39JHN 14:15JAS 2:141JN 2:31JN 4:20In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his own shortcomings and the importance of truly loving Jesus. He emphasizes the need to not just talk about loving Jesus, but to show it through obedience to His commandments. The preacher references several Bible verses, including John 14:15 and John 20:21, to support his message. He highlights four qualities of obedience that are found in every true lover of Christ, distinguishing them from others.
Birthmarks of the Family of God
By Al Whittinghill96059:11Family Of GodJHN 13:35TIT 1:16HEB 12:141JN 2:31JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the sower and the different types of ground that receive the word of God. He emphasizes that only the good ground, which represents those with an open and receptive heart, will bear fruit and be saved. The preacher also highlights the dangers of a watered-down gospel that caters to worldly desires and promises material wealth and happiness. He challenges the listeners to examine their current lives and asks them to consider if they are truly living according to the teachings of Jesus.
Loving One's Brother
By Paris Reidhead90449:58Love1JN 1:61JN 2:31JN 2:91JN 3:111JN 4:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a neighbor to those in need. He shares a story of watching a news broadcast about an earthquake in Guatemala and how it made him realize that technology, like a television, can connect us to the suffering of others and make us their neighbors. The speaker then tells another story about a laundress who cared for a sick mother and her children, and despite not being a missionary, she led more people to Christ than any of the missionaries in the area. The sermon concludes with the speaker discussing the evidences of eternal life and how those who are dead in their sins and focused on pleasing themselves will not experience the revelation of God.
Truth and Error - Part 2 - Truth and Error (Compilation)
By Compilations83420:51CompilationMAT 6:24ROM 8:11CO 1:10EPH 2:141TI 4:1HEB 11:61JN 2:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not loving the world or its desires. He references the Israelites in the wilderness who constantly lusted after worldly things and were dissatisfied. The preacher warns against being led by the flesh and sinful nature, as it leads to restlessness and separation from God. He also highlights the danger of departing from the faith and being deceived by false spirits. The sermon concludes with a call to love Jesus wholeheartedly and to be cautious of having a divided heart between God and the world.
The Nicolaitan Conspiracy
By Steve Gallagher80257:501JN 2:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's laws as a true expression of love for Him. It addresses the deception of the great apostasy, revealing the lies that undermine obedience and the need to confront sin within the church. The sermon highlights the subtle ways deception enters the church through half-truths, victim mentalities, and assaults on Scripture by the emergent church, urging believers to discern the truth and stand firm in obedience to God despite cultural influences.
Evidences of the New Birth - Part 5
By Paris Reidhead14850:54New Birth1JN 2:3In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of understanding and experiencing the message of God. He references Galatians 4:4-6, emphasizing that God sent His Son to redeem those under the law and adopt them as His children. The speaker then discusses three evidences of a true believer: their attitude towards God's commandments, their attitude towards the world, and their practice of sin. He challenges the listeners to examine their hearts and consider their relationship with God and their understanding of themselves and Christ.
What Is the Fruit That Befits Repentance?
By John Piper0MIC 6:8LUK 3:8LUK 12:34ROM 4:16GAL 3:7HEB 13:51JN 2:3John Piper preaches on the importance of repentance and relying solely on God's mercy for salvation, emphasizing that human distinctives like race or works do not guarantee salvation, but only faith in God's grace. He highlights how repentance leads to a transformed lifestyle, as seen in Luke 3:10-20, where John the Baptist instructs the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers on living in a way that befits repentance. John's exhortations focus on sharing with the needy, being content, and avoiding exploitation, showcasing the fruits of genuine repentance and reliance on God's mercy.
In the Beginning, God Created Me to Be His Child
By Ausbund0PSA 139:13MAT 22:37JHN 3:16JHN 6:44JHN 14:6ROM 7:21ROM 8:1EPH 2:41TI 1:51JN 2:3Hans Betz preaches about the journey of a person who was created by God as His child, but lost their innocence and goodness upon entering the sinful world. Despite the struggle with sin and the condemnation of the law, the individual cries out for God's grace and mercy, seeking restoration and forgiveness through Christ. Through Christ, the person finds a new life, overcomes sin, and is accepted once again as a child of God. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing sin, seeking God's grace, and living a life of faith, love, and obedience to Christ, who fulfills the law and leads to eternal life.
Fear of Trying
By Mary Wilder Tileston0DEU 5:32MAT 7:24PHP 4:13JAS 1:221JN 2:3Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands without turning aside, as stated in Deuteronomy 5:32. She highlights that failing to fulfill our duties is a more serious condition than the fear of accepting responsibility. Tileston stresses that it is easier to do what God assigns us, no matter how difficult, than to face the consequences of disobedience. She also points out that knowledge and insights into perfection should lead us to take action towards achieving that perfection.
On the Cautions and Warnings of Scripture
By Thomas Reade0PRO 14:27MAT 7:21JHN 14:15JHN 15:51CO 10:12HEB 6:17HEB 10:261PE 1:151JN 2:3JUD 1:12Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of heeding the cautions and warnings found in the Word of God, emphasizing the need for vigilance against the subtlety of Satan, the deceitfulness of sin, and the treachery of our own hearts. The sermon highlights the necessity of relying on Jesus for strength and guidance, as apart from Him, we can do nothing. It stresses the significance of self-examination, humility, and obedience as essential components of a genuine Christian life, warning against spiritual pride and false professions of faith.
Vital and Organic Union
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthUnion with ChristJHN 3:3ACT 20:272CO 5:17EPH 1:15EPH 4:15HEB 4:2JAS 1:181PE 2:21JN 2:31JN 2:29T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the vital and organic union between believers and Christ, illustrating that true spiritual life begins with being begotten of God through His Word and the Spirit. He explains that this process involves begetting, birth, and growth, where the Word of God acts as the seed that contains the potential for spiritual life. Sparks stresses the importance of faith in responding to God's Word, leading to a manifestation of new life in Christ, which is essential for spiritual growth. He encourages believers to maintain a close relationship with Christ through the Word and prayer, as this is crucial for understanding and experiencing the fullness of spiritual life. Ultimately, the sermon highlights that all aspects of spiritual growth are rooted in a deep, abiding connection with Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And hereby we do know that we know him - If we keep the commandments of God, loving him with all our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves, we have the fullest proof that we have the true saving knowledge of God and his Christ. The Gnostics pretended to much knowledge, but their knowledge left them in possession of all their bad passions and unholy habits; they, therefore, gave no proof that they had known either God or his Son Jesus - nor is any man properly acquainted with God, who is still under the power of his sins.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
hereby--Greek, "in this." "It is herein," and herein only, that we know (present tense) that we have knowledge of (perfect tense, once-for-all obtained and continuing knowledge of) Him" (Jo1 2:4, Jo1 2:13-14). Tokens whereby to discern grace are frequently given in this Epistle. The Gnostics, by the Spirit's prescient forewarning, are refuted, who boasted of knowledge, but set aside obedience. "Know Him," namely, as "the righteous" (Jo1 2:1, Jo1 2:29); our "Advocate and Intercessor." keep--John's favorite word, instead of "do," literally, "watch," "guard," and "keep safe" as a precious thing; observing so as to keep. So Christ Himself. Not faultless conformity, but hearty acceptance of, and willing subjection to, God's whole revealed will, is meant. commandments--injunctions of faith, love, and obedience. John never uses "the law" to express the rule of Christian obedience: he uses it as the Mosaic law.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And hereby we do know that we know him,.... Either the Father, with whom Christ is an advocate; not as the God of nature, and by the light of it, nor as the lawgiver and Judge of the whole earth, and by the law of Moses; but as the God of all grace, as a God pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin, as the Father of Christ, and as in him by the Gospel; and this not in a mere notional and speculative way, but with love and affection; not with fear and trembling, as devils know him, nor in theory, as formal professors and hypocrites, but with a knowledge, joined with hearty love of him, and cheerful obedience to him: or else Christ, the advocate and propitiation for sin; and him also, not with a mere notional knowledge of his person and offices, which carnal men and devils themselves have of him, but with that which is spiritual, special, and saving, being from the Spirit and grace of God; and regards Christ as a Saviour, as a propitiatory sacrifice for sin, and an advocate with God the Father; and by which he is approved as such, to the rejection of all other savours, sacrifices, and advocates; and is trusted, confided, and believed in as such, and affectionately loved, and that above all others, in sincerity and truth; and is readily obeyed in his word and ordinances; for where there is true knowledge of Christ, there is faith in him; and where there is faith in him, there is love to him, for faith works by love; and where there is love to him, there will be an observance of his commands; and this is here made the evidence of the true knowledge of him: for it follows, if we keep his commandments; not the commandments of men, for the keeping of them arises from ignorance of God, and is a proof of it; nor the commandments of the ceremonial law, which are abolished, particularly circumcision, which is opposed to the keeping of the commandments of God, Co1 7:19; but either those of the moral law, and which are more particularly the commandments of God the Father; the observance of which, though it cannot be with perfection, yet being in faith, and from love to God, and with a view to his glory, is an evidence of the true knowledge of him and of his will: or else those commandments, which are more especially the commandments of Christ Jesus; such as the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper, which are peculiar to the Gospel dispensation; and which being kept as they were delivered by Christ, and in his name and strength, and to his glory, without depending on them for life and salvation, is an argument and proof of the right knowledge of him; and particularly his new commandment of loving one another may be chiefly designed, that being what the apostle has greatly in view throughout this epistle; now let it be observed, that keeping of the commands of God, or Christ, is not the knowledge of either of them itself, for much may be done in an external way, yet neither God nor Christ be spiritually and savingly known; nor is it the cause of such knowledge, for that is owing to the Spirit and grace of God; but is an effect or consequence of spiritual knowledge, and so an evidence of it; hereby is not the knowledge itself, but the knowledge of that knowledge, that is, that it is true and genuine.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
These verses may seem to relate to the seventh verse of the former chapter, between which and these verses there occurred an incidental discourse concerning the believer's duty and relief in case of sin, occasioned by the mention of one of the believer's privileges - his being cleansed from sin by the Mediator's blood. In that verse the apostle asserts the beneficial consequence of walking in the light: "We have then fellowship with one another, such divine fellowship and communion as are the prerogative of the church of Christ." Here now succeeds the trial or test of our light and of our love. I. The trial of our light: And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments, Jo1 2:3. Divine light and knowledge are the beauty and improvement of the mind; it becomes the disciples of the Mediator to be persons of wisdom and understanding. Young Christians are apt to magnify their new light and applaud their own knowledge, especially if they have been suddenly or in a short time communicated; and old ones are apt to suspect the sufficiency and fulness of their knowledge; they lament that they know God, and Christ, and the rich contents of his gospel, no more: but here is the evidence of the soundness of our knowledge, if it constrain us to keep God's commandments. Each perfection of his nature enforces his authority; the wisdom of his counsels, the riches of his grace, the grandeur of his works, recommend his law and government. A careful conscientious obedience to his commands shows that the apprehension and knowledge of these things are graciously impressed upon the soul; and therefore it must follow in the reverse that he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him, Jo1 2:4. Professors of the truth are often ashamed of their ignorance, or ashamed to own it; they frequently pretend to great attainments in the knowledge of divine mysteries: Thou makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and approvest (in thy rational judgment) the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law and art confident that thou thyself art (or art fit to be) a guide to the blind, etc., Rom 2:17, etc. But what knowledge of God can that be which sees not that he is most worthy of the most entire and intense obedience? And, if that be seen and known, how vain and superficial is even this knowledge when it sways not the heart unto obedience! A disobedient life is the confutation and shame of pretended religious knowledge; it gives the lie to such boasts and pretences, and shows that there is neither religion nor honesty in them. II. The trial of our love: But whoso keepeth his word in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him, Jo1 2:5. To keep the word of God, or of Christ, is sacredly to attend thereto in all the conduct and motion of life; in him that does so is the love of God perfected. Possibly, some may here understand God's love to us; and doubtless his love to us cannot be perfected (or obtain its perfect design and fruit) without our practical observance of his word. We are chosen, to be holy and blameless before him in love; we are redeemed, to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works; we are pardoned and justified, that we may be partakers of larger measures of the divine Spirit for sanctification; we are sanctified, that we may walk in ways of holiness and obedience: no act of divine love that here terminates upon us obtains its proper tendency, issue, and effect, without our holy attendance to God's word. But the phrase rather denotes here our love to God; so Jo1 2:15, The love of (to) the Father is not in him; so Jo1 3:17, How dwelleth the love of (to) God in him? Now light is to kindle love; and love must and will keep the word of God; it enquires wherein the beloved may be pleased and served, and, finding he will be so by observance of his declared will, there it employs and exerts itself; there love is demonstrated; there it has its perfect (or complete) exercise, operation, and delight; and hereby (by this dutiful attendance to the will of God, or Christ) we know that we are in him (Jo1 2:5), we know that we belong to him, and that we are united to him by that Spirit which elevates and assists us to this obedience; and if we acknowledge our relation to him, and our union with him, it must have this continued enforcement upon us: He that saith he abideth in him ought himself to walk even as he walked, Jo1 2:6. The Lord Christ was an inhabitant of this world, and walked here below; here he gave a shining example of absolute obedience to God. Those who profess to be on his side, and to abide with him, must walk with him, walk after his pattern and example. The partisans of the several sects of philosophers of old paid great regard to the dictates and practice of their respective teachers and sect-masters; much more should the Christian, he who professes to abide in and with Christ, aim to resemble his infallible Master and head, and conform to his course and prescriptions: Then are you my friends if you do whatsoever I command you, Joh 15:14.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:3-6 Obedience is one clear indication that we know Christ and belong to him. If we do not obey Christ, it is obvious that we do not belong to him or love him. • As we obey Christ and his commandments, our love for God and our knowledge of him will grow toward completeness and maturity. We will live . . . as Jesus did, in union with God and showing love for others.