by Dr. Grant C. Richison
“And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”
but also for the whole world
Jesus death for sin is sufficient for all although it is efficient for only those who place their trust in His death for sin. Jesus died for more than the “elect.” […]
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”
Verse 3 makes a transition into a new line of thought. This verse begins the first of three tests for fellowship with God. These three tests for fellowship is a response to the three false claims in chapter one (1:6,8,10). John gives […]
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”
that we know Him,
The Gnostics taught that intellectual achievement was the highest good but Christians realize genuine fellowship in the application of truth to experience. Raw academic knowledge is not good enough. We must engage ourselves with the Word of God. […]
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”
if we keep
This phrase indicates the test for fellowshipping with God – a believer who desires fellowship with the Lord keeps His divine imperatives.
The word “keep” signifies to watch, preserve, guard, watch over. The idea is to give careful attention to […]
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”
His commandments
The word “commandments” carries the idea of precepts. John uses this word 18 times in this epistle carrying the idea of a whole way of life or principles for life. When we yield to God’s commands, we surrender to His authority. […]
”He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
John now begins to confront the first of three false claims to spirituality. This set of claims is different from the set of claims in chapter one. The issue here revolves around the idea […]
”He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
is a liar,
If we say that we fellowship with God but do not apply truth to experience, we lie. Our life is a sham of cheap claptrap. God brands us as a deceiver […]
“But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.”
John now puts forward a counter-claim to verse four.
But whoever keeps His word,
The word “whoever” is an abiding promise to any and every believer who chooses to apply the Word of […]
“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”
Verse 6 is the second of the three false claims of this chapter. The claim of verse 4 was the claim of fellowship with God without appropriating of the principles of His Word.
The claim of this verse is the […]
“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”
ought himself also to walk
The word “ought” carries a measure of obligation, a compulsion of love for the Lord. The foundation of this “ought” is fellowship with the Lord. The “ought” is a debt of honor.
The English word […]
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