1 John 2:3-6 (The Test)

Chapter 2...

Verses 3-6:

"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."

Verse 3 continues the idea that to “know that we have come to know Him,” is “if we keep His commandments.” A Christian is obedient to Christ, obedient to His law and commands. It is how “we know” that we “know Him.” This furthers the argument that 1 John 1:9 is not at all a license to sin.

Throughout the scriptures to “know” someone is a close communion and love, it is the same Greek word used for Joseph not “knowing” (in an intimate way) Mary until after Jesus’ birth in Matt. 1:25. And to “know” or to love and have close communion with Christ is to keep his commandments.

Verse 4. So then if someone says, “I know Him” but “but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” This is not exactly for you to start thinking, “well, he doesn’t seem to keep Jesus’ commands, so he must be a liar and not a Christian.” Humility goes a long way in not taking these verses and automatically start thinking of people you know and pointing fingers at their shortcomings. Consider yourselves for a moment, 2 Cor. 13:5 doesn’t exactly say examine others.

In verse 5, “but whoever keeps His word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.” This knowing of Christ is called “perfected” love. Not because it makes us personally sinless, but because it is irrevocably established in those who live by it.

Verse 6, John assumes his readers have the knowledge of Christ from the Gospels, that they know enough about His life and his purposes. It is a call to “walk in the same way in which He walked.” To follow Him in a life obedience as their Lord and their Savior.

This section and others of course, are warnings to those that think they know the truth and yet walk contrary to it. A warning against manufacturing a false Christ in their mind. So then know the scriptures, understand the person of Jesus, and follow the commands He gives, then you will “know” that you “know Him”.

To be continued...