1 John 2:1-6

¹ “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; ² and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. ³ By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. ⁴ The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; ⁵ but whoever follows His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: ⁶ the one who says that he remains in Him ought, himself also, walk just as He walked.”

Verse 1: Having invited Gnostic unbelievers to be saved, John now directs his attention to believers. As he does this, the language makes a significant change. Now, with believers in focus, he affirms their security in Christ. He writes to them with the purpose of encouraging them to live in a way that avoids sin. However, John acknowledges the reality that believers may still sin. In such cases, he assures them that they have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, who is the Righteous One. This means that Jesus stands on our behalf, interceding for us and providing the righteousness we need before God.

Verse 2: John emphasizes the role of Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Through His death on the cross, Jesus paid the price for our sins and provided the means for our forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This sacrifice is not limited to a select few, but it is available to the whole world. Jesus’ sacrifice has the power to cover the sins of all who believe in him.

Verse 3: John highlights the connection between knowing Jesus and keeping His commands. As believers, our relationship with Jesus is evidenced by our obedience to the New Covenant commands of believing in Jesus and loving one another (1 John 3:23). This not a matter of earning or maintaining our salvation through works, but rather a natural outflow of our new natures in Christ.

Verse 4: John warns against the inconsistency of claiming to know Jesus while disregarding His commands of believing in Jesus and loving, as the Gnostics were doing. If someone professes to have a relationship with Jesus but does not live in obedience to these specific commands, they are not being truthful.

Verse 5: On the other hand, those who genuinely obey the Word of God, the gospel, demonstrate that their love for God is complete in them because they have been forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness, and are now built to love. Obedience is not a means to earn God’s love or favor, but it is a natural expression of our union with Christ. It is through our obedience that we can have assurance that we are truly in him.

Verse 6: John concludes this passage by emphasizing the importance of living as Jesus did. As believers, we are called to imitate the life of Jesus, not as mere followers, but as those who have been united with him. He produces his fruit within us and we can express this fruit.