1 John 2:3-6 ESV
(3) And by this we know that we have come to know him, if
we keep his commandments.
(4) Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his
commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
(5) but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of
God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:
(6) whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the
same way in which he walked.
True believers obey God’s commandments.
Before Jesus ascended to Heaven after His resurrection, He
gave the following Great Commission to His disciples: “Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you”
(Matthew 28:19-20).
Notice that a true disciple was to observe, or obey, all
of Christ’s commands.
The apostle John understood well the Lord’s instruction. He
knew that obedience to the commands of God produces assurance the confidence of
knowing for sure “that we have come to know Him” (1 John 2:3).
The Greek word for “keep” in that verse refers to watchful,
careful, thoughtful obedience. It is not an obedience that is only the result
of external pressure; it is the eager obedience of one who “keeps” the divine
commandments as if they were something precious to guard. Such obedience is
motivated by love, as John indicates in (1 John 2:5) “Whoever keeps His word,
in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in
Him.” That is supported by the word translated “commandments,” which refers
specifically to the precepts of Christ rather than laws in general. Legal
obedience demands perfection or penalty, while (1 John 2:3) is a call to
gracious obedience because of the penalty Christ has already paid.
However, those who claim to know God and yet despise His
commandments John calls liars: "Whoever says, “I know him” but does not
keep his commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him," (1 John
2:4). "They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They
are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work." (Titus 1:16).
How can you determine if you are a true Christian? Not by
sentiment, but by obedience. If you desire to obey God out of gratitude for all
Christ has done for you, and if you see that desire producing an overall
pattern of obedience, indicating the presence of saving faith.
If you have found your obedience is predicated more on the
act of obedience than on gratitude for God, "Whoever says “I know him” but
does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him," (1
John 2:4).
