1 John 2:3 - Meaning and Application

These verses may seem to connect back to the seventh verse of the previous chapter. Between that verse and these, John briefly spoke about a believer’s duty and comfort when he falls into sin. He did that because he had just mentioned one of the believer’s great blessings, cleansing from sin by the Mediator’s blood. In that earlier verse, the apostle said that walking in the light leads to fellowship with one another, that holy fellowship and shared life that belong to Christ’s church. Now he turns to the test of our light and the test of our love.

The first test is of our light: “By this we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3). Divine light and true knowledge make the mind beautiful and more mature. It is fitting for disciples of the Mediator, the one who stands between God and people, to be people of wisdom and understanding. Young Christians often praise their new insight and feel proud of it, especially if they received it quickly. Older believers, on the other hand, may feel how little they know and grieve that they understand God, Christ, and the riches of the gospel so poorly. But here is the proof that our knowledge is sound, if it leads us to keep God’s commandments.

Every part of God’s character supports his authority. The wisdom of his plans, the riches of his grace, and the greatness of his works all commend his law and rule. Careful, sincere obedience shows that these truths have truly reached the soul. So the reverse must also be true: “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). People who profess the truth are often ashamed of their ignorance, or ashamed to admit it, so they often claim great knowledge of divine mysteries. Paul spoke of this kind of person: one who boasts in God, knows his will, and approves what is excellent, being taught from the law, and who feels sure he can guide others (Romans 2:17 and following). But what kind of knowledge of God is it that does not see he deserves complete obedience? And if that is seen and known, how shallow is that knowledge when it does not move the heart to obey? A disobedient life exposes false religious knowledge. It puts a lie to such claims and shows there is neither true religion nor honesty in them.

The second test is of our love: “Whoever keeps his word, truly in him the love of God is made complete. By this we know that we are in him” (1 John 2:5). To keep the word of God, or the word of Christ, means to attend to it carefully in every part of life. In such a person, the love of God is perfected, that is, brought to its intended result. Some may take this to mean God’s love for us, and certainly his love does not reach its full purpose without our practical obedience to his word. We are chosen to be holy and blameless before him in love. We are redeemed to be a special people eager for good works. We are pardoned and made right with God, that we may receive greater help from the Holy Spirit for sanctification, meaning growing in holiness. We are made holy so that we may walk in holiness and obedience. None of God’s loving acts toward us reaches its proper goal if we do not heed his word in a holy way.

But the phrase here most likely means our love for God, as in later verses where John says, “the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15), and “how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). Light should awaken love, and love will keep God’s word. Love looks for what will please and serve the one beloved, and when it learns that God is pleased by obedience to his revealed will, that is where it works. There love is shown, and there it finds its full exercise, action, and joy. By this dutiful obedience to God’s or Christ’s will, we know that we are in him (1 John 2:5). We know that we belong to him and are united to him by that Spirit who lifts us up and helps us obey.

If we say that we remain in him, then we ought to walk just as he walked (1 John 2:6). The Lord Christ lived in this world and walked among us. In that life, he gave a shining example of complete obedience to God. Those who claim to be on his side and to remain with him must walk with him, following his pattern and example. In the old world, followers of philosophers gave great attention to the teaching and conduct of their chosen master. How much more should a Christian, one who claims to abide in Christ, seek to resemble his perfect Master and Head, and conform to his way and commands. “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).