John's First Letter
Chapter Two
Copyright ©1999, Charles Hess, Ridgefield, Washington
Verses:
[ 01 ] [ 02 ] [ 03 ] [ 04 ] [ 05 ] [ 06 ] [ 07 ] [ 08 ] [ 09 ] [ 10 ]
[ 11 ] [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] [ 15 ] [ 16 ] [ 17 ] [ 18 ] [ 19 ] [ 20 ]
[ 21 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 24 ] [ 25 ] [ 26 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] [ 29 ]

In chapter 1, some important topics discussed were walking in the light and forgiveness. Walking in the light involves forgiveness and walking in the truth. The forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ is available to those who confess their sins.

In the present chapter,[ 1 ] John warns his readers not to sin (1Jo 2:1). Yet, with the realization that they (we) would be weak on this very point, he immediately gives assurance that Christ is the Advocate with the Father and the expiation (propitiation or atoning sacrifice) for sins (1Jo 2:1, 2). He encourages Christians to keep the commandments (1Jo 2:4) and walk as Jesus walked (1Jo 2:6). Of great comfort is the reassurance that sins are forgiven (1Jo 2:12).

ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER

2:1, 2 My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. But if someone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 And He is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

    Chart

    LITTLE CHILDREN
    (1Jo 2:1)
  1. My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin (1Jo 2:1).
  2. I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven (1Jo 2:12).
  3. And now, little children, remain in Him (1Jo 2:28).
  4. Little children, let no one deceive you (1Jo 3:7).
  5. Little children, let us love, not in word or with the tongue, but in action and truth (1Jo 3:18).
  6. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them (1Jo 4:4).
  7. Little children, guard yourselves from idols (1Jo 5:21).

My little children [my children].[ 2 ] Notice the NIV rendering: "My dear children." This is not a problem although the Greek is "My little children." The term undoubtedly was intended to convey affection (see also verses 12, 28). Note the different Greek word for God's children (1Jo 3:1; compare 2:12; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21).[ 3 ]

When Jesus was about thirty years of terrestrial age, He used the term "little children" affectionately to refer to grown men. He explained to the apostles, "Little children, yet a little while I am with you" (Joh 13:33; compare 21:5). Some of them were, no doubt, as old or older than He was.

John tenderly addresses his "little children." Who were they? Certainly not babies or infant members of the church, in the denominational sense.[ 4 ] Neither were they preschoolers. They were surely old enough to understand what John wrote to them. They were old enough to be in danger of being deceived into committing sin. As a matter of fact, they had already committed sins for which they had been forgiven. They had overcome but still had something to do. They were exhorted to abide in Christ and guard themselves from idols (see chart LITTLE CHILDREN). Since others are addressed as "young men" and "fathers," "little children" is likely an affectionate term for Christians newly converted or those still immature in the faith.

I am writing these things to you [these things write I unto you, I write to you, I am writing this to you].[ 5 ] In chapter 1, John pointed out that sin was a problem to all Christians but there was hope. Forgiveness was available, provided sins were forsaken and confessed (see note on 1Jo 1:9). The purpose of the present discussion of sin is not to excuse but to warn Christians not to commit even one sin!

THAT YOU MAY NOT SIN

That you may not sin [that ye sin not, that ye may not sin, in order that, so that, ye, you, may not sin].[ 6 ] Since everybody has sin (1Jo 1:8) and has sinned (1Jo 1:10), an immature thinker might ask, "Why not just relax and not worry about it?" A foolish question! John is writing "that you may not sin" at all!

But if someone sins [and if any man, any one, sin, but if any one does sin].[ 7 ] In other verses, John uses the present continuous tense for sinning but such is not the case here. In this verse, the Greek aorist tense points to a specific act or acts of sin. He realized that, through weakness and because of desires of the flesh, most Christians will occasionally sin. In fact, he suggests the possibility that a Christian may commit a sin.

Many today take sin far too lightly. They seem to think that since we live in a "permissive" age that God too is permissive and will overlook sin (but see Ac 17:30, 31). There must be no compromise with sin! Nevertheless, the good news is that there is pardon available through Christ!

We have an Advocate [a patron].[ 8 ] Satan is the accuser (Re 12:10). Christ is the Advocate. He pleads in heaven on behalf of penitent Christians. "Have" is in the present continuous tense in Greek and means "keep on having." Christ continues to serve as our Advocate. John does not say "You" but "We have an Advocate." By the use of the first person pronoun "we" the beloved apostle implies that he himself was a sinner and in need of Christ as his own Advocate. There is no Christian without a need for the Lord's help in this way.

With the Father.[ 9 ] Jesus is our Advocate with the Father. He is our "counsel for the defense." He is the intercessor who pleads for us with a merciful God. The remarkable assistance He gives to Christians neutralizes the harm done by the accuser Satan.

Jesus Christ the Righteous One [Jesus Christ the righteous].[ 10 ] Jesus needed to be righteous in order to be the Savior. "Wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them. For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens" (Heb 7:25, 26). A synonym for "righteous" is "just." "Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God" (1Pe 3:18). The KJV reads, "the just for the unjust" (see note on 1Jo 2:29; chart JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS).

    Chart

    JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS
    (1Jo 2:1)
  1. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One (Ac 3:14).
  2. And they killed those who had showed before of the coming of the Righteous One (Ac 7:52).
  3. The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from His mouth (Ac 22:14).
  4. But if someone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One (1Jo 2:1).
  5. The one practicing righteousness is righteous, as He is righteous (1Jo 3:7).

And He.[ 11 ] The position of the personal pronoun "He" in the Greek sentence makes it emphatic. "He Himself" would appropriately express the thought.

Is the expiation [propitiation].[ 12 ] The Greek present tense implies that Jesus continues to be the expiation or propitiation. This point is very important. Since the sinless Jesus continues to be the atoning sacrifice[ 13 ] (expiation or propitiation) for Christians. He is perpetually able to cause the Father to be approving of Christians after they have sinned as they are forgiven. The Father loves His children just as much as the Son. However, His character is so pure and His attitude toward sin so terrible that He cannot overlook it (Hab 1:13). The process of expiation does not change His attitude toward sin but toward the sinner.[ 14 ] It alters the condition of the sinner to make him or her acceptable in God's sight. This is not an action of the Holy Spirit upon the sinner's heart but one that takes place in the mind of God. Propitiation or expiation makes forgiveness a reality on the part of the God who "is faithful and righteous to forgive" (1Jo 1:9). Only by the forgiveness through Christ can He receive a sinner back into His sweet arms of fellowship.[ 15 ]

    Chart

    CHRIST, OUR PROPITIATION
    (1Jo 2:2)
  1. He is the HILASMOS expiation for our sins [causing the Father to extend fellowship toward us] (1Jo 2:2).
  2. Through Him we receive the KATALLAGEEN reconciliation [peace with God] (Ro 5:11; 2Co 5:18, 19).
  3. He paid the debt as ANTILUTPON a ransom, setting us free from sin's bondage (compare 1Ti 2:6).

For our sins.[ 16 ] It is the blood of Jesus that cleanses from sin (see 1Jo 1:7).

And not for ours only [but not for ours alone].[ 17 ]

FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD

But also for the whole world [but also for the sins of the whole world].[ 18 ] "For God so loved the world" (Joh 3:16). He loves all people. Christ, "the Savior of the world" (1Jo 4:14), is Himself the propitiation for the sins "for the whole world." His atoning sacrifice was sufficient, not only for the elect but for all who respond to the gospel in faith and obedience. The "Limited Atonement" or "Particular Atonement" of Calvinism is in error on this point.[ 19 ]

John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God "who takes away the sin of the world!" (Joh 1:29). The Samaritans told the woman at the well, "Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Savior of the world" (Joh 4:42). The universality of the mission of Christ was affirmed when He foretold His own crucifixion, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself" (Joh 12:32). John the apostle fully understood that He was to be Savior of all. "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world" (1Jo 4:14). Fanny J. Crosby understood the sacrifice of Christ was for the whole world when she wrote the song, "There is a Gate."

        That gate ajar stands free for all
        Who seek thro' it salvation,
        The rich and poor, the great and small,
        Of every tribe and nation.
                        

    Chart

    FALSE TEACHERS
    (1Jo 1:6)
  1. Walked in darkness (suggested by 1Jo 1:6).
  2. Taught that keeping commandments is not essential (implied in 1Jo 2:3).
  3. Denied that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God (1Jo 2:22; 4:2, 3).
  4. Denied importance of brotherly love (implied by 1Jo 3:11; 4:7).
  5. Professed to be "spirits" [prophets] (1Jo 4:1, 2).
  6. Denied Christ came in the flesh (1Jo 4:2; 2Jo 7).

    Chart

    WHAT IT MEANS TO BE RIGHTEOUS
    (1Jo 2:3)
  1. Walking in the light (1Jo 1:7).
  2. Forgiven and cleansed (1Jo 1:9).
  3. Keeping His commandments (1Jo 2:3, 4).
  4. Keeping His word (1Jo 2:4).
  5. Walking as He walked (1Jo 2:6).
  6. Practicing righteousness (1Jo 2:29; 3:7).
  7. Remaining in Christ (1Jo 3:6, 9; 5:18).

KNOWING CHRIST IMPLIES KEEPING COMMANDMENTS

2:3 And by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

And by this [and hereby].[ 20 ] When looking toward John's next thought, namely, "If we keep His commandments," one needs to keep in mind what he previously wrote concerning fellowship with God and walking in the light (see 1Jo 1:3, 7). The implication of "And by this" is "And by keeping His commandments." Thus the one who has come to know Him is he who is both walking in the light and keeping His commandments.

We know [we do know, we may be sure].[ 21 ] "Knowing" was the trademark of the false Gnostic teachers but they did not have a corner on it. They did not associate knowing with keeping God's commandments. Some modern religious people claim to know Christ because of a dream or some kind of mystical experience. NT Christians understood that knowing Him implied keeping His commandments. The Greek present tense indicates that John and his readers knew, perceived and continued to grow in awareness of the advantages of their position in Christ and their relationship to Him. However, they never progressed beyond the necessity to obey Him.

    Chart

    KNOWING THE FATHER
    (1Jo 2:3)
  1. Obeying Him (1Jo 2:3-5).
  2. Being like Christ (1Jo 2:6).
  3. Loving (1Jo 2:7-11).
  4. Not loving the world (1Jo 2:15-17).
  5. Letting the truth remain within (1Jo 2:24).
  6. Remaining in Christ (1Jo 2:24, 27, 28).
  7. Practicing righteousness (1Jo 2:29).

That we know Him.[ 22 ] The Greek perfect tense denotes the present state of knowledge resultant upon having come to know Christ in the past. In this phrase, knowing Him means believing and obeying Him, becoming genuine Christians. To claim to know God or Christ without obedience is empty and vain. Jesus Himself said, "But I know Him, and keep His word" (Joh 8:55).

If we keep His commandments.[ 23 ] Christianity involves the entire heart and life. It is idealistic and intellectual but it is much more.[ 24 ] It is practical and life-changing. The daily keeping of the commandments of Christ is a big part of it. In this instance, the scholarly I. Howard Marshall partially misunderstood the text when he wrote, "This fact removes any suggestion that keeping the commandments is a condition of salvation or a means of securing the favor of God by our own efforts."[ 25 ] Only the first part of the quotation from Marshall is questionable as shown by John in verses 4-6.

WALK AS HE WALKED

2:4-6 He who says, I know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he remains in Him ought himself also to walk as He walked.

He who says [he that saith, says].[ 26 ] John refers to the false teachers to whom he alluded in chapter 1. Religious claims are a dime a dozen. Without a life to back them up they are as ephemeral as cotton candy (see chart SIX FALSE CLAIMS at 1Jo 1:6).

I know him.[ 27 ] Verbal testimony by itself is often weak as water. Churches who are taking up the old Calvinistic "testimonials" in worship are, in this respect, without power. Testimonials provide opportunities for exaggeration if not for outright lies. As far as validity is concerned, some of the "testifiers" may as well be telling stories about Big Foot or the Loch Ness monster. The profession of hypocrites is only a weak effort to cover up a sinful life. An example of a deceitful testimony is when someone in a denomination makes a haughty claim of knowing the Lord and yet has not even obeyed the simple command to be immersed for the remission of sins (see Ac 2:38)! What about the great claims of a member of the Lord's church whose attendance is spotty, whose morals are unpredictable and whose integrity easily challenged? John states that "He who says, I know Him, and does not keep His commandments is a liar!" (1Jo 2:4).

    Chart

    KEEPING THE WILL OF CHRIST
    (1Jo 2:3)
  1. If anyone keeps My word he shall never see death (Joh 8:51).
  2. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments (Joh 14:15).
  3. He who has My commandments, and keeps them, he it is who loves Me (Joh 14:21).
  4. If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word (Joh 14:23).
  5. If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love (Joh 15:10).
  6. And by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments (1Jo 2:3).
  7. Whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected (1Jo 2:5).

And does not keep His commandments [and keepeth not, but disobeys, his commandments].[ 28 ] By using the Greek present tense, John emphasizes the necessity of continuing to keep NT commandments. Remember, "He who does the will of God continues forever" (1Jo 2:17; see chart KEEPING THE WILL OF CHRIST).

Is a liar.[ 29 ] John wrote in chapter 1, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in the darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth" (1Jo 1:6). If possible, John now makes the charge even stronger.

And the truth is not in him.[ 30 ] "The truth" is the word of God (see note below). However, in order for it to be in one, he must first be true to himself. The attitude, "I'm okay, you're okay" is totally out of line with John's teaching. "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1Jo 1:8). Without the forgiveness of Christ no accountable adult is okay.

But whoever keeps His word [but whoso keepeth his word].[ 31 ] The word of Christ contains numerous commands to be kept. Jesus obeyed the Father's will. He acknowledged, "But I know Him, and keep His word" (Joh 8:55). He recognized the obedience of the apostles. "And Thou gavest them to Me, and they have kept Thy word" (Joh 17:6). Christians are not exempt from commandment keeping. "And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments" (2Jo 6). The word of Christ contains facts and approved examples. It includes implications from which correct inferences and right conclusions may be made. Are there any other kind (see chart KEEPING THE WILL OF CHRIST)?

In him the love of God has truly been perfected [in him verily is the love of God perfected, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected, in him verily the love of God is perfected, in him truly love for God is perfected].[ 32 ] The Greek perfect tense denotes the present state of the love of God resultant upon a past action.[ 33 ] It is important that God's love be made complete and that it accomplish in (and for) man the obedience, salvation, fellowship and joy intended. "No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us" (1Jo 4:12). It all comes about through obedience. "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1Jo 5:3). The love from God is not perfected or made complete until one believes and obeys His word (see 1Jo 4:9). It is only by obedience that a Christian shows his love for Him. Within the heart of a person who keeps the word of God the love of God has been perfected and remains so. That is, love has accomplished what was intended (see charts LOVE FOR GOD; PERFECTED LOVE).

    Chart

    LOVE FOR GOD
    (1Jo 2:5)
  1. If any one loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1Jo 2:15).
  2. We love, because He first loved us (1Jo 4:19).
  3. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments (1Jo 5:3).

    Chart

    PERFECTED LOVE
    (1Jo 2:5)
  1. Whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected (1Jo 2:5).
  2. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us (1Jo 4:12).
  3. This is how love has been perfected among us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world (1Jo 4:17).
  4. There is no fear in love; but perfect love expels fear, because fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears has not been perfected in love (1Jo 4:18).

    Chart

    KNOWING ONE IS SAVED
    (1Jo 2:5)
  1. And by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments (1Jo 2:3).
  2. But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him (1Jo 2:5).
  3. And he who keeps His commandments remains in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He remains in us, by the Spirit whom He gave us (1Jo 3:24).

    Chart

    GOD'S LOVE FOR MAN
    (1Jo 2:5)
  1. See what manner of love the Father has extended to us, that we should be called children of God; and we are! (1Jo 3:1).
  2. We know love because He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (1Jo 3:16).
  3. By this the love of God has been made known among us, that God has sent His one-and-only Son into the world so that we might live through Him (1Jo 4:9).
  4. This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the expiation for our sins (1Jo 4:10).
  5. And we have known and have believed the love which God has in us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him (1Jo 4:16).


By this we know [hereby know we, we know, we may be sure].[ 34 ] I have been unable to determine whether "by this" points backward to keeping God's word or forward to walking as Jesus walked. Either way, the interpretation is almost the same. The very mention of a test to make sure one is "in Him" implies that at least some Christians entertain doubts about whether they are in Christ (see chart KNOWING ONE IS SAVED).

That we are in Him.[ 35 ] Once again, John uses the beautiful phrase "in Him." To be "in Him"[ 36 ] is to be in Christ. The concept that all spiritual blessings are to be enjoyed in Christ is profound beyond words.[ 37 ]

    Chart

    IN THE FATHER AND THE SON (A)
    (1Jo 2:6)
  1. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him (Joh 6:56).
  2. Abide in Me, and I in you (Joh 15:4).
  3. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father (1Jo 2:24).
  4. His anointment teaches you about all things, and is true and is no lie, just as He taught you, remain in Him (1Jo 2:27).
  5. And now, little children, remain in Him, so when He is revealed, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming (1Jo 2:28).

    Chart

    IN THE FATHER AND THE SON (B)
    (1Jo 2:5)
  1. Everyone who remains in Him does not keep on sinning. Everyone who keeps on sinning, has neither seen Him nor known Him (1Jo 3:6).
  2. And he who keeps His commandments remains in Him, and He in him (1Jo 3:24).
  3. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us (1Jo 4:12).
  4. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us a portion of His Spirit (1Jo 4:13).
  5. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God (1Jo 4:15).

He who says he remains in Him [he that saith, that says, who says, he abideth, he abides, in him].[ 38 ] When one makes the claim that he abides in Christ, he obligates himself to live right. "Everyone who remains in Him does not keep on sinning. Everyone who keeps on sinning, has neither seen Him nor known Him" (1Jo 3:6). What does it mean to remain in Him? First of all it means to be a believer but belief alone does not put one into Christ. It only gives one "the right to become" a child of God (see Joh 1:12). The believer is permitted to be baptized into Him (see Ro 6:3; Ga 3:27). To abide in Christ means keeping His NT commandments and maintaining an unbroken fellowship (1Jo 1:7). It implies continual cleansing from sin (1Jo 1:9; see charts IN THE FATHER AND THE SON A and B).

    Chart

    WHAT WE OUGHT TO DO
    (1Jo 2:6)
  1. We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do (Lu 17:10).
  2. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet (Joh 13:14).
  3. He who says he remains in Him ought himself to walk as He walked (1Jo 2:6).
  4. We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (1Jo 3:16).
  5. We also ought to love one another (1Jo 4:11).
  6. We ought to be hospitable to such men, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth (3Jo 8).

Ought himself also to walk [ought to walk, also so to walk, to walk in the same way].[ 39 ] With one exception, Christians are not to become obligated to others. That exception is the unpayable debt of love. "Owe nothing to anyone, save to love one another" (Ro 13:8). Christians owe obedience to Christ. They ought, they are obligated, they owe it to Him, to walk[ 40 ] as He walked (see chart WHAT WE OUGHT TO DO).

    Chart

    WALKING AS JESUS WALKED
    (1Jo 2:6)
  1. He who follows me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life (Joh 8:12).
  2. If any one would come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Mt 16:24).
  3. For I gave you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you (Joh 13:15).
  4. Wherefore, receive one another, even as Christ also received you, to the glory of God (Ro 15:7).
  5. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Php 2:5).
  6. Just as the Lord forgave you, you do the same (Col 3:13).
  7. Looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb 12:2).
  8. For hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow His steps (1Pe 2:21).

    Chart

    EVEN AS HE WALKED
    (1Jo 2:6)
  1. Meek and lowly in heart (Mt 11:29).
  2. Love one another, even as I have loved you (Joh 15:12).
  3. Went about doing good (Ac 10:38).
  4. Pleased not Himself (Ro 15:2).
  5. Meekness and gentleness (2Co 10:1).
  6. Emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant (Php 2:7).
  7. Suffered for you . . . did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth (1Pe 2:21, 22).

As He walked [even as, in which, he walked].[ 41 ] To walk as "that One"[ 42 ] (Jesus) walked, is to walk in the light (see note on 1Jo 1:7; charts WALKING AS JESUS WALKED and EVEN AS HE WALKED).

    Chart

    WALKING IN LIGHT TESTED BY LOVE
    (1Jo 2:7)
  1. By love of one's brother (1Jo 2:7-11).
    [Parenthetic address to readers (1Jo 2:12-14).]
  2. By not loving the world (1Jo 2:15-17).
    (Adapted from Law)

THE OLD COMMANDMENT IS
THE WORD WHICH YOU HAVE HEARD

2:7 Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard.

Beloved [brethren].[ 43 ] Although by again addressing his readers as "beloved" (see 1Jo 3:1), John does not appear to be starting a new division in his letter at this point. A close study reveals that what he now writes relates to what he has just written (compare also 1Jo 1:5-10).

I am not writing a new commandment to you [I write, I am writing, no new commandment unto you, to you, no new commandment write I unto you].[ 44 ] "Writing" is present tense in Greek. It says that John was writing at the time. The fundamental command to love one another embraces all other NT commandments, especially those mentioned in verse 3. The love commandment was not new in the absolute sense but it was recent because of its expanded meaning and application as Christ taught and exemplified it (see note on verse 8).

But an old.[ 45 ] Love was an old commandment because it was given in the OT (see chart LOVE TO GOD [OT]). There are many OT examples of godly men and women showing love for Him. Some representative passages are in the Psalms: "I love The, O Lord, my strength" (Ps 18:1). "As the hart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after Thee, O God" (Ps 42:1; see also 73:25; 84:2; 116:1). Love for neighbor was also enjoined in the OT (see chart LOVE TO OTHERS [OT]; compare 1Sa 18:3). The Jews were even commanded to love aliens (De 10:19). Enemies too were to be treated with compassion (see Ex 23:4; Pr 24:17; 25:21, 22).

The commandment to love was old in years because it was "the word" John's readers had heard from the beginning.[ 46 ] Nonetheless, it was not old-fashioned or time-worn. Christ gave it a new significance.

    Chart

    LOVE TO GOD (OT)
    (1Jo 2:7)
  1. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might (De 6:5).
  2. And now, Israel, what does the Lord require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul (De 10:12).
  3. Therefore you shall love the Lord your God, and keep His charge (De 11:1).
  4. Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all His ways, and keep to His commandments (Jos 22:5).
  5. O love the Lord, all you His saints! (Ps 31:23).

    Chart

    LOVE FOR MAN (OT)
    (1Jo 2:7)
  1. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord (Le 19:18).
  2. Therefore love the sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt (De 10:19).
  3. Hatred stirs up strifes, but love covers all transgressions (Pr 10:12).
  4. If your enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink (Pr 25:21).

Commandment.[ 47 ] Before Calvary, Jesus said to the apostles, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (Joh 13:34). In the present context, John teaches Christians to walk as Christ walked (verse 6). Love is active good will. Inactive good will is not love. When, with a good motive, one walks as Jesus walked, his love becomes active (see verses 9-11). Active love is being obedient to NT commands. It follows the divine example in all respects. "Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell" (Eph 5:1, 2). It is strange indeed that some brethren are denying there are commandments in the NT. Some have said the NT is not a constitution or a book of rules. Anyone who reads intelligently has to admit there are hundreds of commands in it. And yes, the sacred NT is more binding than any national constitution or book of human rules could ever be!

Which you have had from the beginning [which ye, you, had, have had, from the beginning].[ 48 ] "For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning: that we should love one another" (1Jo 3:11). The commandment to love was given "from the beginning" but the new commandment to love [as Christ loved] was initially given to John's readers in the beginning when they heard and obeyed the gospel.

The old commandment.[ 49 ] The old commandment to love may have been given to Adam. It was recorded in the Mosaic Law (see Le 19:18; charts LOVE TO GOD [OT]; LOVE TO OTHERS [OT]).

Is the word which you heard [is the word which ye heard, have heard].[ 50 ] When the gospel was preached, the command to love was presented as a fundamental part of it. It should be so taught today (compare 1Pe 1:22).

[From the beginning.] These bracketed words are carried in the KJV, NKJV, NEB and some other versions but do not appear in all Greek manuscripts (see note above on Which you have had from the beginning.

THE TRUE LIGHT ALREADY SHINING

2:8 On the other hand, I am writing you a new commandment, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

On the other hand [again, yet].[ 51 ] In one sense, the command to love must be older than Moses. John calls upon his readers to behold a new aspect of it.

    Chart

    THE NEW LOVE COMMANDMENT
    (1Jo 2:8)
  1. A new commandment give I to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another (Joh 13:34).
  2. This is My commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.
  3. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (Joh 15:12, 13).
  4. And this is His commandment, that we should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, according to the commandment He gave us (1Jo 3:23).
  5. Not as though I were writing a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we should love one another (2Jo 5).

I am writing you a new commandment [a new commandment write I, I write, unto you, a new commandment to you].[ 52 ] The commandment of love is both old and new. It is old in that Christians have had it from the beginning. It is new in its depth and freshness as taught and exemplified by Christ. It is new because He who gave it exemplified a Divine love that was new in the eyes of the world. It is new in that it belongs to the "new" church age. Its newness is seen as unfolding beauty in the obedient lives of Christians. It makes possible a new kind of life and love that most people never thought possible (see note on 1Jo 3:16; chart THE NEW LOVE COMMANDMENT).

Which is true [which thing is true].[ 53 ] Does it strike you as unusual to say a commandment is true? The fact is, John did not say that exactly. "Which is true" has special reference to verse 7, not just to the commandment (see footnote). In this instance, the NIV is weak with, "Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you" because it refers "its truth" to the command alone. The NKJV attempts to make the original thought somewhat clearer with, "which thing is true."

In Him and in you.[ 54 ] That which was "in Him" [Christ] was the magnificent love command He demonstrated. It is "in you" [in Christians] when the gospel obeyed and the example of Christ followed. His example is especially evident in that He said laid down His life "for the sheep" (Joh 10:15). He implied that His apostles should do the same (Joh 15:12, 13). By the time John wrote this letter, several of the apostles had already given their lives. The same ultimate sacrifice would, no doubt, be accomplished by many of John's readers (see 1Jo 3:16).

Because.[ 55 ]

The darkness.[ 56 ] (see notes and charts on 1Jo 1:5: IMPLICATIONS OF DARKNESS; DARKNESS OF SIN A, B, C; DELIVERANCE FROM DARKNESS).

Is passing away [is past, is passing].[ 57 ] John did not say the darkness had completely passed away at the point of conversion. Apparently, the passing away of the darkness means more than forgiveness of sins. John's readers had believed and been baptized for the remission of sins but he tells them that darkness is continuing to pass away (Greek present tense).[ 58 ]

And the true light.[ 59 ] The Greek article TO the is specific. This is the one and only true light. Gnostics and atheistic philosophers do not have it. The true light comes only from a Divine Source. "God is light" (1Jo 1:5). "There was the true light, even the light, that lights every man, coming into the world" (Joh 1:9). The true light is the revelation of God in His Son Jesus Christ. It shines upon (and in) men through the glorious gospel (see 2Co 4:4). In the sense John uses the term here, the true light of Christ shines in a Christian's heart when he begins to walk [in love] like Jesus walked (see verse 6; charts THE TRUE LIGHT A, B).

    Chart

    THE TRUE LIGHT (A)
    (1Jo 2:8)
  1. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men (Joh 1:4).
  2. And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil (Joh 3:19).
  3. When I am in the world, I am the light of the world (Joh 9:5).
  4. Yet a little while is the light among you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness overtake you not; and he who walks in the darkness knows not where he goes (Joh 12:35).
  5. While you have the light, believe on the light, that you may become sons of light (Joh 12:36).
  6. I have come light into the world, that whoever believes on Me may not abide in the darkness (Joh 12:46).

    Chart

    THE TRUE LIGHT (B)
    (1Jo 2:8)
  1. And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts (2Pe 1:19).
  2. The darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining (1Jo 2:8).
  3. And His face was as the sun shining in its strength (Re 1:16).
  4. And the city has no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it, for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb (Re 21:23).

Is already shining [now, already, shines].[ 60 ] Solomon expressed a parallel thought: "But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day" (Pr 4:18; see note on 2Pe 1:19).

OUT LOVE'S BACK DOOR TOWARD HATE

2:9 He who says he is in the light and hates his brother, is still in the darkness even now.

He who says he is in the light [he that saith he is in the light][ 61 ] (see chart SIX FALSE CLAIMS at 1Jo 1:6).

And hates [and hateth].[ 62 ] Translators of the NASB wisely added "yet" to express the Greek present participle that implies a continual hatred.

    Chart

    TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE
    (1Jo 2:9)
  1. Those not in fellowship with God.
    a. Walk in darkness.
    b. Walk in hatred.
  2. Those in fellowship with God.
    a. Walk in light.
    b. Walk in love.

    Chart

    HATE
    (1Jo 2:9)
  1. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and comes not to the light, lest his works should be reproved (Joh 3:20).
  2. The world cannot hate you; but Me it hates, because I testify of it, that its works are evil (Joh 7:7).
  3. If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you (Joh 15:18).
  4. I have given them Thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (Joh 17:14).

John lays before his readers two classes of people -- lovers and haters. Jesus put it this way: "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who gathers not with Me, scatters" (Lu 11:23; see chart TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE). If one does not love his brother, he hates him. Neutral feelings are not love. In order to better understand this, let us first consider two Greek words. First, there is PHILEOO the love of natural affection. Hate is the opposite of that. As such, it quells a feeling of friendship and replaces it with indifference or enmity. Another word for love is AGAPAN the love of good will founded on a just estimate.[ 63 ] Hate is the opposite of that too (see Mt 5:43; 6:24; Eph 5:28, 29; 1Jo 3:14, 15; 4:20). Since the latter variety of love is an act of will, its opposite (hate) may also arise from a resolve or determination (see chart HATE). To love, one must be willing to help, even to the point of sacrifice (see 1Jo 3:16).

His brother.[ 64 ] A believer must not hate a fellow-Christian, nor an enemy (Mt 5:43, 44). Love for a brother implies compassion. "Now whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart against him, how can God's love be abiding in him?" (1Jo 3:17).

Is still in the darkness [is in darkness, is in the darkness].[ 65 ] One may claim to be in the light but actually be in darkness (see note on 1Jo 1:6).

    Chart

    WHO ARE CHRISTIANS?
    (1Jo 2:9)
  1. Brother(s) (1Jo 2:9, 10, 11; 3:10, 15, 17; 4:20, 21; 5:16).
  2. Brethren (Joh 21:23; Ac 9:30; 10:23; 11:29; 1Th 4:10; 5:26; 1Jo 3:14; 3Jo 5, 10).
  3. The brotherhood (1Pe 2:17; 5:9).
  4. Believers (Ac 10:45; 1Ti 4:12).
  5. Those who believe (Eph 1:19; 1Th 1:7; 1Pe 2:7).
  6. Those who believed (Ac 2:44; 4:32; Heb 4:3).
  7. Disciples (Ac 6:1; 11:26, 29; 13:52).
  8. Saints (Ac 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; 1Co 6:1; 14:33; Eph 1:1, 15; Heb 6:10; 13:24; Jude 3).
  9. Christians (Ac 11:26; 26:28; 1Pe 4:16).

Even now [even until now, until now, still].[ 66 ] Time is called a healer but it can never expel the darkness of sin. Repentance, confession and prayer are necessary but cleansing is only by the blood of Christ (see note on 1Jo 1:9).

HE WHO LOVES HIS BROTHER ABIDES IN THE LIGHT

2:10 He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing causing offence in him.

He who loves his brother [he that loveth his brother].[ 67 ] "Love is that which seeks the highest good in the one loved; and since the highest good is the will of God, to love is to do the will of God."[ 68 ] Can one love his brother in the sense John contemplates if, at the same time, he neglects or rejects the will of God in anything? I ask this question because love in deed and truth involves doing the will of God (1Jo 3:18). No one can love without obeying God's will. Neither can one love his brother or sister without doing positive acts of righteousness toward him (see Ga 5:6).

Remains in the light [abideth in the light, abides in light, the light].[ 69 ] The Greek present tense indicates perseverance and faithfulness (see note on 1Jo 1:7).

And there is nothing causing offence in him [and there is no, none, occasion of stumbling in him, and in it there is no cause for stumbling].[ 70 ] Recall the comments of Christ about walking in the light and not stumbling: "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbles not, because he sees the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him" (Joh 11:9, 10). Paul approached the subject in a different way. He explained the connection between abounding in love for others and the heart being established. "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you; to the end that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints" (1Th 3:12, 13). Although I am unable to pin down if the Greek indicates whether one does not personally stumble or does not cause another to do so, failure to love one's brother is a cause of stumbling. Even if the verse primarily refers to others, one cannot cause some one else to stumble without the root cause being one's own stumbling (see Joh 11:9, 10).[ 71 ]

Stinginess is most unlike our giving God. Have you ever noticed the connection between deeds of kindness or generosity and salvation? For instance, Jesus said to the rich young ruler, "One thing you lack: go, sell whatever you have, and give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me" (Mk 10:21; Mt 19:21). He told a crowd of people, "Sell that which you have, and give alms; make for yourselves purses which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief draws near, neither moth destroys" (Lu 12:33). He startled the Pharisees by saying, "But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, all things are clean unto you" (Lu 11:41). Paul urged Timothy to instruct the rich to prepare for the future "life indeed" by telling them to "Do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share; laying up for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed" (1Ti 6:18, 19).

HE WHO HATES HIS BROTHER IS IN DARKNESS

2:11 But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

But he who hates his brother [but he that, the one who, hateth].[ 72 ] Just as in verse 9, the Greek present participle here denotes continuous hating. It indicates a persistent, vicious and unjustifiable ill-feeling toward a brother or sister in Christ (see chart HATE at verse 9).

    Chart

    IN DARKNESS
    (1Jo 2:11)
  1. Is in the darkness [undesirable situation].
  2. Walks in the darkness [disastrous proceeding].
  3. Does not know where he is going [confused state].
  4. The darkness has blinded his eyes [persistent condition].

Is in the darkness [is in darkness].[ 73 ] Darkness is the deplorable environment that the hater brings upon himself and in which he dwells (see chart HE WHO IS IN DARKNESS).

And walks in the darkness [and walketh in darkness, the darkness].[ 74 ] The Greek present participle suggests the walk in darkness is continuous and probably tragic. Have you ever been on a mountain, in a cave or even in a strange house and tried to climb or walk around in absolute darkness?[ 75 ] The risk in such a predicament is pictured by Jesus. "Walk while you have the light, that darkness overtake you not; and he who walks in the darkness knows not where he goes" (Joh 12:35).

And does not know where he is going [and knoweth not whither he goeth, and knows not where he goes].[ 76 ] The verb OIDEN know is perfect tense, indicating the past state of not knowing that is so remaining. The present tense of "going" indicates the poor fellow who hates his brother is continuing in that bad attitude. He really does not know how to solve his attitude problem.

Because the darkness has blinded his eyes [because that darkness, the darkness, hath blinded his eyes].[ 77 ] The darkness of sin and hate blinds spiritual eyes. The Greek aorist tense suggests a definite decision in past time to close the spiritual eyes, whether consciously or unconsciously. When the Jews did not lovingly receive Jesus, He said of them, "Their eyes they have closed" (Mt 13:15; compare Isa 6:10). Self-chosen darkness and self-imposed blindness effectively neutralize the sweet influences of the light of Christ. Those who choose darkness may find difficulty in opening their eyes to the sunlight of Christ. "And the light shines in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not" (Joh 1:5). Lack of love (hate, or even attempted neutrality) is the root cause of many other problems (see notes on 1Co 13).

SINS FORGIVEN

2:12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for His name's sake.

I am writing to you [I write unto you, to you].[ 78 ] The Greek continuous present tense says John was writing (compare present tenses "I am writing" in verses 1, 7, 8, 13 (twice).

Little children [children, my little children].[ 79 ] Immediately following this, in verses 13 and 14, John proceeds to write to fathers and young men. By the expression "little children" he probably does not include every Christian. My view is that he affectionately addresses babes in Christ or recent converts (see notes on Joh 1:12; 1Jo 2:1; chart LITTLE CHILDREN at 1Jo 2:1).

Because your sins are forgiven [because your sins are forgiven you].[ 80 ] The "little children" to whom John wrote were forgiven sinners. Thus they had reached the age of accountability (see note on Ro 7:9). They had been baptized "unto the remission" of sins (Ac 2:38). If, after baptism, they had sinned, they confessed their sins and received forgiveness according to 1 John 1:9. However, this truth is not just for babes in Christ. Any Christian who enjoys forgiveness of sins, no matter how old, should be eternally grateful for it (see chart ATTAINMENTS OF CHRISTIANS).

    Chart

    ATTAINMENTS OF CHRISTIANS
    (1Jo 2:11-14)
  1. Sins forgiven (1Jo 2:12).
  2. Knowing Him who has been from the beginning (1Jo 2:13, 14).
  3. Having overcome the evil one (1Jo 2:13, 14).
  4. Knowing the Father (1Jo 2:13).
  5. Are strong (1Jo 2:14).
  6. Word of God abiding within (1Jo 2:14).

For His name's sake [for his sake].[ 81 ] "His name" denotes everything Christ is and stands for. "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name" (Joh 1:12). When Jesus was in Jerusalem during the feast, "many believed in His name" (Joh 2:23). That is, they believed His teaching which was in accordance with, and because of, His name.

BECAUSE YOU HAVE KNOWN HIM

2:13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, little children, because you know the Father.

I am writing to you [I write unto you, to you].[ 82 ] The present tense is "I am writing."

Fathers.[ 83 ] John has just addressed "little children," or recent converts whose sins were forgiven, he now addresses as "fathers" those more discerning and mature in the faith.[ 84 ]

Because you know Him [because ye know, have known, him].[ 85 ] Knowing Christ, in this verse, is more than knowing of or about Him. Unexpectedly, it is also more than receiving salvation at baptism.[ 86 ] The "little children" with sins forgiven knew Him in that sense. The "fathers" knew Him in a way that came with a maturing of spiritual understanding (compare 1Co 14:20). They were approaching the "measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph 4:13). Because of experience and practice they had "their senses exercised to discern good and evil" (Heb 5:14). They knew they had come to know Him because they kept His commandments (see 1Jo 2:3).

Who is from the beginning [that is from the beginning].[ 87 ] Christ, the Word, was in the beginning. He was in the beginning with God (see notes on Joh 1:1, 2).

I am writing to you [I write to, unto, you].[ 88 ] The Greek present continuous tense says, "I am writing."

Young men.[ 89 ] Many strong Christians have progressed beyond the infant stage of life in Christ. They have developed some strength but are not completely mature in experience and knowledge. These are "young men."

Because you have overcome [because ye have overcome].[ 90 ] The Greek perfect tense verb indicates the young men had overcome the evil one and he remained subdued. Is not this victory over Satan given to everyone washed, sanctified and justified by the blood of Christ at baptism? Yes, without a doubt (see Ac 22:16; 1Co 6:11). However, at the point of baptism, one has not yet developed the strength that comes with maturity in Christ. Christians at Corinth, for example, had many problems. They were warned, "Wherefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1Co 10:12). The baptized Philippians still needed to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling (Php 2:12; see charts OVERCOMING A, B). So do we.

The evil one [the wicked one].[ 91 ] The Greek is simply "the evil." The argument about whether this is evil or the evil one is academic. If a person overcomes evil, he overcomes the devil. If one has overcome the devil he has overcome evil.

    Chart

    OVERCOMING (A)
    (1Jo 2:13)
  1. I have overcome the world (Joh 16:33).
  2. You are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one (1Jo 2:14).
  3. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them (1Jo 4:4).
  4. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world (1Jo 5:4).
  5. And who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1Jo 5:5).

    Chart

    OVERCOMING (B)
    [BOOK OF REVELATION]
    (1Jo 2:13)
  1. To him who overcomes, I will give to eat of the tree of life (Re 2:7).
  2. He who overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death (Re 2:11).
  3. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna (Re 2:17).
  4. He who overcomes . . . I will give authority over the nations (Re 2:26).
  5. He who overcomes shall thus be arrayed in white garments (Re 3:5).
  6. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God (Re 3:12).
  7. He who overcomes, I will give to sit down with Me in My throne (Re 3:21).

    Chart

    OVERCOMING (C)
    [BOOK OF REVELATION]
    (1Jo 2:13)
  1. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony (Re 12:11).
  2. He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he shall be My son (Re 21:7).

I have written to you [I write, I have written, unto, to, you].[ 92 ] The Greek aorist tense alludes to what John wrote in the past. It possibly refers to verse 12. Some think it is the "epistolary aorist" and alludes to the entire letter of 1 John.

Little children [children].[ 93 ] The Greek for "little children" in verse 12 is TEKNIA, a word that, according to some scholars, emphasizes relationship. In the present verse, the word is PAIDIA little children. Its significance may imply subordination and obedience to the Heavenly Father (see also verse 18). It is possible that the different Greek words are merely used interchangeably.

Because you know [because ye have known, ye know].[ 94 ] The Greek perfect tense denotes present knowledge of God resultant upon coming to know Him in the past. In other words, John's "little children" were not forgetful hearers (see Jas 1:25). They were commandment-keepers. "He who says, I know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1Jo 2:4).

The Father.[ 95 ] God, the Father of all, maintains an authoritative, dependable, trustworthy and loving relationship with His obedient "little children."

THE WORD OF GOD ABIDES IN YOU

2:14 I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

I have written to you [I write to you, unto you].[ 96 ] The Greek aorist tense refers to something written in past time. The phrase is used twice in this verse (see also note on verse 13).

Fathers[ 97 ] (see note on verse 13).

Because you know Him who is from the beginning [because ye have known him that is from the beginning, because ye know him who is from the beginning].[ 98 ] John speaks here of the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (compare Greek perfect tenses for know in 1Jo 2:13; 3:6).

I have written to you [I write, unto you, to you][ 99 ] (see notes on verse 13 and 14 above).

Young men[ 100 ] (see note on verse 13).

Because you are strong [because ye are strong].[ 101 ] The young men were strong spiritually because of growth due to their faithful application of the revealed word of God (see following note).

    Chart

    THE WORD WITHIN
    (1Jo 2:14)
  1. And these words, which I am commanding you this day, shall be upon your heart (De 6:6).
  2. Therefore shall you lay up these My words in your heart and in your soul (De 11:18).
  3. But the word is very near to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it (De 30:14; compare Ro 10:8).
  4. Thy word I have laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee (Ps 119:11).
  5. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col 3:16).

And the word of God abides in you [abideth in you].[ 102 ] In his second letter, John speaks of "the truth abiding in us." Not only that, but "With us it will be forever" (2Jo 2). When obeyed, the word remaining within enables one to overcome the devil (see chart THE WORD WITHIN).

And you have overcome the evil one [and ye have overcome the wicked one][ 103 ] (see note on verse 13).

DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD

2:15 Do not love the world, nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Do not love [love not].[ 104 ] Love, as used here, implies a longing for the pleasures, practices or possessions of the world (see Joh 3:19; 12:43; 2Ti 4:10). The Greek present imperative is "Do not keep on loving the world" or "Stop loving the world." Most versions make an appropriate paragraph break after verse 14 in order to indicate that the command not to love the world applies to all, not just to the young men.

The world.[ 105 ] God loves the world and desires that none should perish (Joh 3:16; 2Pe 3:9). His goodness freely goes out to everyone who will believe and be converted. God's children love what He loves. They love the world in the same sense that He does. They are not to love the world's sins (verse 2) or its godless opposition to what is true and right. They are not to love its riches. They are not to love the unlawful desires and propensities of the flesh. "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?" (Jas 4:4).

    Chart

    REASONS NOT TO LOVE THE WORLD
    (1Jo 2:15)
  1. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1Jo 2:15).
  2. For all that is in the world . . . is not of the Father, but is of the world (1Jo 2:16).
  3. He who does the will of God continues forever (1Jo 2:17).

Nor the things that are in the world [neither, or, nor the things in, that are in, the world].[ 106 ] The "things" in the world include "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life" (see note on verse 16). Worldly companions, entertainment and other activities can spot and stain careless saints. James implies some effort must be exerted to prevent this. "Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted by the world" (Jas 1:27). A term related to "the world" is "the deeds of the flesh." Those who engage in sins of the flesh are friends of the world (see Ga 5:19-21). Friendship with the world places one in opposition to God. "You adulteresses, know you not that friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore would be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" (Jas 4:4).

If any one loves the world [if any man love the world].[ 107 ] Some people love the darkness of the world but Christians keep seeking things above (Col 3:1). They avoid loving that which is transient and fleeting (see Joh 3:19). "The fashion of this world passes away" (1Co 7:31; see charts on verse 17: THE WORLD IS PASSING AWAY OT, NT).

The love of the Father [love for the Father].[ 108 ] No one can love the world and love the Father at the same time. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon!" (Mt 6:24; compare 1Jo 2:5; 3:1).

Is not in him.[ 109 ] The love for the Father is the motivating principle in the life of Christians. When a child of God becomes enamored with the world his affections are not just divided, he loses his love for the Father. When that happens his influence for good drops to zero.

LUST AND PRIDE

2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

For all [because all].[ 110 ]

That is in the world [that is in the world].[ 111 ] In addition to what John mentions here, Mark relates words from Christ Himself that the world includes "the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts after other things" (Mk 4:19).

The lust.[ 112 ] In itself, "lust" or desire is morally neutral[ 113 ] Desires may be good (see Mt 13:17; Php 1:23; 1Th 2:17). They may be evil (see Mk 4:19; Ro 1:26; Ga 5:16). John uses the word in the evil sense (see chart EVIL LUSTS).

    Chart

    EVIL LUSTS
    (1Jo 2:16)
  1. Lusts of our flesh (Eph 2:3; 1Jo 2:16).
  2. Desires of the flesh and of the mind (Eph 2:3).
  3. Evil desire (Col 3:5).
  4. Foolish and harmful desires (1Ti 6:9).
  5. Youthful lusts (2Ti 2:22).
  6. Worldly lusts (Tit 2:12).
  7. Fleshly lusts (1Pe 2:11).
  8. Corrupt desires (2Pe 2:10).
  9. Ungodly lusts (Jude 18).
  10. Lust of the eyes (1Jo 2:16).

Of the flesh.[ 114 ] The "lust of the flesh" is the desire resident in the flesh, not particularly the desire for the flesh.[ 115 ] Like the word lust, the flesh itself is not necessarily evil. However, without a knowledge of God's will, many people are selfish in the fulfillment of their desires. They have little reason to avoid fulfillment of unlawful desires of the flesh. The human body desires food, drink, activity, rest, sleep, a comfortable temperature, protection from danger, sexual fulfillment[ 116 ] and a reasonable degree of cleanliness. It is not necessarily wrong to gratify these desires. It is when fleshly gratification is not according to the will of God that it becomes sinful. For example, the desire for food is right but gluttony is sinful. The desire for sexual relations within marriage is right but fornication is wrong.

Intemperance in almost anything is wrong. Even too much sleep may be sinful (see Pr 6:4, 9, 10; 10:5; 20:13; 23:21). Peter spoke of false religious teachers who "entice in the lusts of the flesh" (2Pe 2:18).

And the lust of the eyes.[ 117 ] Some people find sinful pleasure in merely looking and/or fantasizing. Pornography or worldly splendor come to mind. Immodestly dressed females provide an occasion for men to lust. Job said, "I made a covenant with my eyes; how then should I look upon a virgin?" (Job 31:1). Watching violence is a problem to others. Isaiah described the righteous person "who stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil" (Isa 33:15; compare Ps 119:37). When a Christian follows the principles suggested here, he or she will avoid many movies, soap operas and other programs.

And the vain glory of life [and the pride of life].[ 118 ] The word for "vain glory" or "pride" is ALAZONEIA vauntings.[ 119 ] Of the 303 Greek words in 1, 2 and 3 John, this ranks among the longest. It sometimes translated "boastful pride" or "arrogance." A person whose goal is prestige, glamour, money or the things money can buy and whose trust is in them is totally out of harmony with the will of God.

There is a temptation to boastfully exaggerate one's own accomplishments and possessions. This too is vain glory. Boastful pride may employ "let's pretend" in order to impress others but it overlooks the hollow and transitory nature of the things of the world. When the last dollar is earned and spent, when the last grand impression is made on others, what then?

As I write these words in the King's Park Hotel in Glasgow, Scotland, I am thinking of the ostentatious cathedrals and pretentious castles in many places in Europe. These grand edifices are now little more than empty tourist attractions. In my opinion, they were built for the most part to show power in order to compete with castles of rulers. Several of the cathedrals and castles are now in ruins. Others are empty

Is not of the Father.[ 120 ] God created the physical universe and it was good. He created man in a righteous condition. It was man, not the material creation, that became evil. "God made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions" (Ec 7:29). Lusts and pride arose from what people saw and their greedy thoughts. Lust and pride do not have their source in the Father. Careful thinkers understand this to imply the free moral agency of man.

But is of the world.[ 121 ] For emphasis, John repeats the thought that the "things" he describes are of (or from) the world. Satan began his career of tempting humans in the garden of Eden by presenting the forbidden fruit as good for food, a delight to the eyes and desirable to make one wise (Ge 3:6). The "all-points" temptations of Christ were similar (see Mt 4:3, 6, 9; Heb 2:18; 4:15).

In an ancient Assyrian war, one of the "sons of the prophets" waited for the king by the way. He disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes. "And as the king passed by, he cried to the king and said, Your servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man to me, and said, Keep this man; if by any means he is missing, then shall your life be for his life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver. And as your servant was busy here and there, he was gone" (1Ki 20:39, 40). Sometimes people become busied with activities "here and there" not wrong in themselves. They are so occupied that they do not notice that he [that is, God] is gone (compare Jg 16:20)

HE WHO DOES GOD'S WILL ABIDES FOREVER

2:17 And the world is passing away, its lust also. But he who does the will of God continues for ever.

And the world is passing away [and the world passeth away, passes away].[ 122 ] John uses the present participle. The world is continuing to pass away. In 1 John 2:8, "The darkness is passing away," the verb is present tense also. The world that appeals to so many is transitory and temporary. Many people do not recognize this fact. Jesus pointed out the worldly, non-spiritual outlook of the multitudes. "You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the face of the earth and the heaven, but how is it that you do not know how to interpret this time?" (Lu 12:56).

    Chart

    THE WORLD IS PASSING AWAY (OT)
    (1Jo 2:17)
  1. They shall perish, but Thou shall endure; yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shall Thou change them, and they shall be changed (Ps 102:26).
  2. The earth mourns and fades away, the world languishes and fades away (Isa 24:4).
  3. And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll; and all their host shall fade away as the leaf fades from off the vine, and as a fading leaf from the fig tree (Isa 34:4).
  4. For the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment (Isa 51:6).

    Chart

    THE WORLD IS PASSING AWAY (NT)
    (1Jo 2:17)
  1. For the fashion of this world passes away (1Co 7:31).
  2. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2Co 4:18).
  3. The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2Pe 3:10).
  4. And the world is passing away, its lusts also (1Jo 2:17).
  5. The first heaven and the first earth are passed away, and the sea is no more (Re 21:1).

In the present context, "the world" is not God's created universe that declares His glory (Ps 8:3; 19:1). It is that which alienates from God's will and purpose. Nevertheless, there is a parallel between the entropy[ 123 ] of the material universe and its "things" in which people trust (see charts THE WORLD IS PASSING AWAY OT and NT).

Its lust also [and the lust thereof, of it, and its lust].[ 124 ] Certain desires are of, and are aroused by, the world. The world and its lusts are in the process of decay. When it comes time to die, sensuality and greed will not mean much. At "omega time," one will not regret that he failed to indulge the flesh or did not watch more soap operas. He may deeply regret, however, not having done the will of God.

    Chart

    THE WILL OF GOD
    (1Jo 2:17)
  1. Prospered by the will of God to come to you (Ro 1:10).
  2. Called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God (1Co 1:1; 2Co 1:1; Eph 1:1; Col 1:1; 2Ti 1:1).
  3. They first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God (2Co 8:5).
  4. Lo, I am come (in the roll of the book it is written of Me) to do Thy will, O God (Heb 10:7; compare verse 9).
  5. If we ask something according to His will, He hears us (1Jo 5:14).

But he who does the will of God [but he that doeth, does, the will of God].[ 125 ] Note the Greek present tense: continuing to do the will of God. The world and its "things" arouse in men and women various desires contrary to those of the Heavenly Father (see chart EVIL LUSTS at verse 16). Note the contrast between "all that is in the world" and "the will of God."

There are three aspects of the will of God. First, His righteous will has to do with His purpose of grace. Paul wrote, "Having foreordained us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will" (Eph 1:5). He continued, "Having been foreordained according to purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His will" (Eph 1:11).

Secondly, God's will is whatever He desires. Jesus described His will as "the things that are pleasing to Him" (Joh 8:29). Thirdly, according to the present verse, the will of God is particularly that revelation which may be done. "For you have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise" (Heb 10:36; compare 6:38; 7:17). To put it in simple terms, when one obeys the teachings of the NT he does God's will (see chart THE WILL OF GOD).

Continues for ever [abides, abideth, for ever, for eternity].[ 126 ] Eternal life is dependant upon, and follows, doing the will of God. Jesus taught that he who obeys the Lord's will builds his spiritual house upon a rock. He will withstand the storms of life and enter heaven (see Mt 7:21, 24-27).

    Chart

    WALKING IN THE LIGHT TESTED BY BELIEF
    (1Jo 2:18)
  1. Rise of antichrists (1Jo 2:18).
  2. Not true Christians (1Jo 2:19).
  3. Truth and error made known by the anointing (1Jo 2:20, 21).
  4. Antichrist denies the Father and Son; he who confesses the Son has the Father also (1Jo 2:22, 23).
  5. Exhortation to steadfastness (1Jo 2:24, 25).
  6. Repeated guarantee of the true belief by the anointment (1Jo 2:26, 27).
  7. Exhortation to abide in Him to have confidence at His coming (1Jo 2:28).
    (Adapted from Law 21)

THE LAST HOUR

2:18 Little children, it is the final hour. And as you heard that antichrist was coming, even now many antichrists have arisen, by which we know that it is the final hour.

Little children [children].[ 127 ] Spiritual children need care and guidance because they are just beginning to mature in spiritual strength and knowledge. John tenderly warns them of the crisis to come.

THE LAST HOUR

It is the final hour [the last time, the last hour].[ 128 ] Just what is the "final" or "last" hour? I admit that this is a difficult passage. First, I do not believe it could not be a short period before Christ's final coming. Inspiration and consistent thinking cancel that idea. If that were the case, we would have to admit John was mistaken. If we grant his inspiration, this verse cannot imply that the end of the world was coming right away in the first century. Nowhere does the Bible teach that. Certainly, none of the apostles believed it.

Secondly, and the most popular interpretation is that the "final hour" or "last hour" refers to the entire church age from Pentecost onward.[ 129 ] Did not Peter imply that Pentecost was in "the last days"[ 130 ] (Ac 2:16, 17)? And did he not refer to Pentecost as "the beginning" (Ac 11:15)? However, to say that the appearance of one who is Antichrist (or against Christ) proves that John's readers were in the church age but not in OT days, to me, seems rather simplistic.

Thirdly, some think it relates to the coming of Christ in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. If so, the writing of 1 John predates that event, which may or may not be the case. This view is supported by Christ's prediction. "For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, the elect" (Mk 13:22).

Fourthly, and perhaps the easiest to harmonize with the facts, the "last hour"[ 131 ] or "final hour" may simply refer to perilous times.[ 132 ] According to Marvin Vincent, in Scripture, "the last hour" often means nothing more than a time of crisis (see footnote). When John wrote, it was certainly such a time of trouble and persecution for the saints. You ask, "Could not a time of crisis occur during any of the above three time periods?" Yes, of course. For example, explanations three and four could easily be combined.

And as you heard [and as ye heard, have heard, and, according as ye have heard].[ 133 ] Whenever the gospel was preached by inspired men, warning was sounded concerning false teachers to come. The modern passivity toward error is certainly not according to apostolic practice.

FOREWARNING AGAINST ANTICHRISTS

That antichrist.[ 134 ] Some think that Antichrist was to appear in the guise of Christ. Perhaps. At least we know that he opposes Christ.

Was coming [shall come, cometh, comes, is coming].[ 135 ] The Greek present tense here may be an example of the prophetic present tense, a kind of figurative language used to stress the certainty of a coming event (see chart PROPHETIC PRESENT).

    Chart

    PROPHETIC PRESENT
    (1Jo 2:18)
  1. And if I go and prepare a place for you, PALIN ERCHOMAI I come again (Joh 14:3).
  2. Of John Jesus said, "If I will that he tarry till ERCHOMAI I come, what is that to you?" (Joh 21:22).
  3. At the close of Revelation: "Yea, ERCHOMAI I come quickly (Re 22:20).

Even now many antichrists [even now, so now, there many antichrists].[ 136 ]

    Chart

    ANTICHRIST(S)
    (1Jo 2:18)
  1. As you have heard that antichrist was coming, even now many antichrists have arisen (1Jo 2:18).
  2. They went out from us, but they were not of us (1Jo 2:19).
  3. But every spirit that does not confess Jesus, is not of God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming, and now is in the world already (1Jo 4:3).
  4. For many deceivers have gone out into the world, they do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist (2Jo 7).

Have arisen [are there, have there arisen, have come].[ 137 ] It is thought by some that the antichrists may have been elders gone wrong right there at Ephesus where John was writing the letter (consider verse 19; Ac 20:30). I doubt this was the case because the Ephesian elders who went into error were once genuine Christians. The Holy Spirit had made them elders (Ac 20:28). The antichrists apparently were impostors from the start. They had never been "of us" (see 1Jo 2:19).

By which [whereby, whence, therefore].[ 138 ]

We know.[ 139 ]

That it is the final hour [that it is the last time, the last hour].[ 140 ] The "final hour" or "last time" was a time of crisis and distress when false teachers disquieted the early churches of Christ (see note above on It is the final hour).

ANTICHRISTS WENT OUT FROM "US"

2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would have stayed with us. But they left so they could be made known, because all of them are not of us.

They went out from us [from among us].[ 141 ] The "antichrists" of whom John wrote were men who had been associated with churches of Christ but had separated themselves. Nevertheless, they were still bothering Christians with their false doctrine.

But they were not of us.[ 142 ] The imperfect tense of the Greek verb indicates continued action in past time. The "antichrists" continually in past time were not "of us." Other passages teach that it is possible for a child of God to go into sin and be finally lost in hell (see note on Ga 5:4). In the present verse, this is not the case. These "antichrists" were never true children of God. Even while associated with the Lord's church, they were impostors, not genuine Christians.

For if they had been of us.[ 143 ] The false teachers John speaks of were not "of us." The term "of us" means more than being nominal Christians. Apparently these men were insincere and deceitful from the start.

They would have stayed with us [they would no doubt, surely, they would have continued, remained, with us].[ 144 ] "Stayed" or "remained" in the Greek is the rare pluperfect tense.[ 145 ] It denotes that the action of the verb is regarded as complete at a point in past time implied in the context. The completion of the action in past time is emphasized. This suggests that the "antichrists" did not remain with the apostles the expected period in time past. If they had been true Christians, they would have completed their tenure "with us" but they skipped out early, some time in the past.

But they left [but, but they went out].[ 146 ] Translators of some versions perceptively supply "they left" or "they went out" by inferring the opposite of the previous phrase, "they would have remained."

So they could be made known [that they might be made manifest, that it might be plain].[ 147 ] "Made known" or "made manifest" means laid bare, revealed or uncovered. The term may be better understood if one considers how John used the word in his Gospel. "After these things Jesus EPHANEROOSEN manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias; and EPHANEROOSEN He manifested [Himself] in this way" (Joh 21:1; see charts at 1Jo 1:2, THE LIFE WAS MANIFESTED; at 1Jo 3:5, ABIDING EFFECTS OF CHRIST'S MANIFESTATION, CHRIST MANIFESTED BY BEING SENT A and B, CHRIST MANIFESTED WHEN HE CAME, FORM OF CHRIST'S MANIFESTATION, CHRIST MANIFESTED TO MEN).

Because all of them are not of us [that they were not all of us, that they all are not of us, that none are of us, that they all are not of us].[ 148 ] I understand the correct meaning to be that none of the antichrists were ever "of us."

ANOINTING FROM THE HOLY ONE

2:20 But you have an anointment from the Holy One, and all of you know.[ 149 ]

But you have an anointment [but ye have an unction, the unction, and ye have an anointing, but you have been anointed].[ 150 ] Jesus is the Christ, "the Anointed One" (see note on Mt 1:1). At least some of the people John addresses had received a special anointing of the Holy Spirit. The present tense indicates they continued to have the anointment. The "anointment from the Holy One" was a supernatural gift that, in the first century, enabled a Christian to perform miracles and/or to receive revelation directly from God (see note on verse 27).

From the Holy One [by the Holy One].[ 151 ] Who is the Holy One? One may truthfully answer, "He is Christ." Peter said the apostles had come to know that Jesus was "the Holy One of God" (Joh 6:69). He was the "Holy and Righteous One" (Ac 3:14). He was called "Thy holy Servant Jesus" (Ac 4:27, 30). John recorded Christ's own words describing Himself, "He who is holy, He who is true" (Re 3:7). Secondly, the Father is holy (Joh 17:11). Thirdly, the Spirit is holy. Christ sent the Holy Spirit to the apostles (Lu 24:49; Joh 14:26; Ac 2:33). The anointing from the Holy One was one or more of the gifts of the Spirit, given indirectly by Christ. "He gave gifts to men" (Eph 4:8).

And all of you know [and ye know all things, the things, and you all know].[ 152 ] The supernatural "anointment" provided miraculous knowledge by Divine inspiration.

YOU KNOW THE TRUTH

2:21 I did not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

I did not write to you [I have not written unto you, to you, I write to you, not].[ 153 ] The aorist tense may be a case of epistolary aorist[ 154 ] (see note on 2:13).

Because you do not know the truth [because ye know not, ye do not know, the truth].[ 155 ] John states that his readers knew the truth. Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Joh 8:32). The fact that one has heard the gospel and knows the truth does not cancel forever a need to hear it again and again.

But because you do know it [but because ye, you, know it].[ 156 ] John's first century readers knew the truth because they had heard it, read it, received it by direct inspiration or a combination of these. It was perfectly natural for those with miraculous gifts to benefit from John's message.

And because no lie is of the truth [and that, and know that, no lie is of the truth].[ 157 ] What one believes makes a great deal of difference in his life and his eternal destiny. A lie believed may give false assurance but it gives no substantial and lasting benefit. The truth does. A lie does not become good just because it is sincerely believed. Gnostic errors being spread around in John's day and afterward were lies and not of the truth. So is a lot of denominational dogma (garbage) being taught today.

ANTICHRIST DENIES FATHER AND SON

2:22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one denying the Father and the Son.

Who is the liar? [who is a liar].[ 158 ] The Greek article "the" is specific and refers to a certain false teacher. John does not hesitate to brand him as a liar. The one singled out here as "the liar" is probably Cerinthus (see Introduction to 1 John). Humanists, atheists, followers of the New Age and others who deny the deity of Christ are in the same category.

But the one who denies [but he that denieth, who denies].[ 159 ] One false aspect of Gnosticism was the denial that Jesus was miraculously conceived. The assertion was that but after His baptism the "Christ" descended upon Him. According to this error, the "Christ" who could not suffer is supposed to have departed from Him before his crucifixion.

That Jesus is the Christ.[ 160 ] According to Gnosticism, since "Christ" came upon Jesus after His baptism and left before His crucifixion, Jesus was not actually the Christ, but a separate being entirely! On the contrary, Scripture says, "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth" (Joh 1:14). Also, "For in Him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily" (Col 2:9).

This is the antichrist [he is antichrist].[ 161 ] As in verse 18, the definite article is specific, No doubt, it refers to Cerinthus.

The one denying [that denieth, even he that denieth, who denies, he who denies].[ 162 ] John was probably figuratively pointing a finger at the false teacher Cerinthus who taught errors pointed out on the previous two pages[ 163 ] (see also Introduction to this letter).

The Father.[ 164 ]

And the Son.[ 165 ] This verse brings out clearly the necessity of believing and teaching the truth about God and Christ. Cerinthus the Antichrist taught a lot of mishmash about the Deity. Was it fair to brand him as one who denied both the Father and the Son? It certainly was fair. His mutilated theology was destructive and evil to the core.

HE WHO CONFESSES THE SON HAS THE FATHER

2:23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.

Whoever denies the Son [whosoever denieth the Son, who denies the Son].[ 166 ] Not just Cerinthus but anyone who denies the Son is under fire.

Does not have the Father [the same hath not, has not, the Father, the Father either].[ 167 ] Jesus came from God. One cannot be a Christian and disbelieve that. Jesus said, "If God were your Father, you would love Me; for I came forth and am come from God; for neither have I come of Myself, but He sent Me" (Joh 8:42). "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also" (Joh 14:7). "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (Joh 14:9). "Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me" (Joh 14:11; compare Php 2:6; Heb 1:3).

He who confesses the Son [but he that acknowledgeth, confesseth, the Son].[ 168 ]

Has the Father also [hath the Father also].[ 169 ] Belief in the Father and the Son go together. "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me" (Joh 14:1).

LET WHAT YOU HEARD ABIDE IN YOU

2:24 As for you, let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.

As for you [therefore].[ 170 ] The Greek sentence begins with HUMEIS you, placing emphasis upon this pronoun. Translators of the OPV are entirely justified in rendering the single Greek word, "As for you."

Let what you heard from the beginning [let that which ye have heard from the beginning].[ 171 ] What John's readers heard from the beginning was the gospel. Specifically, it was the truth of the deity of Christ (see 1Jo 1:1, 2). When the gospel was first preached, there was no hedging or equivocation about who Jesus was. John's readers had heard that He was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Their faith embraced it. Their confession acknowledged that fact (compare Ac 8:37; Ro 10:9, 10). Their eternal hope demanded it. No human philosophy can change it.

Remain in you [abide in you].[ 172 ] Another word for "remain" is "abide." The idea of continuance is suggested. The truth ought to remain rooted and knit in the life of a Christian.

If what you heard from the beginning remains in you [if that which ye heard, have heard, from the beginning, abide, abides, in you, shall remain in you].[ 173 ] Christ abides in the heart of Christians (see Joh 14:23; Eph 3:17). So does the truth about Him (Ro 10:8; Col 3:16). The word "if" points out the fact that Christ abiding in a person is conditional, making salvation conditional. It is dependent upon remaining faithful to the truth heard, believed and confessed at the time of conversion. Rejection of this truth makes one an antichrist.

You also will remain [ye also shall continue, shall abide, then you will abide].[ 174 ] The result of faithfulness to the truth is the invaluable privilege of abiding in the Son and in the Father forever.

In the Son and in the Father.[ 175 ] One cannot be in God without being in Christ since they are one (see Joh 14:1; 17:20, 21). He who denies one of the Godhead cannot serve the other. The Antichrist denied both the Father and the Son (verse 22). Those who omit the name of Christ in their prayers in order to please infidels are treading on dangerous ground (see Mt 10:33). Believers must not compromise or hold unity meetings with Jews or others who blaspheme the deity of Christ or deny the truth of the gospel.

THE PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE

2:25 And this is the promise which He promised us: eternal life!

And this is the promise [what he has promised us].[ 176 ] The promise of eternal life given by Jesus Himself was recorded by John. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes may in Him have eternal life" (Joh 3:14, 15).

Which He promised us [that he hath, has, promised us].[ 177 ] Jesus personally promised eternal life to His disciples. "For this is the will of my Father, that every one who beholds the Son, and believes on Him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day" (Joh 6:40; see note above; charts ETERNAL LIFE PROMISED A and B).

Eternal life [life eternal, even eternal life, even the life eternal].[ 178 ] One passage that specifies the duration of eternal life is John 10:28 where Jesus said of His sheep, "They shall never perish."

    Chart

    ETERNAL LIFE PROMISED (A)
    (1Jo 2:25)
  1. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life (Da 12:2).
  2. But the righteous into eternal life (Mt 25:46).
  3. And in the age to come, eternal life (Lu 18:30).
  4. He who believes on the Son has eternal life; but he who obeys not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him (Joh 3:36).
  5. The water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life (Joh 4:14).
  6. Work not for the food which perishes, but for the food which abides to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you (Joh 6:27).
  7. And that believing you may have life in His name (Joh 20:31).

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    ETERNAL LIFE PROMISED (B)
    (1Jo 2:25)
  1. By in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life (Ro 2:7).
  2. You have your fruit to sanctification, and the end, eternal life (Ro 6:22).
  3. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed (1Ti 6:19).
  4. In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal (Tit 1:2).
  5. And the testimony is this, that God gives us eternal life, and this life is in His Son (1Jo 5:11).
  6. I have written these things to you so you may know that you have eternal life -- to the ones who believe in the name of the Son of God (1Jo 5:13).
  7. Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 21).

CONCERNING THOSE TRYING TO DECEIVE

2:26 These things I have written to you concerning those who are misleading you.

These things.[ 179 ] John refers to the section he had just written about antichrists (see verses 18-25).

I have written to you [have I written unto you, to you, I write this to you].[ 180 ]

Concerning those [concerning them, about those].[ 181 ]

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    FALSE DOCTRINES CLASSIFIED
    (1Jo 2:26)
  1. Compromises with false religions or idolatry.
  2. Those based upon human philosophy instead of divine revelation.
  3. Those making their propagators popular, powerful, rich or which cater to the flesh.
  4. Those that spring from an evil, atheistic or cruel mind.
  5. Unintentional misunderstandings.

Who are misleading you [that seduce you, that would, who, lead you astray, would deceive you].[ 182 ] Deceptive false doctrines fall in