1 John 2:3
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1 John 2:3 (KJV)
Context
The First Epistle of John is a letter written by the apostle John to a group of believers, addressing issues related to faith, love, and obedience. This particular verse is found in the second chapter of the letter.
Meaning
The verse begins with the phrase, “And hereby we do know that we know him.” John is emphasizing the importance of having a genuine knowledge of God. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential, reflecting a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
John highlights a key indicator of this knowledge and relationship with God: keeping His commandments. Obedience to God’s commandments is seen as evidence of our love for Him and our desire to live according to His will. It is a practical expression of our faith in action.
The verse implies that obedience to God’s commandments is a test or a measure of the authenticity of our faith. It demonstrates that we truly know God and have a personal relationship with Him. Obedience is not meant to earn our salvation, as we are saved by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, it is a response of gratitude and love towards God for what He has done for us.
Biblical connections
This theme continues in the immediate context, where John warns that claiming to know God while disobeying His commands makes one a liar (1 John 2:4), and that obedience to God’s word perfects His love in us (1 John 2:5). The verse also echoes Jesus’ teaching in John 14:15, where He says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments,” linking love for Christ with obedience.
Application
This verse challenges believers to examine their lives and evaluate whether they are walking in obedience to God’s commandments. It prompts self-reflection on our actions, attitudes, and choices, questioning whether they align with the teachings and principles of the Bible. Obedience should flow from a heart transformed by God’s love, not out of legalistic duty.
Relationship and Obedience: It’s important to note that the emphasis in this verse is not on obedience alone, but on obedience as a fruit of a genuine relationship with God. Obedience without love is legalism, while love without obedience is mere sentimentality. True discipleship encompasses both love for God and obedience to His commandments (John 14:15).
In summary, 1 John 2:3 emphasizes that our knowledge of God is demonstrated through our obedience to His commandments. It serves as a reminder that faith and love should be reflected in our actions, and obedience is a natural outpouring of our relationship with God.
Reflection
Assurance of knowing God is grounded in a life of obedient faith, not mere profession. When we keep His commandments, we are not earning His favor but responding to the grace we have already received, and in that response we find the quiet confidence that we truly know Him.
