1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.
13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also].
24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life.
26 These [things] have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
Overview of 1 John 2
1 John 2 is a pivotal chapter in the epistle of 1 John, addressing key themes of sin, love, and the nature of true faith. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commandments and the distinction between those who truly know God and those who do not.
Key Themes
- Advocacy of Christ: The chapter begins with the assurance that Jesus Christ is our advocate before the Father, emphasizing His role in atoning for our sins.
- Obedience to God’s Commands: A significant focus is placed on the necessity of keeping God’s commandments as evidence of knowing Him.
- The New Commandment: The chapter introduces the commandment to love one another, highlighting its importance in the Christian faith.
- Warning Against Worldliness: There is a caution against loving the world and its desires, which are contrary to the will of God.
- The Assurance of Salvation: The chapter reassures believers of their eternal life and the anointing they have received from the Holy One.
Detailed Analysis
1. Advocacy of Christ (Verses 1-2)
The chapter opens with a comforting message that if anyone sins, they have an advocate in Jesus Christ. This highlights the grace and mercy available through Christ, who is described as the propitiation for our sins, not only for believers but for the entire world.
2. The Test of Knowing God (Verses 3-6)
John asserts that knowing God is evidenced by obedience to His commandments. The relationship between love for God and following His commands is emphasized, suggesting that true faith is demonstrated through action. The assertion that those who claim to know God yet do not keep His commandments are deceiving themselves is a strong warning against hypocrisy.
3. The Commandment of Love (Verses 7-11)
John introduces the concept of a “new commandment” which is essentially the command to love one another. He contrasts this with the darkness of hatred, stating that love is the defining characteristic of a true believer. The passage emphasizes that walking in love is synonymous with walking in the light, while hatred leads to spiritual blindness.
4. Warning Against Worldliness (Verses 15-17)
In this section, John warns believers not to love the world or the things in it. He outlines the dangers of worldly desires, which are temporary and ultimately lead to spiritual death. The contrast between the love of the Father and the love of the world serves to remind believers of their true allegiance and the eternal nature of God’s kingdom.
5. The Anointing from the Holy One (Verses 20-27)
John reassures believers that they have received an anointing from the Holy One, which provides them with knowledge and discernment. This anointing empowers them to understand the truth and to recognize false teachings. The emphasis on remaining in Christ and abiding in His truth is crucial for spiritual growth and assurance of salvation.
6. Assurance of Salvation (Verses 28-29)
The chapter concludes with a call to abide in Christ so that when He appears, believers can have confidence and not shrink back in shame. John reinforces the idea that those who practice righteousness are born of God, providing assurance of their identity as children of God.
Conclusion
1 John 2 serves as a profound reminder of the essential elements of the Christian faith: the advocacy of Christ, the necessity of obedience, the command to love, and the importance of discernment against worldly influences. The chapter reassures believers of their identity in Christ and the eternal life they possess through Him.
