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. (1 John 2:3-6 KJV)
Keeping God’s Commandment
These verses may relate to verse 7 of the previous chapter, between which and these verses an incidental discussion occurred about the believer’s duty and support in case of sin, prompted by the mention of one of the believer’s privileges—being cleansed from sin by the Mediator’s blood. In that verse, the apostle states the benefit of walking in the light: “We have fellowship with one another,” meaning the divine fellowship and communion that belongs to the church of Christ (1 John 1:7).
Now follows the test of our light and our love.
We know that we know him if we keep his commandments (1 John 2:3). Divine knowledge is the beauty and strength of the mind. Young Christians often overvalue their new understanding, while older ones regret how little they know of God, Christ, and the riches of the gospel. But true knowledge is proven by obedience to God’s commands. Every attribute of God supports his authority. Obedience to his commands shows that knowledge of him is real and impressed on the soul. The reverse is also true: “Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4). People often boast of spiritual knowledge, as in Romans 2:17–20, but true knowledge of God sees him as worthy of full obedience. Without that obedience, such knowledge is shallow and false. A disobedient life exposes and contradicts religious claims.
Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we know that we are in him (1 John 2:5). To keep God’s word is to follow it in every part of life. In the one who does so, the love of God reaches its full expression. This likely refers to our love for God, as in 1 John 2:15 and 3:17. True light produces love, and love leads us to obey God’s word. It seeks how to please him, finds it in obedience to his will, and acts accordingly. In this, love is made complete, and by this we know we belong to him and are united to him through the Spirit who strengthens us to obey.
Whoever says he remains in him should walk just as he walked (1 John 2:6). Christ lived in this world and gave us an example of perfect obedience to God. Those who claim to belong to him must follow his example. The followers of ancient philosophers imitated their teachers; how much more should Christians imitate Christ, their infallible teacher and Savior: “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).