1 John 2:1–6
Read the passage.
Wonderfully, John tells us why he is writing this letter. Some people may have read the last few verses about the promised forgiveness of sins as an excuse to sin however much they want. But that is a perversion and an abuse of God’s goodwill toward us. John tells us these words so that we might sin less, not more, and to have the goal of not sinning at all. Think about it: human relationships point to our relationship with God because they are patterned after it. If you know someone loves you and gives you a metaphorical blank check for something, like crashing on the couch, raiding the fridge, or whatever, then you are careful not to draw too much on that social credit when you love them in return.
However, John recognizes that we are not completely free from temptation, and we will still sin from time to time. The solution is still the same as it has always been: confess the sin to the Lord, repent of it, and accept the forgiveness He has given to you because the penalty for it has been paid for by Jesus on the cross. This is what he means by “propitiation”. (v. 2) The just punishment for the sins has been dealt out, not to you, but to Christ. And not only to your sins, but for everyone. If that doesn’t move you to love the Risen Lord, then you do not know how terrible your sins are, and how gracious He is to have dealt with them.
That is why Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) This is how we recognize fellow believers&emdash;they are doing the Lord’s work as well. This is why it is important to examine people’s lives and not just their professions of faith. Many have gone out saying, “Lord, Lord”, but they do not act like He is their Lord because they do not do what he says. They have deceived themselves. But when the love for God is truly in us, He uses that to perfect us and sanctify us which brings us into ever closer fellowship with Himself. We become more and more like Jesus when He walked on the earth, doing everything the Father commanded.
Grant to us clean hearts, holy hands, and feet that are swift to bring the Good News.