1 John Chapter 2
Verses 1-2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
Inoculation against Sin
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just receive a shot that would inoculate us so that we wouldn't sin? John's purpose in writing this letter was in sort, to inoculate the believers so that they wouldn't sin and fall into the temptations of false beliefs and accompanied behaviors, actions, attitudes that was prevalent in culture (then and now). I've heard it expressed that this letter should be used by modern day Christians to examine themselves to test whether they "are in the faith". 2 Corinthians 13:5 "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine......" A Retainer for a Righteous Attorney But since sin is a choice resulting from our selfish and fallen nature, for even the most conscientious will sin, John notes that a provision to counteract this sin has been established. Of special importance here is the use of “Advocate.” It derives from a Greek word suggesting “to call to one’s side.” Underline “Advocate,” and in your margin write: Call to one’s side; attorney. Christ is our attorney, pleading our case before the Father. What a thrilling concept! Observe also that His qualification to function in such a vital role is further set forth. He is Christ Jesus “the righteous.” Absolutely righteous. Because of His own perfect life and sacrificial death, He can plead for mercy for us on the basis of what He did. There is another crucial point to note in connection with verse 2. Christ’s work as an Advocate is not only available for Christians, it is potentially available for the whole world. This is not in harmony with the Calvinistic notion that Jesus died only for the elect. John’s affirmation contradicts the dogma of “limited atonement.” Underline the phrase “the whole world” in verse 2, and note: Refutes doctrine of “limited atonement.” https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1035-1-john-2-1-the-advocate |
my observations -
- Jesus is the advocate ...He speaks to the Father...He IS the atoning sacrifice. This covers are past, current and future sins. we are told else where that satan accuses us. But Christ, in our defense, stands at the ready as a reminder that He paid the penalty once and for all. Because Christ is a living atonement, He represents a continuous atonement for our sins. James 3:2 "We all stumble in many ways....."
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vs 3-6 We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands. Whoever says, "I know Him," but does not do what He commands is a liar and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.
To Know Him is.....
This does not speak of legalistic, religious obedience but expresses desire to live in relationship with Jesus. and to fellowship (communion) with Him. The level of fellowship depends on obedience and communication. Behavior is a reflection of beliefs. Although God is the only one that can truly judge the heart, obedience to the commands of Christ is a primary marker, both for others and ourselves, which at least confirms our place in Christ. Critical to understanding this passage is the connection between "knowing" and "keeping" as seen in the Old Testament. The Jewish people were called to show their belief in God through obedience to the Mosaic Law. Even during that time, obedience was the result of faith, not the object of faith. Hebrews chapter 11 offers clear evidence of those godly people throughout the Old Testament who lived by faith, obeyed the Lord, and were recognized for it. Faith was, and is, essential to knowing the Lord. (www.bibleref.com) A person who claims to know God, but does not live like it, reveals he is liar. Anyone who doesn't reflect Him in their actions doesn't know Him and the truth is not in him. As a result, this reference to truth has been interpreted both to include "what is correct," as well as the presence of Christ Himself. First John 5:6 calls the Holy Spirit truth: "the Spirit is the truth." A person who claims to know God, but does not live like it, reveals he is liar and does not have the truth in him. In its immediate context, John is referring to our fellowship relationship to God. In a broader sense, this is often interpreted as an indicator that those who live in defiance of Christ's commandments give evidence that they do not "know" Him—at all. (www.bibleref.com) |
Does this mean that Christians do not sin?
Given the context of 1 John, and the rest of Scripture, this cannot refer to any and all instance of sin. All believers still sin. Even hatred for one's brother is possible for a Christian (1 John 2:10). Rather, this points towards those who claim to walk with God but really do not. Whether or not such people have come to Christ is between them and God, but their actions show they are clearly not "walking with" God. For that reason, this verse has alternately been interpreted as a reference to fellowship with God, without implications of false conversion. Since Christians still have the ability to choose sin, it is possible for a Christian to choose wrong actions over right actions. (www.bibleref.com) God's Love is Made Complete in Us God's love is perfected in those who obey the Word of God. The term "perfected" does not refer to flawless living, but rather to maturity. No one is perfect (Romans 3:10), but all believers are called to growth and maturity; this is a process of perfection. continue studying https://www.bibleref.com/1-John/2/1-John-2-5.html this is not meant for us to use to judge the salvation of another believer (Acts 15?) but it offers us a way to examine ourselves (ref) If we are confused or concerend about a brother or sister, we should lovingly approach them (ref) Definition: to bring to an end, to complete, perfect Usage: (a) as a course, a race, or the like: I complete, finish (b) as of time or prediction: I accomplish, (c) I make perfect; pass: I am perfected. HELPS Word-studiesCognate: 5048 teleióō – to consummate, reaching the end-stage, i.e. working through the entire process (stages) to reach the final phase (conclusion). See 5056 (telos). [This root (tel-) means "reaching the end (aim)." It is well-illustrated with the old pirate's telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness).] Abiding in God's Friendship "You are my friends if you do what I command you....for all that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you." John 15:14-15 |