Tests of true knowledge

Commentary

In the opening statement of this chapter there is the yearning, affectionate tenderness of a pastor for people whom he has known for a long time. Even in all their wayward foolishness he still loves them. (“My little children”). John says two things about sin. First, he has just said that sin is universal; anyone who says that he has not sinned is a liar. Second, there is forgiveness of sins through what Jesus Christ has done, and still does, for men. This work of Jesus was carried out not only for us but for the whole world. This thought of the universality of the salvation of God is stressed in such places as John 3:16, John 12:32, and 1 Timothy 2:4). He would be a bold man who would set limits to the grace  of God.
It is refreshing to meet a Christian who is open and sincere and is not trying to masquerade! It is sad that churches and Bible classes have been invaded by insincere people whose life cannot be tested by God’s light. John makes it clear that Christians do not have to sin (v. 1). The death of Christ was sufficient to care for the sins of the whole  world (v. 2). There is no such thing as limited atonement! The result of a believers new life in Christ should be a life lived according to His commandments (vv. 3-4). Further proof that we belong to God can be found in the fact that our lives are consistent with His Word (v. 5). It is not enough just to declare truth with our lips, it must be lived out in our lives (vv. 5- 6). D.L. Moody once said, “A Christian is either a walking Bible or a walking label.”

Application

A good question for me to ask myself is how does my life measure up? Obedience to God’s Word should be proof of my love for Him. I can obey because I have to, or because I need to, but as a Christian I should obey because I am sincere and consistent in what I believe.