[If we keep the commandments of God, loving him with all our heart, and loving our neighbor (our near ones) as ourselves, we have THE UNQUESTIONABLE PROOF that we have the true saving knowledge of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ.] “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.” (1 John 2:3-6) [He who not only confesses to know Christ, but also has intimacy with him, and abides in his favor, should prove the truth of this profession by WALKING AS CHRIST WALKED; living a life of dedication and submission to God, and of compassion and kindness to his neighbor. This is how Jesus walked; and he has left us an example THAT WE SHOULD FOLLOW HIS STEPS.] “…Anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because THE DARKNESS HAS BLINDED THEM.” (1 John 2:11) [This person is still in their unconverted state; and walking in darkness, their conduct being proof of that state; and that person does not know where they are going, having no accurate knowledge of God or eternal things.] “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father IS NOT IN THEM. For everything in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–COMES NOT FROM THE FATHER BUT FROM THE WORLD. The world and its desires pass away, but WHOEVER DOES THE WILL OF GOD LIVES FOREVER.” (1 John 2:15-17) [The Holy Spirit saw it essential to caution us against the love of the world, the unreasonable desire of earthly things. Covetousness is the main vice for all mankind: fathers, love not the world. The things which are in the world, its profits, pleasures, and honors, have the strongest temptations for our youth; so, young men, little children, and babes, LOVE NOT THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD. LET OUR HEARTS BE FAITHFUL TO GOD as we have chosen Him to be our Abba Father!
