1 John 2:3-4

The passage of the day is 1 John 2:3-4 which states, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," but does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

I believe this is one of the easiest passages in the Bible to understand! If a person claims to know the Lord Jesus Christ, but that person is not obedient to the commands found in the Bible, the person is lying about knowing the Lord. A person who really knows the Lord Jesus Christ is going to be a person who also obeys the Lord Jesus Christ.

I believe this verse is particularly significant for several reasons...

#1 Poor preaching in the modern church has given many people a false assurance that they are saved because of a "decision" they made as a child or teenager that produced no change in lifestyle. Individuals who continue to live in rebellion against the Lord Jesus Christ believe they are on the road to heaven because of an "experience" many years ago. Such individuals desperately need to hear the truth.

#2 The passage clearly teaches that obedience is the result of knowing the Lord. The Bible consistently teaches from cover to cover that a person is saved by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Salvation is a gift of God (Romans 6:23). Salvation is not earned by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9) . Good works and obedience come as a result of knowing the Lord. A person does not begin to do good works to make himself right with God! John 17:3 states, 'And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Simply put, an individuals comes to know the Lord Jesus Christ and receives eternal life at that moment! Then, as a result, the individual obeys the Lord's commands.

#3 The passage should give a child of God assurance that he has eternal life. If someone is obedient to the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ it is conclusive proof that he knows the Lord. Matthew 7:18 states, "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit." If an individual is producing good fruit (i.e. walking in obedience to the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ) he is a good tree. He is not an impostor. He has eternal life. He does not need to fear death or the wrath of God. He knows the Lord and has eternal life!

I really hope this passage gives you assurance that you are a child of God. I hope your life clearly points toward the reality that you know the Lord. On the other hand, if the passage causes you to be concerned about your salvation, I hope you will turn to the Lord and place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of your sinful soul TODAY!