1 John 2:1-6; 29 (ESV)

[1] My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. [2] He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. [3] We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. [4] Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, [5] but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in him: [6] Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did

[29] If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him

If one were to read only verses 3-6 and 29, one might conclude that sinless perfection is necessary to know God. But those verses must be read in the context of the first two verses in the chapter, “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins.”

God does not expect sinless perfection. Some people lives in the self-deceived condition of believing that as a believer I can do anything I want. It’s all forgiven and what I do does not matter. That could hardly be farther from the truth. To that John replies, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did” (1Jn 2:6).

Others live under constant guilt. They believe that every sin, indeed, every temptation, is evidence that they are likely not saved. To this John responds, “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ” (1Jn 2:1). Being a Christian is not about sinless perfection. It is not a heavy burden of guilt under which we must labor. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Mt 11:30). Why? Because he carried the burden of our sins to the cross. If we sin, “We have an advocate with the Father” (1Jn 2:1).

Paul would echo John’s teaching. “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Rom 6:1-2). God’s grace abounds. God’s grace takes away our sin. God’s grace washes us clean. God’s grace empowers us for holiness. If you are living in guilt, please understand that. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1). Live in the peace of God’s forgiveness. If you are one who is excusing sin in your life because “God will forgive me anyway,” please take John’s words to heart. “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did” (1Jn 2:6). There is no excuse for sin.

John speaks to both groups. There is forgiveness and peace in Christ. There is also holiness, righteousness, and light in him. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn 2:15). John writes to both groups, but he especially wants to remind them of who they are in Christ. Notice why John says he writes to them in the following verses:

1 John 2:12-14 (ESV)

[12] I am writing to you, little children,

because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.

[13] I am writing to you, fathers,

because you know him who is from the beginning.

I am writing to you, young men,

because you have overcome the evil one.

I write to you, children,

because you know the Father.

[14] I write to you, fathers,

because you know him who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men,

because you are strong,

and the word of God abides in you,

and you have overcome the evil one.

We must never forget who we are in Christ. Rest in the peace of his forgiveness, and walk in holiness by his grace.