1 John 2:1-14 ▼

1 My dear children, these things I write unto you, that ye may avoid sin, but if any man has failed, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the just.

2 he is the the victim that has expiated our sins: and not ours only, but likewise the sins of the whole world.

3 if we keep his commandments, that is a proof that we know him.

4 he that says, he knows him, and does not keep his commandments, is a lyar, and an enemy to the truth:

5 but he that observes his precepts, loves God with a true and perfect love: 'tis by this we know that we are truly christians.

6 he that says he is attach'd to Christ, ought to regulate his conduct by his example.

7 My brethren, I don't prescribe you any new commandment, but the antient precept which you had from the beginning: and that is no other than the word which was originally delivered.

8 however, it is really, in effect, a new commandment I write unto you, with respect to you: because the darkness is past, and things now appear in their true light.

9 he that says, he is in the light, and yet hates his brother, is still in darkness.

10 he that loves his brother, abides in the light, and will be secure from stumbling.

11 but he that hates his brother, is in darkness, he walks in darkness, and knows not whither he is going, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.

12 I write to you, dear children, because your sins are forgiven you upon the account of Christ.

13 I write to you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked spirit. I write to you, little children, because ye have known the father.

14 I write to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked spirit.