What is the meaning of 1 John 2:21? I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth John reminds believers that his letter is not a remedial lesson but a reinforcement of what they already know. Much like Peter’s reminder in 2 Peter 1:12, “I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them,” John understands that truth, once received, must be continually affirmed. • He is affirming their present standing, similar to 1 John 2:13, where he says, “I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning.” • The truth here is not abstract knowledge but the person and work of Jesus Christ (John 1:14). • By stating they already possess truth, John underscores their genuine conversion and the Spirit’s witness within them (1 John 5:6). but because you have it John’s purpose is encouragement and protection, not correction of ignorance. • Knowing truth means living in it: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). • Truth received produces discernment—believers can recognize error because the Word abides in them (1 John 2:14). • Paul echoes this confidence in 1 Thessalonians 2:13, praising those who “accepted it not as the word of men but as it truly is, the word of God.” • John’s pastoral tone says, “You’re already anchored; I’m writing to fortify that anchor against the storms of false teaching.” and because no lie comes from the truth Truth and falsehood are mutually exclusive; the light can have no fellowship with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14). • Jesus defines truth in Himself: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Anything contradicting Christ is a lie. • Titus 1:2 affirms that God “cannot lie,” grounding the believer’s confidence that what God has revealed is wholly trustworthy. • Lies originate from the devil, “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). By contrast, “every good and perfect gift is from above… with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). • Because truth is inherently pure, it exposes and rejects error; this equips the church to spot antichrists (1 John 2:18–19). summary John writes not to fill a knowledge gap but to strengthen believers already walking in God’s truth. Their possession of that truth equips them to discern and reject every falsehood, for truth and lies cannot mingle. What the Spirit has implanted, Scripture affirms: God’s Word is entirely trustworthy, Jesus is its embodiment, and no deception can arise from Him. |
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