What is the meaning of 1 John 3:24? Whoever keeps His commandments - John’s wording is straightforward: obedience to God’s revealed will is the unmistakable mark of genuine faith. - Jesus said the same: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). - Obedience is not a way to earn salvation; rather, it is evidence that salvation has taken root (1 John 2:3-5; James 2:18). - The commands in view include loving God and loving others (1 John 3:23). When those commands shape daily choices, believers show the family resemblance of those born of God. remains in God, and God in him - “Remain” (or “abide”) describes a living, continual union, not an occasional visit (John 15:4-5). - This reciprocal indwelling means: • Our lives are anchored in His life (Galatians 2:20). • His life overflows through ours, empowering holiness and love (1 John 4:12-16). - Because God literally takes up residence in the believer, obedience flows from the inside out, not merely from external rule-keeping. And by this we know - John is passionate about assurance (1 John 5:13). He doesn’t leave believers guessing. - “By this” points back to obedient living and forward to the Spirit’s witness. Both work together to give confident knowledge, not vague hope (2 Corinthians 13:5). - The verb “know” is experiential; John is describing settled certainty, not mere intellectual agreement. that He remains in us - The focus shifts from our abiding in Him to His abiding in us—God takes the initiative and sustains the relationship (John 17:23). - Awareness of His presence becomes tangible in day-to-day life: • Conviction of sin (John 16:8) • Comfort in trials (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) • Growing Christlike character (Galatians 5:22-23) by the Spirit He has given us - The Holy Spirit is the God-given guarantee that this mutual indwelling is real (Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:16). - Practical ways the Spirit confirms our standing: • Illuminating Scripture so it pierces the heart (1 Corinthians 2:12-13) • Empowering victory over sin (Romans 8:13) • Stirring love for fellow believers (1 John 4:7) - Because the Spirit is “given,” assurance rests on God’s promise, not on fluctuating feelings. summary Keeping God’s commandments displays a life rooted in Him; such obedience proves that a believer truly abides in God and God in the believer. This mutual indwelling is made certain by the Holy Spirit, the divine gift who testifies within us, empowers obedience, and seals our assurance. |
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