The Saving Knowledge of Christ Evinced by a Practical Attention to His Commandments
Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons
1 John 2:3-5
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.…


I. THE NATURE OF THE SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST.

1. It is not a mere speculative knowledge.

2. It is a real, internal, spiritual revelation or manifestation of Him to the soul by the Spirit of God in the day of conversion.

3. It is the best and most excellent that can come within the reach of man.

4. It is greatly inferior as to degree, and different as to the manner of knowing, from what they will have in heaven.

5. It produces distinguishing effects — effects which distinguish it from all other knowledge.

(1)  It humbles those who have it.

(2)  Such as savingly know Christ put their trust in Him (2 Timothy 1:12).

(3)  It is transforming; it changes believers into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18) in holiness, meekness, patience, love, and every other imitable perfection.

II. WHAT SORT OF OBEDIENCE TO THE COMMANDS OF CHRIST IS THE UNDOUBTED EVIDENCE OF THE SPIRITUAL SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF HIM?

1. It is hearty, springing from love to Christ, as the governing principle of it.

2. It is voluntary. David says, "I have chosen Thy precepts" (Psalm 119:173).

3. It is universal. All the commands of Christ are respected; not only those of easy observance.

4. It is constant and persevering. The true servants of Christ obey Him in holiness and righteousness all the days of their lives (Luke 1:74, 75). And His command to them is Revelation 2:10.

(Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

WEB: This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments.




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