Episode Details

Welcome back to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Monday at 12:00 PM Eastern.

We are now on Lesson 22 and we’re going to study 1 John 2:3.

But first, let’s review what we learned from 1 John 2:2 in Lesson 21.

Let’s read the verse.

1 John 2:2 He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Here’s what we learned:

* An atoning sacrifice is necessary to appease and satisfy the wrath of God, leading to reconciliation between God and humanity.

* God's wrath is a reflection of His holy and just nature. He does not tolerate sin and is fully committed to upholding righteousness.

* God, in His great love and mercy, has graciously provided Jesus as the only means through which His wrath can be satisfied and people can be reconciled to Him.

* The significance of Jesus' sacrifice is not restricted to a particular group of individuals; rather, it applies to all people, irrespective of their nationality, tribe, ethnicity, or background.

* The atoning sacrifice does not guarantee automatic forgiveness of sins for everyone, but it opens up the possibility of forgiveness. To receive salvation, you must believe that Jesus died for you and rose from the dead and repent of your sins.

In Lesson 22 we will learn how we can know with certainty that we have a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.

Let’s read our verse:

1 John 2:3 By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.

Let's focus on the first part of the verse: By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him.

By this we can be sure means to know with certainty, especially through personal experience.

that we have come to know Him means to understand Him intimately and to be deeply acquainted with Him. (Amplified)

Him is speaking about Jesus.

There is a significant distinction between having knowledge about Jesus and truly knowing Him intimately, relationally, and experientially.

This kind of knowing involves personally walking with Jesus, obeying His commands, and aligning your life with His will.

While many people are familiar with the name of Jesus and have encountered images or representations of Him on the cross, this doesn't necessarily mean that they have a deep, personal, or experiential knowledge of Him.

Jesus desires for us to know Him deeply and to cultivate an abiding relationship with Him for eternity.

In John 17:3, we read that eternal life is not just about life after death for eternity, but it’s about knowing God.

John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

Now let's focus on the final part of the verse: if we keep His commandments.

“Keep” means to guard, maintain, to spiritually watch over, keep intact, observe, express watchful care, or hold fast.

Keeping His commands is like a guard continually watching over and protecting His commandments