KEEPING HIS COMMANDMENTS

Is it possible to know whether Christ died for you and whether you are one of His redeemed, justified ones, as depicted in 1 John 2:1,2?  Absolutely!  The apostle John states, ‘And hereby we DO KNOW that we know him, IF WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS.” I John 2:3.  The question is, what does it mean to keep His commandments?

1. Those who know Christ, being taught by the Spirit of God, keep His commandment to repent from dead works and submit to Christ and His righteousness alone established in His obedience unto death, having no confidence in any works of righteousness of our own, nor taking any credit or glory in salvation- Hebrews 6:1 and Philippians 3:3.  
2. Those taught of the Spirit, in evidence of having Christ as Advocate; keep His commandment to believe on Him as He is revealed in God’s Word, I John 3:23.  Faith in Christ and His righteousness is never the cause or reason for our acceptance, but the evidence of being accepted in the Beloved, because of His work of propitiation, reconciliation, redemption, and satisfaction at the cross.  Where there is faith in him; there is also Spirit given love to him, for faith works by love, Gal. 5:6.
3. Those who know Christ in truth, evidence they are the Lord’s in obeying the commandment to love the brethren, I John 4:21. Brethren are those who share the same faith of Christ, revealed in His Word, without condition or compromise, 2 Corinthians 6:15. The grace and mercy of God teaches us to show kindness to all, but just like those of our own family, there is a special love for those whom Christ has redeemed, and taught His grace, Galatians 6:10.  While the religious world may consider us unloving not to fellowship with any who deny the Christ of Scripture, and the message of God’s unconditional election, grace, redemption, and full and complete justification by His death; nonetheless, it is that distinctive love for Christ that causes us to seek out fellowship and love His true people in this way. It is not a love that distinguishes between men based on race, color, or social standing, but rather a love of the truth, that affects our walk, will, and worship.  That is not bigotry, but keeping His commandment!  1 John 2:15.

KEN WIMER