Knowing and following Christ
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 1 John 2:3-6
Prominent in the writings of the Apostle John is the word “know.” This word was used several times in the gospel as well as in his epistles, and the Revelation. His used of this word indicates that central in the life of every Christian is knowing Jesus by having a personal relationship with Him that translates into being obedient to His commands found in His Word. The test of having a genuine relationship with Jesus is our willingness to live in accordance with His commandments. This is why John ends chapter 2 of His epistle saying that since Jesus is righteous His children should also be characterized with a life of righteousness. This is what sets them apart as His followers. “Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children” (1 John 2:29). Living this life of obedience to God is a result of having Christ’s righteousness in us. This is what it means to live our life in Christ. This is also what it means when we claim that we are Christians. This is how transformation takes place in the life of every believer. It is God’s high calling for His children. This is possible through His Spirit living in us. “And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us” (1 John 3:24). Jesus Christ came into this world so that everyone that trust Him alone for salvation will truly experience His life living in them “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5, NIV). Therefore, as Paul admonished the church in Corinth to be sure that they are in faith, let us also do the same; “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
