2:3-6 What do we learn from what John says here?
2:3-6 What do we learn from what John says here?
We learn from this that it is folly for anyone to think that they can be justified by faith through Christ and not obey His commandments.
Obedience to God's word is the key to everlasting life (cp 1Sam 15:22-23; Ec 12:13; Mt 7:21-27; Jn 14:15, 21. 23-24; 15:10, 14; Ro 6:16; 1Cor 7:19; 1Jn 3:24; 5:2-3; 2Jn 6; Rev 22:14). One can only be assured of salvation by obeying Christ's commandments.
Those who profess to be Christians but do not obey Christ's commandments are not telling the truth - they are liars (cp 1Jn 1:6, 8, 10). God's love accomplishes its perfect work in those who obey Christ's commandments, therefore whoever says they abide in Him should walk as He walked.
Christ's life, as set forth in the gospels, is the pattern for every professing Christian (cp Ro 12:1-2; 1Cor 7:17; Eph 6:14; Col 3:1-11; 1Pe 1:13-16; 4:1-2). See also comments on Mt 7:21; Ro 6:16; 1Cor 7:17-24.