1 John 2:3-6 – “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. ⁴ The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; ⁵ but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: ⁶ the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, I was literally stunned by something so simple but (for me) revolutionary!  How many times have we heard the question or maybe wondered, “How can I know, For Certain, I Am Saved?”

It is more than a little prayer of confession.  It is more than church attendance.  It is more than membership or being baptized into a church. There are simple keys that reveal the truth.  Those keys do not leave loopholes or even wiggle room.  They exhibit God’s spotlight of revelation.

One of the key themes of 1 John is the answer to that question.   It begins with experiencing Jesus and embracing the Good News!   1 John 1:1 – What we have heard, seen, and touched produces fellowship with Jesus.   In verses 5-7, we come face to face with an absolute.  If we claim to be a Christian but keep living like we are not, we are not!

1 John 2:3-6 brings our question into focus: “By this we KNOW that we are IN Him.”   How?   We walk in truth, exhibiting righteousness and obedience to God. We live as Jesus lived (Love and Obedience).

The ability to live, 1 John 2:15-17, is an outflow of the previous verses about who we are.  Because of whom He is and who we are in Him, we can be and do this. Overcome the flesh. 

How can we know? 1 John 3:15-16 – we know because we love others. Unlove can be translated as a form of hate.  Hate = Death. Love = Life.  How can we know?   1 John 4:7-11 – those Fathered by God Love; those who don’t love have not been Fathered by God. Love acts.

1 John 4:15-18 – “By this love is perfected in us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because just as Jesus is, So Are We in this world.”   Love is demonstrated in the Christian.

How can we know?  1 John 5:1-3 – if we have been Fathered by God (born again), we love others who have been Fathered by God. We keep His Commandments; we obey Him.

How do we know?  1 John 5:13-15 – we believe, obey, love, and trust Him. The fruit and benefit are eternal life, and verses 14-15 become a constant companion.

A benefit and promise to the Believers is 1 John 5:18.  We become The Untouchables!  Simple but liberatingly powerful.

LORD, help us to know and show that we are Yours!