By this we can be sureThis phrase emphasizes the assurance of faith. In the context of 1 John, the apostle is addressing believers who may be facing doubts about their salvation. Assurance is a recurring theme in John's writings, as seen in
John 20:31, where the purpose of his Gospel is to instill belief and certainty in Jesus as the Christ. The concept of assurance is also echoed in
Hebrews 10:22, which speaks of drawing near to God with a full assurance of faith.
that we have come to know Him:
Knowing God is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting a deep, personal relationship rather than mere intellectual acknowledgment. In the Old Testament, knowing God often involved covenantal faithfulness, as seen inJeremiah 31:34, where God promises that all will know Him. In the New Testament, this knowledge is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who reveals the Father (John 14:7-9). The Greek word for "know" (ginosko) implies an ongoing, experiential knowledge, suggesting a dynamic relationship with God through Christ.
if we keep His commandments.
Obedience to God's commandments is a hallmark of genuine faith. This reflects the teachings of Jesus, who stated inJohn 14:15, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." The commandments refer not only to the moral and ethical teachings of Jesus but also to the broader scope of God's will as revealed in Scripture. This obedience is not legalistic but is a response to the grace and love received from God. The connection between love and obedience is further emphasized in 1John 5:3, where keeping God's commandments is described as an expression of love for God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
John the ApostleThe author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth.
2.
The Early ChurchThe audience of this letter, consisting of early Christians who were facing false teachings and needed reassurance of their faith.
3.
Jesus ChristCentral to the message of 1 John, as knowing Him and keeping His commandments are key themes.
4.
False TeachersIndividuals who were spreading incorrect doctrines, challenging the true knowledge of God and His commandments.
5.
Asia MinorThe region where the early church communities addressed in this letter were likely located.
Teaching Points
Assurance of SalvationObedience to God's commandments is a tangible way to confirm our relationship with Him.
The Nature of True KnowledgeKnowing God is not merely intellectual but is demonstrated through a life of obedience.
The Role of Love in ObedienceOur love for God is expressed through our willingness to follow His commandments.
Discernment Against False TeachingsTrue knowledge of God is marked by adherence to His commandments, providing a standard to evaluate teachings.
Practical ObedienceDaily life should reflect our commitment to God's commandments, impacting our decisions and interactions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 John 2:3?
2.How does 1 John 2:3 define knowing God through obedience to His commands?
3.What role does obedience play in our relationship with God according to 1 John?
4.How can we practically apply "keep His commandments" in our daily lives?
5.How does 1 John 2:3 connect with Jesus' teachings in John 14:15?
6.What steps can you take to ensure you are keeping God's commandments today?
7.How does 1 John 2:3 define knowing God?
8.What does 1 John 2:3 imply about obedience and faith?
9.How does 1 John 2:3 challenge the concept of grace without works?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 2?
11.What does having everything for life and godliness mean?
12.Do you live according to My teachings?
13.What are the key themes of the General Epistles?
14.1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness through confession. Without empirical evidence for spiritual change, what evidence exists that this is more than a psychological coping mechanism?What Does 1 John 2:3 Mean
By this we can be sure- The verse opens with God’s invitation to real assurance. Scripture never leaves His children guessing about their standing (2 Corinthians 13:5;Romans 8:16).
- “By this” points to a concrete standard, not shifting feelings. Just as Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16), John identifies observable evidence.
- The Spirit uses tangible markers so believers can rest in confidence rather than anxiety (Hebrews 6:11).
That we have come to know Him- “Know” here is more than facts; it is relational intimacy, the very life Jesus described: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You” (John 17:3).
- John writes to people who may have professed faith but are tempted by counterfeit claims. True knowledge of God displays itself, echoing, “No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning” (1 John 3:6).
- The phrase “have come to know” points to a past moment of conversion with ongoing results—similar to Paul’s confidence: “I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12).
If we keep His commandments- Obedience is the litmus test. Jesus said plainly, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15); John simply applies that teaching.
- “Keep” means watch over, guard, treasure—an attitude that delights in God’s will (Psalm 40:8).
- This is not salvation by works; rather, works reveal salvation already received (Ephesians 2:8-10;James 2:17).
- The commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3); they are evidence that Christ’s life is active within.
- Ongoing obedience distinguishes genuine disciples from pretenders who merely say “Lord, Lord” but do not do what He says (Luke 6:46).
summaryJohn offers a simple but searching test: real assurance comes through obedient living. When a believer guards and practices God’s commands, he can confidently know he belongs to Him. Knowing God is inseparable from loving submission to His Word—an outward fruit springing from an inward relationship.
(5) The fourth inference from the doctrine that God is Light analyses more accurately the general expression of
1John 1:7,
walking in the light. If Christ is, as in
1John 2:1-2, the Paraclete and Propitiation of the world, it becomes necessary to ascertain whether He is this to us; lest, when this salvation is offered, we condemn ourselves by rejecting it. The test is, "obedience to the commandments, especially in brotherly love."
(3) Hereby means,by what follows.
That we know him.--Rather,have known Him (so also in1John 2:4,I have known Him); that we have not grasped a shadow, but have been in intercourse with the living God, who reveals Himself not through speculation, but through a true inward life of man.
If we keep his commandments.--Christ's--because of the reference toJohn 14:15. "Keep" like a precious heirloom, watching them against the inroads of our lower nature. (Comp.Matthew 19:17;Matthew 28:20;1Timothy 6:14.) If each man's conscience was the standard of practice, confusion would again reign in morals as it reigned in the days of the Sophists at Athens. (Compare Plato'sRepublic,Bk. 2, Jowett's translation.) A code and an example fitted for all times and all circumstances have been given by our Lord. . . .
Verses 3-6. - Thirdly, walking in the light involves obedience.
Verse 3. -
And herein we perceive that we know him, if we keep his commandmentsγινώσκομεν, we come to know, we recognize;
ἐγνώκαμεν, we have come to know, we know). The token of our having this knowledge is stated hypothetically; not
because, but if, we obey. To serve under another and obey him is one of the best ways of knowing his character. The knowledge is no mere intellectual apprehension, such as the Gnostic, postulated, but a moral and spiritual affection and activity. It is possible to know and hate (
John 16:24). Again, the knowledge is not a mere emotional appreciation. Christianity knows nothing of piety without morality. To know Christ is to love him, and to love him is to obey and imitate him. By "keep"
τῆρῶμεν is recant "keep the eye fixed upon,
observe."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Byἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.thisτούτῳ(toutō)Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.we can be sureγινώσκομεν(ginōskomen)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1097:A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.we have come to knowἐγνώκαμεν(egnōkamen)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1097:A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.Him:αὐτόν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.ifἐὰν(ean)Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.we keepτηρῶμεν(tērōmen)Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 5083:From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.Hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.commandments.ἐντολὰς(entolas)Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1785:An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.
Links
1 John 2:3 NIV1 John 2:3 NLT1 John 2:3 ESV1 John 2:3 NASB1 John 2:3 KJV
1 John 2:3 BibleApps.com1 John 2:3 Biblia Paralela1 John 2:3 Chinese Bible1 John 2:3 French Bible1 John 2:3 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 1 John 2:3 This is how we know that we (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) 
