It's not about performing perfectly, but about the direction of our lives. This verse points out that genuine knowledge of God isn't just intellectual; it's revealed in a consistent pattern of obedience, showing our heart truly belongs to Him.
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is writing to assure believers of their genuine relationship with God, contrasting them with those who claim to know Him but live contrary to His will. He's just established that true fellowship with God means walking in His light and confessing our sins, and now he's explaining how we can be sure we're truly in that fellowship – it's demonstrated by our obedience. This isn't about earning salvation, but about the natural outflow of a heart transformed by knowing Jesus.
We often think knowing God is about intellectual assent or a one-time decision. But John here points to something deeper, a practical outworking of our faith.
John isn't saying you're 'saved' if you perfectly keep commandments. That's impossible! Instead, he's defining what genuine relationship looks like.
The Evidence of Intimacy
Think about learning a new skill. At first, it's awkward and you follow the steps rigidly. But as you practice, it becomes second nature. Obedience is like that with God.
John presents obedience not as a burden, but as the natural outflow of a transformed heart that truly knows God.
From Duty to Delight
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Understand the original words
entolē · Greek Noun
The set of moral or ritual instructions given by God to His people; in the New Testament, it refers to Christ's teachings and the moral requirements of the new covenant.
alētheia · Greek Noun
That which conforms to reality, God's nature, and the revelation of His word; it is the antithesis of falsehood and a defining characteristic of the Christian life.
agapē · Greek Noun
The divine quality of selfless, sacrificial, and covenantal love (agape) that originates from God and defines His character and actions toward humanity.
teleioō · Greek Verb
Brought to a goal, finished, mature, or fully realized; in a spiritual sense, it refers to the spiritual growth or moral maturity achieved through obedience and abiding in Christ.
menō · Greek Verb
To remain, stay, or dwell; used in the Johannine writings to describe the vital, continuous, and intimate union between the believer and Christ.
peripateō · Greek Verb
The systematic conduct or manner of living; in a biblical sense, it refers to the daily life, behavior, and moral path one chooses to follow.
Jesus directly states, 'If you love me, you will keep my commandments,' highlighting the inseparable link between genuine love for God and obedience.
Matthew 7:21This passage warns that simply saying 'Lord, Lord' isn't enough; it's those who 'do the will of my Father in heaven' who enter the kingdom, reinforcing that true knowledge of God is demonstrated through action.
Deuteronomy 11:26-28The Old Testament law clearly lays out the principle of blessing for obedience and curse for disobedience, showing that a covenant relationship with God has always been marked by adherence to His ways.
1 John 3:24John reiterates this theme, saying 'Whoever keeps his commandments abides in him, and he in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us,' tying obedience to the indwelling presence of God.
It's not about performing perfectly, but about the direction of our lives. This verse points out that genuine knowledge of God isn't just intellectual; it's revealed in a consistent pattern of obedience, showing our heart truly belongs to Him.
John is writing to assure believers of their genuine relationship with God, contrasting them with those who claim to know Him but live contrary to His will. He's just established that true fellowship with God means walking in His light and confessing our sins, and now he's explaining how we can be sure we're truly in that fellowship – it's demonstrated by our obedience. This isn't about earning salvation, but about the natural outflow of a heart transformed by knowing Jesus.
John is writing to assure believers of their genuine relationship with God, contrasting them with those who claim to know Him but live contrary to His will. He's just established that true fellowship with God means walking in His light and confessing our sins, and now he's explaining how we can be sure we're truly in that fellowship – it's demonstrated by our obedience. This isn't about earning salvation, but about the natural outflow of a heart transformed by knowing Jesus.
"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God i…" — It's not about performing perfectly, but about the direction of our lives. This verse points out that genuine knowledge of God isn't just intellectual; it's revealed in a consistent pattern of obed…
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Last reviewed October 2026
