Jesus Our Advocate
John addresses believers as little children and explains that his aim is to keep them from sin. Yet he immediately offers gospel comfort for those who do sin: Jesus Christ the Righteous One is their advocate before the Father, and He Himself is the atoning sacrifice not only for their sins but for the sins of the whole world. The paragraph holds together moral seriousness and gracious provision, showing that Christ's saving work neither excuses sin nor abandons sinners.
M1y little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
John then states that assurance of knowing God is demonstrated through obedience. Claiming to know Him while disregarding His commandments is a lie, but keeping His word shows that the love of God has truly reached its intended expression. The one who says he abides in Christ must therefore walk as Jesus walked. The paragraph shows that obedience is not a substitute for grace but the lived evidence of genuine union with Christ.
3By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. 4If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him: 6Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.