1 John 2:6

Contextual Overview

³We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. ³ We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. ³ By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. ³The one way to know for sure you ride for the brand is if you obey God's commands. ³ And by this we may be certain that we have knowledge of him, if we keep his laws. ³ And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. ³ This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. ³ And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. ³ And by this we may know that we know Him--if we obey His commands. ³ And hereby wee doe knowe that we know him, if we keepe his commandements.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

that saith: 1 John 2:4, 1 John 1:6

he: 1 John 2:28, 1 John 3:6, John 15:4-6

to walk: 1 John 1:7, Psalms 85:13, Matthew 11:29, John 13:15, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:2, 1 Peter 2:21

Reciprocal: Psalms 15:2 - He Ezekiel 37:24 - they shall Matthew 3:15 - for Romans 6:4 - even Romans 13:13 - us Ephesians 2:10 - walk Philippians 2:5 - General Colossians 2:6 - walk 1 Thessalonians 2:12 - walk Titus 2:12 - live 1 John 3:3 - even 1 John 3:16 - and we 1 John 5:20 - and we 2 John 1:4 - walking

Gill's Notes on the Bible

He that saith he abideth in him,.... As all do that are in him; once in Christ, and always in Christ; they are set as a seal on his arm and heart, which can never be removed; they are in his arms, and can never be plucked from thence; and are members of him, and can never be disunited from him: or dwelleth in him, as in John 6:56; that is, by faith; who under a sense of sin and danger have fled to Christ, as to a strong tower and place of defence, where they dwell safely, peaceably, pleasantly, and comfortably, enjoying whatever is necessary for them. The Syriac and Ethiopic versions read, "he that saith I am in him"; loved by him, chosen in him, united to him, a member of his, and have communion with him:

ought himself also to walk even as he walked; as Christ walked, lived, and acted, so ought he; that is, to imitate him and follow him, as he has him for an example; not in his miraculous works in raising the dead, healing the sick, and walking upon the waters, c. which were wrought as proofs of his deity and of his Messiahship, and not intended for imitation nor in his mediatorial performances, as in his propitiatory sacrifice and advocacy; but in the exercise of grace, and duties of religion as a man, and in a private way; and may chiefly regard walking in love, as he walked, see Ephesians 5:2; and is what is in the following verses insisted on, namely, the new commandment of love to the brethren; which should be to all as his was, and, like his, constant and lasting; and, when the case requires, should be shown by laying down life for them. The "as" is not a note of equality, but of likeness; for it cannot be thought that saints should walk in that degree of perfection, in humility, patience, love, and in the exercise of every other grace, and in the discharge of duty, as Christ did; only that they should copy after him, and make his obedience and life the rule of theirs.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

He that saith, he abideth in him - Greek, “remains” in him; that is, abides or remains in the belief of his doctrines, and in the comfort and practice of religion. The expression is one of those which refer to the intimate union between Christ and his people. A great variety of phrase is employed to denote that. For the meaning of this word in John, see the notes at 1 John 3:6.

Ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked - Ought to live and act as he did. If he is one with him, or professes to be united to him, he ought to imitate him in all things. Compare John 13:15. See also the notes at 1 John 1:6.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 6. Abideth in him — He who not only professes to have known Christ, but also that he has communion with him, and abides in his favour, should prove the truth of his profession by walking as Christ walked; living a life of devotion and obedience to God, and of benevolence and beneficence to his neighbour. Thus Christ walked; and he has left us an example that we should follow his steps.

To be in Christ, 1 John 2:5, is to be converted to the Christian faith, and to have received the remission of sins. To abide in Christ, 1 John 2:6, is to continue in that state of salvation, growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.