“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; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him.” – 1 John 2:3-5
We know that salvation is a gift from God alone, nothing earned or worked for, purely accepted as the most gracious gift ever to be offered. But grace does not nullify the need for effort! James made it clear that saving faith is a working faith, or in other words, saving faith produces obedience. Not that obedience earns us salvation, but rather it’s evidence of our salvation. John, the author, wrote this small letter for believers to have assurance of their faith, and the litmus test he gave was whether or not we are keeping His commandments; echoing Jesus’ words, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). As we grow in our love relationships with Jesus, the natural by-product of that relationship will be obedience.
Is your life characterized by obedience to God’s Word?
