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Expanded Comments |
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| 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: |
My little children – According to the original this would more properly read, "My darlings." At the time of this writing, the Apostle John was quite old, very mellow in character because of his experiences. R5491:2
New creatures who have only started in the new way of full consecration to God's will. R5445:2
These things – John had, in the chapter preceding, been pointing out that sin is a trait or quality of perversity which affects all. R5491:2
Write I unto you – To teach you. E284
The object of my writing is that you might realize the responsibility of abstaining from sin and continuing in God's love. R5041:1; Q653:5
Ye – The new creature. R5041:4; Q653:5
Sin not – Avoid sin. SM719:1; NS355:3
That we become not boastful of self, self-righteous, self-justified. R5939:3, 2236:1
He does not say: Yes, we are all sinners--we cannot help it--and must continue in sin. R5491:2
And if any man – In Christ. R5939:3, 5270:5, 2236:1, 1985:3; CR88:5
In the Church. R4585:2, 4931:6, 3255:5
Those who are under the terms and conditions of the covenant of grace alone are addressed in this epistle. R5939:3, 2236:1
Sin – Stumbles into sin through weakness and temptation--not intentionally. R3255:5, 4908:5, 2235:5, 1962:2
Any trespass under deception or weakness, and not willfully. R3281:5, 4585:2; CR389:3
Flaws not of the new creature, but chargeable to the flesh. R5041:5; Q653:5, 809:T
Our Father knows that we all come short on account of the weaknesses of the flesh. R5491:3, 2; Q654:1
Imperfections of the flesh we cannot fully control. R5928:4, 5751:5, 4615:6; CR487:4; NS357:5; SM722:1
Jesus did not die for the willful sins of the new creature, but for the sins due to the fall--Adamic sin. R5491:6
No matter how trivial the sin may be, it is a sin. God keeps no accounts with the flesh, but holds the new creature responsible. R5089:3
The Lord would not allow any who really love him, who are loyal of heart, to go into second death, but any misstep would have a tendency to lead us farther and farther away from the goal. R5270:5
Stumbling into sin through weakness of the flesh--from this there is hope of recovery. R3260:4
David's sin was one which may be repented of and forgiven--not willful. R3260:3
"The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin." ( 1 John 1:7) Q302:T; CR390:1
There are more sins than our original sin. These are designated trespasses, and should be mentioned at the throne of grace daily. SM722:1; R4354:2; CR389:5; NS357:5
After we get the robe of Christ's righteousness, if we get a spot, we are immediately to come to the Advocate. Q302:T; CR389:6
The robe was pure and white when you got it, and if you have neglected it some, see that you go to the Lord and stay with him until you have the assurance of his forgiveness. CR390:4
In the case of a partially willful sin, stripes would be administered in proportion to the willfulness. R5492:1[R5492:1], 1985:4, 5106:1; CR389:3
The merit of Christ is not only sufficient for all the sins and blemishes of the past, but is sufficient for all the imperfections and blemishes as long as we remain in the flesh. R4616:6,5
A full sin would be a full consent of the new will, a full turning away from God. R5492:1[R5492:top]
If any man sin willfully as a new creature, he perishes thereby. R5491:6, 5041:5; Q653:5
The death of those new creatures who live after the flesh will be the second death. R5270:5; CR389:4
We – The Church. R4516:6
The spirit-begotten. R5775:5; CR387:1
Believers. R1601:2
The world has no Advocate with the Father, because it has not accepted Christ. R5939:4, 5775:5, 5491:3, 4998:3,6, 4931:6, 4560:6, 3915:3, 3708:5, 2236:1; CR389:2; NS359:2; SM728:1
Have an advocate – One who stands alongside, and intercedes for you, in every way representing you. CR88:5; R4560:6, 4476:1; Q108:4
Advokat in the German represents the thought. It signifies one who pleads the cause of another, standing as his representative. The Germans use the word advocate as a synonym for our word attorney, lawyer. CR388:6
An attorney--he is never for any side but your side. Q466:2; R5197:2
An attorney appears to answer for his client, not to answer for others. The world has not retained our Lord as an Advocate. SM728:1; NS359:3
Jesus will represent to the Father that we have imperfections but he knows our hearts are right and this would be a proper case for leniency. We have forgiveness of sin through faith in his blood. Q467:T
Jesus has appeared in the presence of God as the Advocate for all those who, during this Gospel age, turn away from sin and consecrate their lives to his service. R5491:3, 5041:5; CR389:1; NS359:3; Q654:1; SM728:1
The first-borns alone have an Advocate during this Gospel age. SM559:T; OV280:T
Our Lord will be the Church's Advocate with the Father until the last member of his Body and the Great Company shall have finished his course. R4585:3, 4761:1
Our sins are against God. We must come to the Father in the name and through the merit of the one who redeemed us. Q734:6; R4643:1
Remember that there is a place to go, a Mercy Seat, where you may confess your sins and obtain forgiveness. R5491:3, 4805:2, 4625:2, 1938:2; CR487:5
Jesus applies enough of his merit to cover all our defects. R4764:6, 4554:4; CR88:5
To whatever extent our bodies fall short of perfect obedience, Christ makes good. R5089:3
If overtaken in a fault, we should quickly repent and seek forgiveness. R1922:4, 5041:5, 4908:5, 1962:2, 1239:6; Q654:2
Our Advocate will intercede for unintentional sin, but not for deliberate sin. R5491:6, 4554:4
He is our representative; he now speaks for us. R3708:5, 1601:2
It is evident that our imperfect prayers now have to be revised by our Advocate, they might not contain all the things asked for but would contain all that is good for us. R469:5*
Followers of Jesus have success in their warfare only through their Advocate. R5285:2
God has provided that we shall have an Advocate, and to go aside from him and address somebody else would be to do dishonor to the Advocate, and to the one who appointed him. Q617:2; OV181:4
We have no other Advocate; and anyone who goes in any other way is taking a side-track, and will never reach the destination. Q617:2
We need an Advocate because the Father's requirement is that our hearts be perfect in love but this is beyond our accomplishment, because we have the treasure of the new mind in earthen vessels--in imperfect bodies. SM721:1, 725:1; R5440:1, 4388:6; CR389:6; NS356:5, 358:5
Our Lord Jesus continues to be our Advocate. R4625:2, 4597:2
He who appeared in the presence of God for us at first is the same one who ever liveth to make intercession for us. R4898:2, 5041:5, 1836:6; Q654:1
The evidence of our ransom, presented by Jesus when he ascended on high, is, and ever shall be, our Advocate. That sacrifice presented by Jesus is our Advocate, ever heard on behalf of every repentant sinner. R791:4
John points us to Calvary and to the acceptance of the ransom price as our Advocate. R791:5
It is the High Priest who does all the offering and of that Priest the Head represents the entire Body. R4310:4
The really loyal ones will suffer death rather than deny God and his arrangements, when brought into this position by the great Endorser, the Advocate of the Church. SM669:1
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16) R1829:5, 5491:3, 5270:5, 5089:3, 5041:5, 3255:5, 1865:3; CR390:5; NS358:1; OV181:4; Q654:2; SM725:T
The Scriptures do not say anywhere, we have a mediator between God and us. R4680:1, 4584:6, 4388:6; Q302:T
God deals with the Body during their trial day through Jesus. The world will require a Mediator. R4339:2*, 5491:5; NS359:4; SM728:2
Our Lord Jesus is not the Church's Mediator before the Father, but the Church's Advocate. A Mediator implies a hostility between two principals, requiring the intervention of a third party, and this is not the case with the Church. SM720:2; R4516:6; NS356:3; Q466:2
With the Father – Through the imputed merit of Jesus. R5491:3, 5928:4
Let us lose no time in retracing the step, and in calling upon the Father for forgiveness. R5492:4, 5041:5; Q302:T, 654:2
The righteous – The absolutely righteous one. R3281:5
"God hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world by that man whom he hath ordained." (Acts 17:31) A137
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| 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. |
And he – Jesus. CR490:4; R420:3
Our Advocate is more than a representative at the bar of justice, interested in our welfare and forgiveness; he is in addition the one who gave himself for our sins. R5939:4, 2236:1
Is the propitiation – Greek, hilasmos, satisfaction. A157; E441; F164, F334; T124; R5939:4, 5193:4, 4982:2, 4633:2, 4574:3, 4515:2, 4504:6, 4497:6, 4340:3, 3066:1, 3013:6, 2596:2, 1865:3, 1590:1, 1425:1, 1256:3, 1026:6, 838:3, 791:4, 641:1, 420:3; HG177:6; 316:3; NS769:4, 804:2; SM539:2
The Greek word hilasmos signifies "that which satisfies or propitiates," and occurs only here and in John 4:10. R641:1, 420:3; E442; T124
Expiator. (Strong's Lexicon) R4519:5
Webster's definition of its meaning: "The act of appeasing wrath and conciliating the favor of an offended person--atonement or atoning sacrifice." R420:6
A sufficient satisfaction. R3279:5
Appeasement. R866:4
Covering. R704:5
The sin-offering. R5939:5, 2236:4
His death constituted the satisfaction price. OV253:3
The work he finished at Calvary. R5939:4, 2236:1
Giving his life for us as our ransom--that he might buy back the forfeited life of Adam. R4792:3, 1256:3, 128:1*
Divine justice is satisfied to release the sinners as soon as the purchase-price is made available. CR490:4; NS248:1, 321:4
The first-borns alone thus far are reconciled to God. SM559:T
When Jesus ascended up on high he appeared for us, the Church class, and made satisfaction for our sins. R4633:5, 4515:2, 3708:5; NS359:6; SM728:1
The great Redeemer has the satisfaction price; it merely awaits the due time for application. R4633:3, 4504:6, 2733:4
His crucifixion was necessary; that by the blood of the cross, by the death of the crucified one, atonement is effected for the sins of the Church and of the world. R4171:1, 5925:1, 5164:2, 2832:6, 2197:4
The divine provision of a remedy for sinners is co-extensive with the blight of sin. R3066:1
The same death of the same Jesus makes satisfaction for both, the sins of the Church, and the sins of the world. CR227:6
And therefore the life-giver. E328
God's love and wisdom, operating in harmony with his justice, succeeded in clearing the guilty, without any injustice. R429:4; HG595:4[HG595]
The proof of God's love. "He sent his Son to be the propitiation for ours sins." ( 1 John 4:10) R1328:2*, 788:2
Typified by the offerings in connection with the Tabernacle. T26; NS365:4
The Church's share in the atonement is in the sense that the Church is reckoned as the Body of Christ, so its sacrifices are reckoned as being joined with that of Christ. R2052:2
The merit, the ransom, lay in the sacrifice which our Lord offered. Ours is merely incidental, and reckonedly accepted as a part, in order that we might be granted a share in the rewards. R2052:2
For our sins – The Church's sins. A157; E442; F77, F164, F334; R5939:4, 5925:1, 4633:1, 4519:5, 4497:6, 4340:3, 4171:1, 4126:2, 4114:2, 3844:6, 3066:1, 3013:6, 2733:2, 2708:5, 2596:2, 2236:2, 1816:2, 1590:1; CR490:4; HG114:1; 120:5; 316:3; NS356:1, 392:6, 769:4, 804:2, 860:6; SM719:1, 539:2; OV253:3, 197:6
Jesus gave himself a ransom-price for all, and the merit of this price was applied by imputation on our behalf. R5491:3, 4633:1, 418:6
Throughout the Gospel age. R4497:6, 1590:1
It is nearly nineteen centuries since the first application for the Church. R4504:6
By his paying our penalty we might be released from death--have a right to live--to a resurrection. R563:3
"I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins." (1 Cor. 15:3) R2601:1
Not for ours only – God recognizes the sins of the Church as one thing, and the sins of the world as another. CR227:6; NS356:1; SM719:1
The expiations are separate and distinct, but the one sacrifice, finished at Calvary, is the ransom-price by which both are to be effected. R4519:5, 4574:3
But also – But also is sufficient. R4633:1
Additionally--subsequently. R4504:6
Afterwards. R4633:2
The Scriptures clearly distinguish between the sin of the world and the sin of the Church. HG177:6
Secondarily, Christ will make use of his sacrifice on behalf of all the people. R4819:1
Both the just and the unjust shall come forth from the grave. R1816:2, 5108:4; NS804:2
The redemption of mankind will be universal. R5925:1
If the elect Church received her trial in advance of the world, as a result of the redemption, the same redemption will provide a trial for the non-elect world. R2733:4
The world still has a place in the divine plan. The time must come when it will receive a blessing through the sacrifice of reconciliation. NS367:3, 769:4
For the sins – This secondary application of the merit of our Lord on behalf of the world, corresponds to the second sprinkling of the blood on the Atonement Day, the blood of the Lord's goat, sealing the New Covenant. R4498:1, 5342:4, 4819:1, 4574:3, 4515:3, 4514:1, 4504:6
When justice accepts of Christ's atonement for all the people, the formal transfer of the kingdoms of this world will take place, and God will put all things in subjection, under his feet. R4640:4
As the death of the sacrifice was not for the priests alone, so Christ's death is not for the Little Flock alone. As the animal's life was not for the tribe of Levi alone, but also for the "whole congregation," so the blood of our substitute was not for believers alone. R17:3
Of the whole world – Adam and all of his race, who died in him. R5880:1, 5939:5, 3844:6, 2733:2, 2236:2, 838:3, 165:2; HG654:6; OV197:6; Q567:1; SM68:T
How many does that leave out in this great salvation? HG120:5
It has not as yet been appropriated for the world. R4633:1
The work of the Millennium. R5939:5, 2236:4, 1590:1, 33:2*; NS670:4, 804:2
In due time. R4340:3, 4497:6, 2596:2, 1026:6, 165:2, 33:2*; NS804:2, 392:6
The abundance of the divine provision. R3261:6
Of which the Jews are a part. OV226:4
The completeness of the ransom is the very strongest possible argument for the restitution of all mankind who will accept it on the proffered terms. A157
Jesus, in laying down his human life, was laying down sacrificially the ransom price sufficient for the sins of the whole world. CR452:2; R1336:1, 685:2; NS248:1, 613:1
He will have all of this merit of his sacrifice to make satisfaction for the sins of the whole world--not a single individual omitted. R5622:3
Eventually the whole world shall have the privilege, opportunity, of having their eyes and ears opened that they also may see and understand the riches of God's grace in Christ. R4126:2, 5939:5, 2236:4
These sins of the world may include murder, but as far as justice is concerned, there can be no more objection to the forgiving of the sins of the whole world than to the forgiving of the sins of the whole Church. NS248:1
"Jesus Christ by the grace of God tasted death for every man." (Heb. 2:9) R2596:2, 1026:6, 429:4, 17:3; HG420:2; 437:3; 654:6; NS392:6; OV197:5; Q818:4; SM539:2
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| 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. |
Keep his commandments – "That we should believe on the name of his son Jesus Christ, and love one another." ( 1 John 3:23) R976:4, 1731:1
Not the ten commandments of Israel's Law as a covenant. R976:4, 1730:6
The Jewish Law cannot here be referred to, because, "By the deeds of the Law (covenant) shall no flesh be justified in his sight." (Rom. 3:20) R1730:6
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| 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. |
I know him – Christ as my Lord and Savior. R2154:6
Intimate knowledge of God, communion with him. R5939:6, 2236:4
Not his commandments – To do the works of righteousness, to bring forth the fruits of repentance of sins. R2154:6
Truth is not in him – It is thus very evident that the Apostle does not mean merely a knowledge about God, but an intimate knowledge of God, implying fellowship and communion with him. R5939:6, 2236:4
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| 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. |
Keepeth his word – Only those who have received the Word of God can keep it, can retain it and comply with its requirements. R4897:4
Loves the Word of God and takes pleasure not in turning, twisting, and endeavoring to avoid the force of that Word, but keeps it, cherishes it, loves it, and seeks to conform himself thereto. R2649:1
We should strive to regulate our lives and all of our doings by the Word of God. R5276:5
Those who hold fast to the Word are "overcomers." R4897:4
This test of obedience proves whether or not we are new creatures. R5939:6, 4897:4, 2236:5
On all sides we hear various reasons why we should retain the world and the flesh, rather than that which the Lord's Word holds out to us. R4897:4
The love of God – Love is based on a clear knowledge of God, on an undissembled faith, a faith fully appreciating what he has said. R5276:6
That love which is most perfectly represented in God--pure, free from all selfishness, from all stain--God's love, the very underlying principle of his character. R5276:5
Whoever is so in harmony with God that they delight to do his will, have in this an evidence that the love of God is dwelling in them richly and abounding. R2648:6
Perfected – To have this love perfected in us would seem to indicate that we would love as God loves. R5276:6
The test is obedience. In proportion as we keep the Lord's Word, in like proportion the love of God is perfected in us. R4897:5
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| 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. |
Abideth in him – Abideth in Christ. R5446:6
This gives us the thought of a body. It implies that one has first come into him. R5446:3
This profession should be borne out by our walk. R5447:4
By feeding constantly on the Word, and by following closely in Christ's footsteps. R1802:6*
Abiding in him to the end. R1008:2
Also so to walk – To do the will of God in all things. R5446:6
Be willing to do "everything written in the Book"--not merely forcing ourselves to it, but delighting to do God's will. R5447:1, 4897:4, 2649:1
In our general relationship and deportment to everything that is good, and correspondingly to avoid everything that is evil. R3237:5, 5447:5
That we still love him--are still in harmony with God's Word--have no will but the Lord's will--his peace in our hearts and lives. R5446:3
Not according to the flesh, but according to the new creature--to love everything that is good and avoid everything that is evil. R5447:5
In the same way, in the same direction, toward the same mark and standard that he recognized and established. R3237:5, 5446:3
"We are buried with him" and rise to "walk in newness of life." (Rom. 6:4) R5446:3
Even as he walked – Whoever walks as Jesus walked is in harmony with the divine Word and will--in holiness, devotion and opposition to sin--he lived daily in harmony with the will of the Heavenly Father--fully submissive--a sacrifice unto death. R5446:6
In the same path, in the same direction, toward the same glorious goal--not according to the desires of the flesh. R5447:5
The word disciple signifies one who follows--as a pupil follows his teacher. R5447:4
He pleased not himself, but delighted in doing the Father's will. R493:4*
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| 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. |
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| 8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. |
A new commandment – Teaching. E284
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| 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. |
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| 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. |
He – Represented in Joseph--The Messiah--the class that includes the specially faithful of God's people during this Gospel age. R5231:3
Loveth – The testimony of God is that Christ is the love of the world. R1329:2*
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| 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. |
Hateth his brother – He who loveth not his brother loveth not God. He who hateth his brother and back-biteth him is not under the control of the spirit of God. R4327:3
Darkness – A synonym for the condition of those in sin. R4327:3
As are the worldly. R1063:4*
Blinded his eyes – We must not be surprised if some of those who have manifested a bitter, loveless spirit, and who have been harrying the Lord's flock in a backbiting and wolfish manner should become uncertain in respect to the truth. R4327:4
Blindness and confusion are of the Adversary. R4328:1
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| 12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. |
Little children – Babes in Christ. R97:5*, 1906:3
We realize our adoption as sons only when we have renounced the vain pomp and glory of this world and turned fully to God, claiming no righteousness of our own. R1906:3
No one is even a babe in Christ who still cherishes iniquity in his heart, or who fails to recognize his need of the covering of Christ's righteousness. R1906:3
For his name's sake – Because he paid the penalty, which was the full satisfaction of justice. E461
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| 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. |
Fathers – "When I became a man, I put away childish things." (1 Cor. 13:11) R1906:6
Young men – Beyond both infancy and boyhood, the stature of a young man in Christ. R1906:6
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| 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. |
Ye are strong – Spiritual new creatures in Christ must have appropriate proper nourishment that they may continue to live and grow. R1906:3
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| 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. |
Love not the world – The love of fellowship, which implies the partaking of the world's spirit--its aims, ambitions, hopes and its methods of pursuing them. R1955:6
To fellowship the world is to talk in harmony with its ideas and to conform to its ways. In this sense we may not love it, but must be apart from it and in opposition to it. R1956:4
This signifies that the world's standards, customs, ambitions, views, etc., are so different from those inculcated by the spirit of the truth that it is impossible for these to fully harmonize the one with the other. R5513:4
We are not to be in sympathy with any of the present selfish institutions, even though we may be obliged to conduct our affairs considerably along its selfish lines. F606
The world is traveling in the opposite direction to righteousness--in the way of selfishness and gratification of the flesh. R5218:2
The worldly spirit of selfishness and sin; the spirit of ambition, envy, hatred, malice and strife. SM607:1
Evil deeds and thoughts--sinful practices. R4766:5, 4765:6
We are not to set our hearts upon these things. Our hearts are to be set upon the doing of the Lord's will. R5512:5
We should be on guard against every indication of sympathy or affiliation with the spirit of the world. F606
Have no affectionate love for evil doers. R1251:1
Even a good work could be engaged in from the spirit of the world rather than the spirit of God. R5139:2
Our ability to run the race set before us in the Gospel will be in proportion as we shall be obedient to the divine counsel. F729; R5139:4
There are many who have been begotten of the spirit, who are partially overcome by the allurements of the world, they partially lose sight of the prize set before us, and try to keep the favor of God and the favor of the world. A213
The love or charity which goes out toward the enemies of the cross of Christ--those who have been once enlightened by the truth and have turned away from it--is not the right kind of love. R1589:5
The world operates along lines different from those of love. The spirit of selfishness belongs to the present order; we see it everywhere. R5138:3
Its spirit lays hold of all the forces of nature and seeks to control these, to adapt them to its own selfish interests. R5138:3
Those who have the selfish heart, the selfish intentions, will continue to love the things of the world. R5138:6
It has become an enemy and a tempter by reason of the fact that the Church have been "begotten again" to new hopes, new ambitions--which are along radically different lines from anything the world knows or has sympathy with. R4811:1
But we are to be the enemies of none, and the friends of all. R4765:3, 1955:3
Many of the poor love the things of the world, and hope some day to get their share. R5138:6
"World" does not refer to either the human race, or to the planet on which we live. It is from the Greek word, kosmos, signifying, arrangement, the present order of things. R5138:2, 97:3*
St. John does not refer to the world of mankind, for we should have sympathy similar to the Heavenly Father's for the fallen race. R5138:3, 2755:2, 1955:3
Neither the things – God's people recognize the things of the world in general as being in opposition to the service of God. R4766:1
Every child of God should be on guard against the spirit of selfishness and against willingness to participate in the things of this world. R5139:1, 5138:3, 4766:4
A man who would truly rejoice to have a better arrangement of affairs, would not have the spirit that dominates in the present order of things. R5138:6
Those whose eyes of understanding have been illuminated can never be satisfied with present conditions under the rule of the prince of darkness. R4196:2
We cannot condemn the ways of the world, yet delight in the good things of life provided--the automobile, the pleasant home, etc. R5139:1
Not that we are not to appreciate beautiful things, or that we are not to like to see others striving to benefit the world; but that we should not be satisfied with any of these things, so far as we are concerned. R5139:1
In the world – Of the world. R1096:5*
If any man – The Apostle seems to be addressing this message to the Church. R5139:1
Love the world – Greek, agapee. Used in an inferior sense. R3949:4
We do not understand that such a one has no love for the Father, or that the Father has no love for him. R5139:1
Love of the Father – Greek, agapee, disinterested or divine love, as representing the highest type of love when used respecting the Lord and his people. R3949:4
The Spirit of God, the spirit of love, the spirit that will dominate the new order of things, that will control during the thousand years of Christ's reign. R5138:6
Those who love God will be fully out of harmony with the spirit of the present evil world. R5139:4
Is not in him – The love of the Father had not gotten full control of his heart--meaning if he did not overcome his selfish disposition he would not be accepted as a son. R5139:1
If any man in Christ partake of the poor substitutes which the world has to offer he is thereby proving his lack of appreciation and hence his unworthiness of heavenly things. R1956:4
Those who are serving the ministry merely from the worldly spirit will be vexed with every thing that is making for truth. R5139:4
"Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever, therefore, will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4) R4765:3
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| 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. |
For all – The Apostle very briefly summed up the world's treasures. R1956:1
Worldly desires. R2154:2, 2123:3
In the world – The spirit of the world is the very opposite of the Spirit of God and of Christ. R1956:1
When the lusts of the flesh and the eyes have brought their curse of narrowness, bigotry and conceit; depriving fellow-men of their rights and privileges, then pride, the exultation of meanness has its short triumph. R1859:4
These three points of attack by the great enemy are the points which the Lord would have us guard with unwearied vigilance. R1859:4
The pride of life and desires of the flesh never had so deep and broad an influence over the minds of the majority of mankind as they have at present. NS468:2
All these things appeal to us and strive to get from us precious moments, talents, opportunities and influence, which as ambassadors for the great King we feel we ought to be rendering to him and his service. NS468:2
Lust of the flesh – Undue cultivation of all the appetites and passions common to the whole human family. R1859:3, 2154:2, 1956:1
The merely animal instincts. To these, thousands sacrifice all the higher interests. To fare sumptuously in eating and drinking and frolic and pleasure is their delight. R1956:1
Lust of the eyes – Ambitions to acquire and possess whatsoever the natural eye or the eye of understanding perceives to be good; i.e., to be gratifying to the carnal mind, the old unregenerate nature. R1859:3
Craving wealth, fame, power, social distinction. R1859:3
Impels to self-gratification regardless of the rights and liberties of others. R1859:3
Demands luxury in dress and home appointments and the gathering for self-gratification of all that is admired and desired. R1956:1
Pride of life – It is that disposition in a man which glories in his shame--exulting over those in humbler walks in life. R1859:3
It is the blossom of selfishness, so abhorrent to God and to all good men. R1859:3
Glorying in the shame of selfishness which has ignored the wants and woes of the needy and suffering, and saying to self; Soul, take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry. R1956:1
Loftily soaring above the unfortunate subjects of its power and gloating over the desolation it has wrought. R1859:4
Pride is connected with nearly everything that is injurious to the people of God. R5125:5
Of the Father – Only a new mind, secured through a complete consecration of one's being to God will transform the motive of the depraved heart. R1189:6*
"Simplicity and godly sincerity," delighting in the beauty of holiness, adorned with a meek and quiet spirit, submissive to discipline, patient in tribulation, abounding in the work of the Lord. R2123:3
But is of the world – According to the spirit of this present evil world. R1955:6
If we yield to the spirit of the world it means a corresponding loss of favor with our King, and if loyal to our King and our ambassadorship, it means that the world will think of us as foolish. NS468:3
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| 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. |
Passeth away – Present governments, though permitted of God, must pass away. R1189:5*
But he – And only he. R1781:5, 1273:2
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| 18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. |
Last time – Last hour. R4692:4*
Antichrist – Opposed to Christ. F260
That Wicked One, the Man of Sin, the Mystery of Iniquity, the Son of Perdition, the Abomination that maketh desolate, the Beast, the Little Horn, the Papacy. B271, B277; R1775:5, 980:2, 143:6; HG76:2-5
An organized body--not a sinful individual. R980:2
The term applies to anything or any person opposing Christ--it means, against Christ--it is found only in John's epistles, where it appears five times. R143:2
Against, in the sense of misrepresenting, counterfeit, taking the place of the true Christ. B281; HG76:5
So perfect is the counterfeit that many have mistaken the false for the true and really suppose the thousand years reign of Christ and the saints is in the past. HG76:5
John tells the Church that there are some of the nominal Church who have become Antichrist; opposers of Christ. R380:1
Protestants are willing to conciliate Rome in almost every way; they retract the statements of the past that the church of Rome is the Antichrist. R1775:3
Many antichrists – The Greek distinguishes between the special Antichrist and the numerous lesser ones. B281
Adversaries of the true Church--the anointed body of Christ. R813:6*
Powerful organizations known as churches have been established, and by their opposition to the truth, and those who hold the truth, have become anti-Christ. R813:6*
The same spirit which in our day has become so formidable, manifested itself in Apostolic times and has been alive during the entire history of the Gospel Church. R814:1*
The world is still opposed to the Christ of God, both Head and Body, because it knoweth him not. R143:6
The Greek philosophers and philosophizing teachings. E285, E286
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| 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. |
Went out from us – Deserted the truth and its interests. R1589:5
Who have separated themselves from us. R4531:5
Were sifted out. R1132:3
A departure from the faith. R694:6
With pain and sorrow we part company. R126:1
They go out from us because they lack full consecration and full submission to the will of God. R1279:6
All who do not rightly appreciate and value the ransom accomplished by the Lamb of God for the taking away of the sin of the world. R1289:2, 5191:2, 2270:3
All who have not the spirit of humility, patience, gentleness, brotherly-kindness, love, will surely be separated. R2407:4
If we were speaking of the Great Company and those who during this age go into the second death, we might say they went out from us before they had known of us. They certainly were of us, but not of the elect class. Q728:4
But they – A certain class who, still professing to be of the Christ Body, the Church, had left the foundation principles of the truth, and were, in the eyes of the world, taking the place and name of the true Church. B281
Who claimed that the prophecies of a Messiah were figurative and never to be fulfilled. F260
Were not of us – Either they never were true Christians, or they had ceased to be such. F260
Did not represent us, even though they might deceive themselves and the world on this subject. B281
Gradually they are going into darkness on all subjects. R4585:4
Because the old fleshly mind and disposition are still there. R1589:5
What more can we do for them but leave them in the hand of him who is too wise to err and too just to be unkind. R4585:5
We should not by word or act be unkind to those who in this hour of temptation are being smitten down by the arrows of the Adversary. R4483:6
The Great Company are not of us in the sense that they are not of the class that will attain unto the Kingdom--the elect. Q728:5
They went out – If, after we have done all in our power to hold a fellow-member with our love and with the truth, he departs, we are to take the matter with equanimity. The Lord will bring back into fellowship all that are truly his. R4375:5
Made manifest – It is doubtless as necessary that the Church be sifted, purged, tested, as that it be "built up". For either work, God uses the ready and willing. R2368:6
"There must be heresies among you that they which are approved may be made manifest among you." (1 Cor. 11:19) R4375:5, 2368:6
Trials and siftings are as necessary to the Church's prosperity and development as is the truth, and none of these things need discourage any. R1318:5*
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| 20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. |
Ye – Who? Why, all those who receive the holy Spirit. CR251:5; R2225:2
No one can have a right to serve in the capacity of a priest unless he be anointed of the holy Spirit. SM600:T
Have an unction – Greek, chrisma, endowment of the holy Spirit--anointing. SM597:1; E281; R5616:4, 4841:6, 2225:2, 380:1, 126:1; OV160:3
From custom, the Greek word chrisma carried with it the thought of fragrance, perfume. What a sweet perfume does this anointing of the holy Spirit of love bring with it to all who receive it! E281
An anointing, oiling, making smooth, lubricating. R2225:1, 2227:1, 2224:6; E281; F261; CR441:3; SM608:T, 597:1
Its tendency is to follow peace with all men, so far as is possible. It is opposed to friction--to anger, malice, hatred, strife. F261; SM607:1
Oil was used in olden times for anointing the skin to give smoothness and softness, so the holy Spirit brings to all who are anointed with it a smoothness and softness of character and manner not previously theirs. R2225:2; F262
From earliest times God has used oil as a type of the holy Spirit: for instance, the kings of Israel were anointed; likewise the priesthood. Christ is the antitype of Israel's kings and high priests. R2225:1; E281; SM598:2, 601:T
The work as priests begins immediately after we receive our anointing--sacrificing unto death. But the same anointing which we received as respects the kingly office has a future fulfillment. SM601:T
This holy anointing implies a power and authority--it will quicken our mortal bodies, energize our faith, and open wider the eyes of our understanding, that we may be daily the better able to comprehend the length, breadths, heights, and depths of the divine character and plan. SM605:2, 606:2
It gives the spirit of joy, peace, benevolence, goodness, mercy, brotherly kindness and love--which is the character of a true Christian. SM607:1, 597:1; E281; F261
Whoever has received the spirit of love, the holy Spirit or disposition, the Spirit of the truth, has an unction, anointing, lubrication from the Holy One. R2225:2; F261
It is the Spirit of God, which proceedeth and came forth from him, bestowed upon his faithful. R2225:2
This unction gives more or less ability to understand the deep things of God--in proportion to the measure of the holy Spirit received and in proportion to the natural talents of the person thus blessed. OV160:3
The lubricating and mollifying of character will come slowly, gradually, and we must not expect a miracle or as sudden a change in our earthen vessels as we had in the spirit of our minds. R2227:1
The one thus begotten of the holy Spirit is spiritually minded. R4968:3
The holy Spirit has revealed to us the presence of the Bridegroom--he has caused us to sit down to meat (truth), and himself has been our teacher and served us. R126:1
Under this blessing of the Lord, we are to develop more and more, in preparation for our position of royalty. R4210:5
It also brings a desire to tell of the goodness of God. CR297:3
In considering olive oil in connection with an anointing, we have several very beautiful and forceful thoughts as respects the blessing conferred by the anointing. It represents a peace-producing and light-giving influence. SM606:3
Illustrated by electricity being supplied to a trolley car. SM605:3, 608:1
From the Holy One – The Father. E282
From the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. SM605:1
It has no other author; it is the Spirit of God. R2225:2
The holy Spirit. SM597:T
This text does not declare that we are anointed WITH the Holy One, as though the Holy One became the oil or influence. SM605:1
By being taught of him. R51:1*
Ye know all things – Ye all know it; you have this evidence that you are members of the Body of Christ. E283; F262; R4989:3, 4210:5, 2226:6; SM597:1, 600:T
Rendering of Sinaitic and Vatican manuscripts--"You all know it." (Diaglott) R380:1, 4841:6, 2225:2; F261
The one receiving the anointing should know it, whether others know it or not. R2224:6, 5616:5, 4841:6; OV160:3
It manifests itself to us as it would not to the world. We know that we have the mind of Christ--the opposite of selfishness. R4841:6
We can readily discern the change of our own sentiments; and it should not be very long after we receive it and know it, before others should know it also. R2226:6
If we have the holy Spirit, this anointing, this unction, we surely know it as a fact, whether or not we have always discerned it as being the Spirit of our adoption to the divine nature. R2225:6
Have an understanding of heart and of mind which is different from that any natural man would have, the privilege of growing in grace and knowledge. R4968:4; E283
"Now I know in part." (1 Cor. 13:12) SM597:1
The words "all things" are omitted by oldest Greek manuscripts. E283
See also comments on verse 27
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| 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. |
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| 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. |
He that denieth – Teaching that the prophecies of a Messiah are figurative. F260
The Christ – The Anointed. R144:4
Antichrist – The Greek philosophizing teachers and all such false teachers. E286
Those against which we most guard are the power and influence of the various false heads and so-called bodies of Christ. R144:4
As the dragon, the civil power of the nations has been in the "bottomless pit" under the antichrist, so the nations are to be subdued under the real Christ. HG76:4
Denieth – Denying means acting contrary to. HG76:1
Father and the Son – The Greek philosophers were quite willing to acknowledge Jesus as a good man and a wise teacher but not as the Son of God. E285
People believed that Jesus had lived, but denied his being the Christ, the Sent of God, as the same class of anti-christs do today who deny that "Jesus is the Son of God." R144:4
This means something quite different from denying their existence. HG75:6
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| 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. |
Denieth the Son – Although it might have been possible to trust in and believe on the Father without believing on the Son before the Son was manifested, yet now, whosoever denieth the Son of God thereby denies the Father. F260
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| 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. |
Which ye have heard – John exhorts the Christians to hold fast the teachers heard by them and to consider the philosophizing teachings of the Greeks as lies. E286
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| 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. |
Promised us – The promise is now to the Church, and to no others. R5608:5
This "us" class includes not only the antitypical Priests, but also the antitypical Levites. But while both classes will have eternal life, "the crown of life" (immortality) is only for those who will prove themselves to be "more than overcomers--conquerors." R5608:6
Even eternal life – When Jesus came, he brought the words of eternal life, everlasting life. He "brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel." (2 Tim. 1:10) R5608:3
If we would make our calling and election sure to glory, honor, and immortality, we must exercise great carefulness indeed. Those who attain the prize will get the grandest blessing God has to give. R5609:4
"Which salvation began to be spoken by our Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him." (Heb. 2:3) R5608:5
"The gift of God is eternal life." (Rom. 6:23) E385, E386; R1878:3
And though it is promised as a gift, yet it is only to a certain class that he ever agreed to give it, viz., to those believers in Jesus who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory, honor and immortality. R279:3, 142:5
The Lord will make it quite possible for the world to gain life everlasting on the human plane, just as he is now making it possible for the Church to attain life on the divine plane. R5608:6
The Greek philosophers were teaching a future, eternal life and were glad to find Christians teaching the same: the difference being that they (Plato and others) taught that eternal life is a human quality. E285
If any "fall away", they will not receive the eternal life promised, but the opposite, eternal death, the second death. R138:1*
From the standpoint of Christian thought in general, these words are practically meaningless; for most believe that everlasting conditions are forced upon all humanity from the moment of birth. R5608:1
The Scriptures nowhere teach that all have life inherently. R5608:4
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| 26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. |
That seduce you – That seek to seduce you from Christ. E286
"Those who (would) deceive you." (Diaglott) R380:2
In addition to the Word and its God appointed expounders, it is essential that we have also the mind of Christ, else we might be deceived into a misconstruction of the plainest statements of God's Word. R380:2
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| 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. |
But the anointing – The one anointing, the holy Spirit. E215; T37
The word "Christ" signifies "Anointed"; "The Christ is not one member but many." (1 Cor. 12:14) A81, A82
Divine recognition of them as kings and priests. R5393:4; SM600:1
As a member of a special class. R5550:1
The whole Church of Christ is the anointed one, the Christ of God. CR270:2; R218:5
When we come into Christ we come into the anointing. The anointing belongs to the entire Body. Q23:T
Our begetting is individual--our baptism, or anointing, is collective, but the one is as personal as the other. R5393:5; E215
The anointing is represented as of the whole Church collectively. The begetting is an individual matter. R5550:1
We are not anointed as individuals, but as members of his Body. CR436:1; SM599:1
All who come to God, by Christ, are immersed into membership in his Body, thus coming under the anointing. R5394:1; CR436:1
We all have received this anointing of the holy Spirit. It is now a matter of development. R5393:2
The qualification by which God recognizes us as his children. R5392:5
The mind, will or spirit of God--the same mind which was also in Christ Jesus our Lord. R380:1
Our Lord calls it a begetting, in the sense that a new life is started. R5392:4
Our Lord and Head was anointed; and this same anointing extends to all the members of his Body, the Church. R1891:2, 5807:3, 5394:1, 1917:5, 1688:4; F261; Q514:3; SM599:T
Ordination came upon the disciples at Pentecost; and all down the Gospel age it has come upon the followers of Christ, anointing them to preach the Gospel. R5807:3, 241:2; OV160:3; Q514:3
Both classes, the Little Flock and the Great Company receive the anointing of the Lord, the begetting of the holy Spirit. R5393:2
The holy Spirit is the influence or power of the Father by which we are anointed, consecrated, recognized as the Lord's people. It is not part of a trinity. SM603:T
Ye have received – Consecrated believers. A81
We receive this anointing from the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ. R5549:4, 5537:1
All who have received the ordination of God have the authority to preach according to their opportunities and abilities. Q514:4; R241:2
"Anointing of the Spirit" must include that mellowing development which comes as we grow in grace and in knowledge, and not merely the time when we were anointed (begotten) to come into the family of God. R5728:3, 2227:1
To share with our Lord in the present time the dishonor and sacrifice and in the coming age of glory to be joined with him in glory and power. R241:2; SM600:T
Beginning at Pentecost. E281; T37; R5549:6, 2225:5, 1917:5, 241:2
The anointing which the Church received at Pentecost was the divine sanction, the divine recognition, of those consecrated to follow in the footsteps of our Lord. R5549:5; SM602:1
Since Pentecost the same Gospel call has gone forth throughout all the world--to as many as the Lord our God doth call. (Acts 2:39) Those who accept the termmpany. R5549:5
When we come into Christ, we come into this anointing. R5549:6
"Christ in you, the hope of glory." R4841:6, 5228:3
No one can be a member of the new creation before being anointed of the holy Spirit. R5393:3
In the type, the under-priesthood received a measure of the anointing oil, prefiguring the real priesthood to come. R5392:3, 5549:4
Some who have received of the Lord this anointing will not be accounted worthy to reign with him because of lack of zeal in carrying out their covenant. R5393:2
Of him – The Lord Jesus, the Head of an anointed company. R5392:3
Jesus was anointed at Jordan; the antitype of the Jewish High Priest. He received the holy Spirit without measure. R5549:4
In the type, the oil was poured only upon the Head. T37; F261; R5549:2, 2225:1
Abideth in you – Continues in you. R5549:6
So long as we continue obedient. R5393:6
All of the anointed have the mind of the great Christ. So we are to seek to abide in him individually as well as collectively; for as we have come into the anointed class, so it is possible for us to go out of this anointed class. R5550:5
The anointing which the Church received at Pentecost abideth in her. R241:2
One is a member of the anointed the instant he is begotten. It is the new creature that is anointed. R5393:4
Evidenced by the appearance of the fruits and graces of the holy Spirit. R5549:6
Sooner or later affecting their outward conduct, gradually. R5393:3
So long as you have this holy Spirit of love abiding in you, it will serve as a guard against all blasphemous, antichristian theories. E287
The anointed office may be forfeited, without the spirit-begotten life being forfeited, as in the case of the Great Company. R5393:5
Ye need not that – Mistranslated in our Common Version--under this delusion many are turned aside from the instruction which the Lord designs should be given through teachers whom he would raise up. R2810:5[R2810:5], 2224:5
Satan has used this mistranslation to befog the minds of the Lord's people and to make them believe contrary to the testimony of their own senses. R2224:2[R2224:2]
Any man teach you – The fundamental truth that all were sinners and in need of a Redeemer; and that Jesus, the Anointed One, had redeemed them by the sacrifice of his own life. F260; E287
That Jesus is the Son of God, the Redeemer, the Messiah. F261; E287; R2224:6
These Greek philosophers, who claim to be such great teachers, can teach you nothing of value. E286
Ye are not dependent upon human wisdom and science. R218:5
All the consecrated are anointed to preach, and they need no other authority. R1891:2, 1917:5
Those who have this anointing have no need that any one teach them that fact, for they have the evidence of it, the proof of it in their own hearts and experiences. R5228:4
This passage has no reference whatever to general instruction in righteousness and in the Word of God and in the plan of salvation. R2224:6
This does not mean that teachers are not to be recognized, and that none are needed. John does not contradict other Scriptures which show that God had appointed teachers in the Church. R380:1; E284; F262
John himself was a teacher and in this very epistle was teaching what he and we appreciate as sound doctrine--necessary to be taught. E284
The same anointing – The same anointing that has come down throughout the age upon all the members of the Body. R5393:5
Those who had received the holy Spirit of the Lord should in this fact have sufficient proof to offset any arguments of the Adversary to the effect that Christ was an imposter. R2224:6
You will find the same test of loyalty to the holy Spirit of love received through the Father and the Son helpful in proving all matters. E287
Teacheth you of all – "Teaches you concerning all things, and is true." (Diaglott) R380:2, 218:5
And is truth – Whatever contradicts or ignores the Spirit of love is an unholy Spirit--a false teaching. E287
Ye shall abide – Who constitute his Body. R5392:3
That ye must abide. F261
To abandon Christ is to abandon all. E287
In him – To abide in Christ, we must, as new creatures, grow in grace, knowledge and love. R5550:5
Abiding in him to the end. R1008:2; E287
Whoever abides not in him, in the Vine, is, like the branch cut off, sure to wither. Whoever abides in him is sure to abide in his Spirit also, and cannot deny him. F261
See also comments on verse 20.
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| 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. |
At his coming – Greek, parousia, presence. B159; R1693:1, 223:1, 51:1*
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| 29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. |
Is born of him – Greek, gennao. God being associated with the action, it should be rendered begotten. R837:1; A278
Is begotten. A278; R3476:3, 837:1, 51:1*
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