My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate(A) with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One. He Himself is the propitiation(B) for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.(C)

God’s Commands

This is how we are sure(D) that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands.(E) The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” yet doesn't keep His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word,(F) truly in him the love of God is perfected.[a] This is how we know we are in Him:(G) The one who says he remains in Him(H) should walk just as He walked.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 John 2:5 Or truly completed

My dear children,(A) I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate(B) with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,(C) and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.(D)

Love and Hatred for Fellow Believers

We know(E) that we have come to know him(F) if we keep his commands.(G) Whoever says, “I know him,”(H) but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.(I) But if anyone obeys his word,(J) love for God[a] is truly made complete in them.(K) This is how we know(L) we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.(M)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 John 2:5 Or word, God’s love