In this passage from 1 John, the Apostle John provides clear tests for genuine assurance of salvation. True faith in Christ goes far beyond a verbal profession. It produces visible evidence in daily life through obedience, Christlike living, and love for fellow believers. Pastor Léveillé unpacks these truths to help believers examine their walk with the Lord and find biblical assurance.
Examine Whether Your Knowledge of God Produces Obedience (vs. 3-5)
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. (1 John 2:3-5, KJV)
The Apostle John addresses those who claim to know Christ while their lives show no corresponding obedience. Knowledge of God is not merely intellectual. It is experiential and transformative. If someone professes faith yet continues in patterns of disobedience without conviction or desire for change, that raises serious questions about the reality of their profession.
Obedience does not earn salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone. However, genuine saving faith always produces fruit. Believers can point to present evidence of a changed life rather than relying solely on a past memory of a decision. As the sermon emphasises, assurance strengthens when we see the Holy Spirit at work, leading us to keep God’s commandments and walk in alignment with His Word.
Follow Christ’s Example Instead of Merely Claiming His Name (vs. 6)
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk, even as he walked. (1 John 2:6, KJV)
Claiming to abide in Christ carries the responsibility to walk as He walked. This means reflecting Christ’s character in daily attitudes, responses, and priorities. Jesus demonstrated perfect love, mercy, spiritual discipline, and submission to the Father. Those who abide in Him will increasingly show these traits.
Knowledge that fails to transform behaviour is not true biblical knowledge. Just as a coach’s influence becomes evident in a player’s style, Christ’s imprint should be visible in how a believer handles conflict, relationships, parenting, work, and priorities. The question is not only whether we identify as Christian, but whether others can see Christ in us.
Demonstrate Christ’s Love Through Your Treatment of His People (vs. 7-11)
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. 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. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 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. (1 John 2:7-11, KJV)
John highlights love for fellow believers as one of the clearest signs of walking in the light. This commandment is both old, rooted in God’s eternal moral law, and new in the quality demonstrated by Jesus, especially at the cross. Hatred or unresolved bitterness blinds spiritual perception, hinders fellowship with God, and damages relationships within the church.
Love shows itself through forgiveness instead of grudges, service instead of selfishness, encouragement instead of criticism, and unity instead of division. While perfect harmony with every believer may not always occur, there should be no ongoing hatred toward any brother or sister in Christ.
Conclusion
Genuine knowledge of the Lord produces visible evidence. We are saved by trusting in Christ’s atoning death and resurrection, not by our works. Yet true faith always results in a life that reflects obedience to God, imitation of Christ, and love for His people. If you lack assurance today, examine your life in light of these biblical tests. Repent where needed, trust Christ fully, and allow the Holy Spirit to produce fruit that confirms your standing as a child of God. Believers can find great comfort and confidence as they walk in the light of these truths.
