1 John 2:3: If We Keep His Commandments

1 John 2:3
[3] And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. (ESV)

Most people like to think that they know God.  Yes, of course, there are those who claim to be atheists and they do not want to be known as those who know God.  But, even in our current culture in America, most people claim to know God. Every time someone passes away the family want to convince themselves that their loved one knew God.  I am not trying to be insensitive, but the fact is people want to believe that they know God and that their family knows God.

What if there was a test?  What if there was a way that we could know that we have come to know God? Wouldn't that be incredibly helpful?  The Apostle John comes to the rescue.  He has given us a test. "By this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments."  Now, I know that we need to be careful here. John is not suggesting that we are saved by works.  He is not saying that keeping the Law is how we are saved. But, what he is saying is clear.  If you have been truly saved by the grace of God, you will respond to his grace by keeping His commandments!

The false teachers that had infiltrated the church had spread the lie that they knew God because they had "special knowledge." But John counters their claim by saying, the test of knowing God isn't special knowledge, but rather obedience! Their lack of regard for God's commandments proved that they truly did not know God.

Do you pass the test?  Do you know God?  Are you willfully living a lifestyle of disobedience?  Check yourself to see if you pass the test.