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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>F I R S T J O H N.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. II.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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Here the apostle encourages against sins of infirmity
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:1,2">ver. 1, 2</A>),
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shows the true knowledge and love of God
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:3-6">ver. 3-6</A>),
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renews the precept of fraternal love
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:7-11">ver. 7-11</A>),
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addresses the several ages of Christians
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:12-14">ver. 12-14</A>),
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warns against worldly love
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:15-17">ver. 15-17</A>),
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against seducers
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:18,19">ver. 18, 19</A>),
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shows the security of true Christians
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo_2:20-27">ver. 20-27</A>),
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and advises to abide in Christ,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:28,29">ver. 28, 29</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="1Jo2_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Jo2_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ the Propitiation.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 80.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye
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sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,
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Jesus Christ the righteous:
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2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours
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only, but also for <I>the sins of</I> the whole world.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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These verses relate to the concluding subject of the foregoing chapter,
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in which the apostle proceeds upon the supposition of the real
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Christian's sin. And here he gives them both dissuasion and
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support.</P>
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<P>
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1. Dissuasion. He would leave no room for sin: "<I>My little children,
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these things write I unto you, that you sin not,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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The design or purport of this letter, the design of what I have just
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said concerning communion with God and the overthrow of it by an
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irreligious course, is to dissuade and drive you from sin." See the
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familiar affectionate compellation with which he introduces his
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admonition: <I>My little children,</I> children as having perhaps been
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begotten by his gospel, <I>little children</I> as being much beneath
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him in age and experience, <I>my little children,</I> as being dear to
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him in the bonds of the gospel. Certainly the gospel most prevailed
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where and when such ministerial love most abounded. Or perhaps the
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judicious reader will find reason to think that the apostle's meaning
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in this dissuasion or caution is this, or amounts to this reading:
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<I>These things write I unto you, not that you sin.</I> And so the
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words will look back to what he had said before concerning the assured
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pardon of sin: <I>God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,</I>
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&c.,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+1:9"><I>ch.</I> i. 9</A>.
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And so the words are a preclusion of all abuse of such favour and
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indulgence. "Though sins will be forgiven to penitent confessors, yet
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this I write, not to encourage you in sin, but upon another account."
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Or this clause will look forward to what the apostle is going to say
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about the Advocate for sinners: and so it is a prolepsis, a prevention
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of like mistake or abuse: "<I>These things write I unto you, not that
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you sin,</I> but that you may see your remedy for sin." And so the
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following particle (as the learned know) may be rendered adversatively:
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<I>But, if a man sin,</I> he may know his help and cure. And so we
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see,</P>
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<P>
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II. The believer's support and relief in case of sin: <I>And (or but)
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if any man sin</I> (any of us, or of our foresaid communion), <I>We
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have we an Advocate with the Father,</I> &c.,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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Believers themselves, those that are advanced to a happy gospel-state,
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have yet their sins. There is a great distinction therefore between the
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sinners that are in the world. There are Christianized (such as are
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instated in the sacred saving privileges of Christ's mystical or
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spiritual body) and unchristianized, converted and unconverted sinners.
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There are some who, though they really sin, yet, in comparison with
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others, are said <I>not to sin,</I> as
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+3:9"><I>ch.</I> iii. 9</A>.
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Believers, as they have an atonement applied unto them at their
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entrance into a state of pardon and justification, so they have an
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Advocate in heaven still to continue to them that state, and procure
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their continued forgiveness. And this must be the support,
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satisfaction, and refuge of believers (or real Christians) in or upon
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their sins: <I>We have an Advocate.</I> The original name is sometimes
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given to the Holy Ghost, and then it is rendered, <I>the Comforter.</I>
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He acts within us; he puts pleas and arguments into our hearts and
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mouths; and so is our advocate, by teaching us to intercede for
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ourselves. But here is an advocate without us, in heaven and with the
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Father. The proper office and business of an advocate is with the
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judge; with him he pleads the client's cause. The Judge with whom our
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advocate pleads is the Father, his Father and ours. He who was our
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Judge in the legal court (the court of the violated law) is our Father
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in the gospel court, the court of heaven and of grace. His throne or
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tribunal is the mercy-seat. And he that is our Father is also our
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Judge, the supreme arbitrator of our state and circumstances, either
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for life or death, for time or eternity. <I>You have come--to God, the
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Judge of all,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+12:23">Heb. xii. 23</A>.
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That believers may be encouraged to hope that their cause will go well,
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as their Judge is represented to them in the relation of a Father, so
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their advocate is recommended to them upon these considerations:--
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1. By his person and personal names. <I>It is Jesus Christ the Son of
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the Father,</I> one anointed by the Father for the whole office of
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mediation, the whole work of salvation, and consequently for that of
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the intercessor or advocate.
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2. By his qualification for the office. <I>It is Jesus Christ the
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righteous,</I> the righteous one in the court and sight of the Judge.
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This is not so necessary in another advocate. Another advocate (or an
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advocate in another court) may be an unjust person himself, and yet may
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have a just cause (and the cause of a just person in that case) to
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plead, and may accordingly carry his cause. But here the clients are
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guilty; their innocence and legal righteousness cannot be pleaded;
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their sin must be confessed or supposed. It is the advocate's own
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righteousness that he must plead for the criminals. He has been
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righteous to the death, righteous for them; he has brought in
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everlasting righteousness. This the Judge will not deny. Upon this
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score he pleads, that the clients' sins may not be imputed to them.
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3. By the plea he has to make, the ground and basis of his advocacy:
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<I>And he is the propitiation for our sins,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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He is the expiatory victim, the propitiatory sacrifice that has been
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offered to the Judge for all our offences against his majesty, and law,
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and government. In vain do the professors of Rome distinguish between
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and advocate of redemption and an advocate of intercession, or a
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mediator of such different service. The Mediator of intercession, the
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Advocate for us, is the Mediator of redemption, the propitiation for
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our sins. It is his propitiation that he pleads. And we might be apt
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to suppose that his blood had lost its value and efficacy if no mention
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had been made of it in heaven since the time it was shed. But now we
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see it is of esteem there, since it is continually represented in the
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intercession of the great advocate (the attorney-general) for the
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church of God. <I>He ever lives to make intercession for those that
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come to God through him.</I>
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4. By the extent of his plea, the latitude of his propitiation. It is
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not confined to one nation; and not particularly to the ancient Israel
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of God: <I>He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours
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only</I> (not only for the sins of us Jews, us that are Abraham's seed
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according to the flesh), <I>but also for those of the whole world</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>);
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not only for the past, or us present believers, but for the sins of all
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who shall hereafter believe on him or come to God through him. The
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extent and intent of the Mediator's death reach to all tribes, nations,
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and countries. As he is the only, so he is the universal atonement and
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propitiation for all that are saved and brought home to God, and to his
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favour and forgiveness.</P>
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<A NAME="1Jo2_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Jo2_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Jo2_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Jo2_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Believer's Duty.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 80.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his
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commandments.
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4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments,
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is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
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5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God
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perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
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6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to
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walk, even as he walked.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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These verses may seem to relate to the
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+1:7">seventh verse
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of the former chapter</A>,
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between which and these verses there occurred an incidental discourse
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concerning the believer's duty and relief in case of sin, occasioned by
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the mention of one of the believer's privileges--his being cleansed
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from sin by the Mediator's blood. In that verse the apostle asserts the
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beneficial consequence of <I>walking in the light: "We have then
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fellowship with one another,</I> such divine fellowship and communion
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as are the prerogative of the church of Christ." Here now succeeds the
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trial or test of our light and of our love.</P>
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<P>
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I. The trial of our light: <I>And hereby we do know that we know him,
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if we keep his commandments,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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Divine light and knowledge are the beauty and improvement of the mind;
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it becomes the disciples of the Mediator to be persons of wisdom and
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understanding. Young Christians are apt to magnify their new light and
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applaud their own knowledge, especially if they have been suddenly or
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in a short time communicated; and old ones are apt to suspect the
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sufficiency and fulness of their knowledge; they lament that they know
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God, and Christ, and the rich contents of his gospel, no more: but here
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is the evidence of the soundness of our knowledge, if it constrain us
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to <I>keep God's commandments.</I> Each perfection of his nature
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enforces his authority; the wisdom of his counsels, the riches of his
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grace, the grandeur of his works, recommend his law and government. A
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careful conscientious obedience to his commands shows that the
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apprehension and knowledge of these things are graciously impressed
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upon the soul; and therefore it must follow in the reverse that <I>he
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that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar,
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and the truth is not in him,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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Professors of the truth are often ashamed of their ignorance, or
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ashamed to own it; they frequently pretend to great attainments in the
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knowledge of divine mysteries: <I>Thou makest thy boast of God, and
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knowest his will, and approvest</I> (in thy rational judgment) <I>the
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things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law and art
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confident that thou thyself art</I> (or art fit to be) <I>a guide to
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the blind,</I> &c.,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+2:17">Rom. ii. 17</A>,
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&c. But what knowledge of God can that be which sees not that he is
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most worthy of the most entire and intense obedience? And, if that be
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seen and known, how vain and superficial is even this knowledge when it
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sways not the heart unto obedience! A disobedient life is the
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confutation and shame of pretended religious knowledge; it gives the
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lie to such boasts and pretences, and shows that there is neither
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religion nor honesty in them.</P>
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<P>
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II. The trial of our love: <I>But whoso keepeth his word in him verily
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is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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To keep the word of God, or of Christ, is sacredly to attend thereto in
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all the conduct and motion of life; in him that does so is the love of
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God perfected. Possibly, some may here understand God's love to us; and
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doubtless his love to us cannot be perfected (or obtain its perfect
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design and fruit) without our practical observance of his word. We are
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chosen, to be holy and blameless before him in love; we are
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<I>redeemed, to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works;</I> we are
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pardoned and justified, that we may be partakers of larger measures of
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the divine Spirit for sanctification; we are sanctified, that we may
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walk in ways of holiness and obedience: no act of divine love that here
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terminates upon us obtains its proper tendency, issue, and effect,
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without our holy attendance to God's word. But the phrase rather
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denotes here our love to God; so
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>,
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<I>The love of (to) the Father is not in him;</I> so
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+3:17"><I>ch.</I> iii. 17</A>,
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<I>How dwelleth the love of (to) God in him?</I> Now light is to kindle
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love; and love must and will keep the word of God; it enquires wherein
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the beloved may be pleased and served, and, finding he will be so by
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observance of his declared will, there it employs and exerts itself;
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there love is demonstrated; there it has its perfect (or complete)
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exercise, operation, and delight; and hereby (by this dutiful
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attendance to the will of God, or Christ) <I>we know that we are in
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him</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>),
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we know that we belong to him, and that we are united to him by that
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Spirit which elevates and assists us to this obedience; and if we
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acknowledge our relation to him, and our union with him, it must have
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this continued enforcement upon us: <I>He that saith he abideth in him
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ought himself to walk even as he walked,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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The Lord Christ was an inhabitant of this world, and walked here below;
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here he gave a shining example of absolute obedience to God. Those who
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profess to be on his side, and to abide with him, must walk with him,
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walk after his pattern and example. The partisans of the several sects
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of philosophers of old paid great regard to the dictates and practice
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of their respective teachers and sect-masters; much more should the
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Christian, he who professes to abide in and with Christ, aim to
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resemble his infallible Master and head, and conform to his course and
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prescriptions: <I>Then are you my friends if you do whatsoever I
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command you,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:14">John xv. 14</A>.</P>
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<A NAME="1Jo2_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Jo2_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Jo2_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Jo2_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="1Jo2_11"> </A>
|
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<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Law of Love.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 80.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
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<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old
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commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment
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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
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true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the
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|
true light now shineth.
|
|
9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is
|
|
in darkness even until now.
|
|
10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there
|
|
is none occasion of stumbling in him.
|
|
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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The seventh verse may be supposed either to look backward to what
|
|
immediately preceded (and then it is <I>walking as Christ walked</I>
|
|
that is here represented as <I>no new, but an old commandment;</I> it
|
|
is that which the apostles would certainly inculcate wherever they
|
|
brought Christ's gospel), or to look forward to what the apostle is now
|
|
going to recommend, and that is the law of fraternal love; this is the
|
|
message <I>heard from the beginning</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+3:11"><I>ch.</I> iii. 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>the old commandment,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Jo+1:5">2 John 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now, while the apostle addresses himself to the recommendation of such
|
|
a practice, he is ready to give an instance thereof in his affectionate
|
|
appellation: "<I>Brethren,</I> you who are dear to me in the bond of
|
|
that love to which I would solicit you;" and so the precept of
|
|
fraternal love is recommended,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. As an old one: <I>I write no new commandment unto you, but an old
|
|
commandment, which you had from the beginning,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
The precept of love must be as old as human nature; but it might admit
|
|
divers enactions, enforcements, and motives. In the state of innocence,
|
|
had human nature then been propagated, men must have loved one another
|
|
as being of one blood, made to dwell on the earth, as being God's
|
|
offspring, and bearing his image. In the state of sin and promised
|
|
recovery, they must love one another as related to God their Maker, as
|
|
related to each other by blood, and as partners in the same hope. When
|
|
the Hebrews were peculiarly incorporated, they must accordingly love
|
|
each other, as being the privileged people, whose were the covenants
|
|
and the adoption, and of whose race the Messiah and head of the church
|
|
must spring; and the law of love must be conveyed with new obligations
|
|
to the new Israel of God, to the gospel church, and so it is the <I>old
|
|
commandment,</I> or the word which the children of the gospel Israel
|
|
have heard from the beginning,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. As a new one: "<I>Again,</I> to constrain you to this duty the
|
|
more, <I>a new commandment I write unto you,</I> the law of the new
|
|
society, the Christian corporation, <I>which thing is true in him,</I>
|
|
the matter of which was first true in and concerning the head of it;
|
|
the truth of it was first and was abundantly in him; <I>he loved the
|
|
church, and gave himself for it:</I> and it is true <I>in you;</I> this
|
|
law is in some measure written upon your hearts; you are taught of God
|
|
to love one another, and that <I>because</I>" (or since, or forasmuch
|
|
as) "<I>the darkness is past,</I> the darkness of your prejudiced
|
|
unconverted (whether Jewish or Gentile) minds, your deplorable
|
|
ignorance of God and of Christ is now past, <I>and the true light now
|
|
shineth</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>the light</I> of evangelical revelation hath shone with life and
|
|
efficacy into your hearts; hence you have seen the excellency of
|
|
Christian love, and the fundamental obligation thereto." Hence we see
|
|
that the fundamentals (and particularly the fundamental precepts) of
|
|
the Christian religion may be represented either as new or old; the
|
|
reformed doctrine, or doctrine of religion in the reformed churches, is
|
|
new and old--new, as taught after long darkness, by the lights of the
|
|
reformation, new as purged from the adulterations of Rome; but old as
|
|
having been taught and <I>heard from the beginning.</I> We should see
|
|
that that grace or virtue which was true in Christ be true also in us;
|
|
we should be conformable to our head. The more our darkness is past,
|
|
and gospel light shines unto us, the deeper should our subjection be to
|
|
the commandments of our Lord, whether considered as old or new. Light
|
|
should produce a suitable heat. Accordingly, here is another trial of
|
|
our Christian light; before, it was to be approved by obedience to God;
|
|
here by Christian love.
|
|
|
|
1. He who wants such love in vain pretends his light: <I>He that saith
|
|
he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even unto
|
|
now,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is proper for sincere Christians to acknowledge what God has done
|
|
for their souls; but in the visible church there are often those who
|
|
assume to themselves more than is true, there are those who say they
|
|
are in the light, the divine revelation has made its impression upon
|
|
their minds and spirits, and yet they walk in hatred and enmity towards
|
|
their Christian brethren; these cannot be swayed by the sense of the
|
|
love of Christ to their brethren, and therefore remain in their dark
|
|
state, notwithstanding their pretended conversion to the Christian
|
|
religion.
|
|
|
|
2. He who is governed by such love approves his light to be good and
|
|
genuine: <I>He that loveth his brother</I> (as his brother in Christ)
|
|
<I>abideth in the light,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
He sees the foundation and reason of Christian love; he discerns the
|
|
weight and value of the Christian redemption; he sees how meet it is
|
|
that we should love those whom Christ hath loved; and then the
|
|
consequence will be that <I>there is no occasion of stumbling in
|
|
him</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>);
|
|
|
|
he will be no scandal, <I>no stumbling-block, to his brother;</I> he
|
|
will conscientiously beware that he neither induce his brother to sin
|
|
nor turn him out of the way of religion, Christian love teaches us
|
|
highly to value our brother's soul, and to dread every thing that will
|
|
be injurious to his innocence and peace.
|
|
|
|
3. Hatred is a sign of spiritual darkness: <I>But he that hateth his
|
|
brother is in darkness,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Spiritual light is instilled by the Spirit of grace, and one of <I>the
|
|
first-fruits of that Spirit is love;</I> he then who is possessed with
|
|
malignity towards a Christian brother must needs be destitute of
|
|
spiritual light; consequently <I>he walks in darkness</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
his life is agreeable to a dark mind and conscience, <I>and he knows
|
|
not whither he goes;</I> he sees not whither this dark spirit carries
|
|
him, and particularly that it will carry him to the world of utter
|
|
darkness, <I>because darkness hath blinded his eyes,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
The darkness of regeneracy, evidenced by a malignant spirit, is
|
|
contrary to the light of life; where that darkness dwells, the mind,
|
|
the judgment, and the conscience will be darkened, and so will mistake
|
|
the way to heavenly endless life. Here we may observe how effectually
|
|
our apostle is now cured of his once hot and flaming spirit. Time was
|
|
when he was for <I>calling for fire from heaven</I> upon poor ignorant
|
|
Samaritans who received them not,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+9:54">Luke ix. 54</A>.
|
|
|
|
But his Lord had shown him that he knew not his own spirit, nor whither
|
|
it led him. Having now imbibed more of the Spirit of Christ, he
|
|
breathes out good-will to man, and love to all the brethren. It is the
|
|
Lord Jesus that is the great Master of love: it is his school (his own
|
|
church) that is the school of love. His disciples are the disciples of
|
|
love, and his family must be the family of love.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_12"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_13"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_17"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Against the Love of the World.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 80.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are
|
|
forgiven you for his name's sake.
|
|
13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him <I>that
|
|
is</I> 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.
|
|
14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him
|
|
<I>that is</I> 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.
|
|
15 Love not the world, neither the things <I>that are</I> in the
|
|
world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not
|
|
in him.
|
|
16 For all that <I>is</I> 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.
|
|
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he
|
|
that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
This new command of holy love, with the incentives thereto, may
|
|
possibly be directed to the several ranks of disciples that are here
|
|
accosted. The several graduates in the Christian university, the
|
|
catholic church, must be sure to preserve the bond of sacred love. Or,
|
|
there being an important dehortation and dissuasion to follow, without
|
|
the observance of which vital religion in the love of God and love of
|
|
the brethren cannot subsist, the apostle may justly seem to preface it
|
|
with a solemn address to the several forms or orders in the school of
|
|
Christ: let the infants or minors, the adults, the seniors (or the
|
|
<I>adepti,</I> the <B><I>teleioi,</I></B> the most <I>perfect</I>), in
|
|
the Christian institution, know that they must <I>not love this
|
|
world;</I> and so,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. We have the address itself made to the various forms and ranks in
|
|
the church of Christ. All Christians are not of the same standing and
|
|
stature; there are babes in Christ, there are grown men, and old
|
|
disciples. As these have their peculiar states, so they have their
|
|
peculiar duties; but there are precepts and a correspondent obedience
|
|
common to them all, as particularly mutual love and contempt of the
|
|
world. We see also that wise pastors will judiciously distribute the
|
|
word of life, and give to the several members of Christ's family their
|
|
several suitable portions: <I>I write unto you children, fathers, and
|
|
young men.</I> In this distribution the apostle addresses,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The lowest in the Christian school: <I>I write unto you, little
|
|
children,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
There are novices in religion, babes in Christ, those who are learning
|
|
the rudiments of Christian godliness. The apostle may seem to encourage
|
|
them by applying to them first; and it may be useful to the greater
|
|
proficients to hear what is said to their juniors; elements are to be
|
|
repeated; first principles are the foundation of all. He addresses
|
|
<I>the children</I> in Christianity upon two accounts:--
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>Because their sins were forgiven them for his name's sake,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
The youngest sincere disciple is pardoned; <I>the communion of
|
|
saints</I> is attended with <I>the forgiveness of sins.</I> Sins are
|
|
forgiven either for God's name's sake, for the praise of his glory (his
|
|
glorious perfections displayed in forgiveness), or <I>for Christ's
|
|
name's sake,</I> upon his score, and upon the account of the redemption
|
|
that is in him; and those that are forgiven of God are strongly obliged
|
|
to relinquish this world, which so interferes with <I>the love of
|
|
God.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Because of their knowledge of God: <I>I write unto you, little
|
|
children, because you have known the Father,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
Children are wont to know none so soon as their father. Children in
|
|
Christianity must and do know God. <I>They shall all know me, from the
|
|
least to the greatest,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+8:11">Heb. viii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Children in Christ should know that God is their Father; it is their
|
|
wisdom. We say, It is a wise child that knows his father. These
|
|
children cannot but know theirs; they can well be assured by whose
|
|
power they are regenerated and by whose grace they are adopted. Those
|
|
that know the Father may well be withdrawn from the love of this world.
|
|
Then the apostle, proceeds,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. To those of the highest station and stature, to the seniors in
|
|
Christianity, to whom he gives an honourable appellation: <I>I write
|
|
unto you, fathers</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:13,14"><I>v.</I> 13, 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>unto you, Mnasons, you old disciples,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+21:16">Acts xxi. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
The apostle immediately passes from the bottom to the top of the
|
|
school, from the lowest form to the highest, that those in the middle
|
|
may hear both lessons, may remember what they have learned and perceive
|
|
what they must come to: <I>I write unto you, fathers.</I> Those that
|
|
are of longest standing in Christ's school have need of further advice
|
|
and instruction; the oldest disciple must go to heaven (the university
|
|
above) with his book, his Bible, in his hand; fathers must be written
|
|
to, and preached to; none are too old to learn. He writes to them upon
|
|
the account of their knowledge: <I>I write unto you, fathers, because
|
|
you have known him that is from the beginning,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:13,14"><I>v.</I> 13, 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
Old men have knowledge and experience, and expect deference. The
|
|
apostle is ready to own the knowledge of old Christians, and to
|
|
congratulate them thereupon. They know the Lord Christ, particularly
|
|
<I>him that was from the beginning;</I> as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+1:1"><I>ch.</I> i. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
As Christ is <I>Alpha</I> and <I>Omega,</I> so he must be the beginning
|
|
and end of our Christian knowledge. <I>I count all things but loss for
|
|
the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+3:8">Phil. iii. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those who know him that was from the beginning, before this world was
|
|
made, may well be induced thereby to relinquish this world. Then,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. To the middle age of Christians, to those who are in their bloom and
|
|
flower: <I>I write unto you, young men,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:13,14"><I>v.</I> 13, 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
There are the adult in Christ Jesus, those that have arrived at the
|
|
strength of spirit and sound sense and can discern between good and
|
|
evil. The apostle applies to them upon these accounts:--
|
|
|
|
(1.) Upon the account of their martial exploits. Dexterous soldiers
|
|
they are in the camp of Christ: <I>Because you have overcome the wicked
|
|
one,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
There is a wicked one that is continually warring against souls, and
|
|
particularly against the disciples: but those that are well taught in
|
|
Christ's school can handle their arms and vanquish the evil one; and
|
|
those that can vanquish him may be called to vanquish the world too,
|
|
which is so great an instrument for the devil.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Upon the account of their strength, discovered in this their
|
|
achievement: <I>Because you are strong, and you have overcome the
|
|
wicked one,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
Young men are wont to glory in their strength; it will be the glory of
|
|
youthful persons to be strong in Christ and in his grace; it will be
|
|
their glory, and it will try their strength, to overcome the devil; if
|
|
they be not too hard for the devil, he will be too hard for them. Let
|
|
vigorous Christians show their strength in conquering the world; and
|
|
the same strength must be exerted in overcoming the world as is
|
|
employed in overcoming the devil.
|
|
|
|
(3.) Because of their acquaintance with the word of God: <I>And the
|
|
word of God abideth in you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
The word of God must abide in the adult disciples; it is the nutriment
|
|
and supply of strength to them; it is the weapon by which they overcome
|
|
the wicked one; the sword of the Spirit, whereby they quench his fiery
|
|
darts: and those in whom the word of God dwells are well furnished for
|
|
the conquest of the world.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. We have the dehortation or dissuasion thus prefaced and introduced,
|
|
a caution fundamental to vital practical religion: "<I>Love not the
|
|
world, neither the things that are in the world,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
Be crucified to the world, be mortified to the things, to the affairs
|
|
and enticements, of it." The several degrees of Christians should unite
|
|
in this, in being dead to the world. Were they thus united, they would
|
|
soon unite upon other accounts: their love should be reserved for God;
|
|
throw it not away upon the world. Now here we see the reasons of this
|
|
dissuasion and caution. They are several, and had need to be so; it is
|
|
hard to dispute or dissuade disciples themselves from the love of the
|
|
world. These reasons are taken,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. From the inconsistency of this love with the love of God: <I>If any
|
|
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
The heart of man is narrow, and cannot contain both loves. The world
|
|
draws down the heart from God; and so the more the love of the world
|
|
prevails the more the love of God dwindles and decays.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. From the prohibition of worldly love or lust; it is not ordained of
|
|
God: <I>It is not of the Father, but is of the world,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
This love or lust is not appointed of God (he calls us from it), but it
|
|
intrudes itself from the world; the world is a usurper of our
|
|
affection. Now here we have the due consideration and notion of the
|
|
world, according to which it is to be crucified and renounced. <I>The
|
|
world,</I> physically considered, is good, and is to be admired as the
|
|
work of God and a glass in which his perfections shine; but it is to be
|
|
considered in its relation to us now in our corrupted state, and as it
|
|
works upon our weakness and instigates and inflames our vile
|
|
affections. There is great affinity and alliance between this world and
|
|
the flesh, and this world intrudes and encroaches upon the flesh, and
|
|
thereby makes a party against God. The things of the world therefore
|
|
are distinguished into three classes, according to the three
|
|
predominant inclinations of depraved nature; as,
|
|
|
|
(1.) There is <I>the lust of the flesh. The flesh</I> here, being
|
|
distinguished from <I>the eyes</I> and <I>the life,</I> imports the
|
|
body. The lust of the flesh is, subjectively, the humour and appetite
|
|
of indulging fleshly pleasures; and, objectively, all those things that
|
|
excite and inflame the pleasures of the flesh. This lust is usually
|
|
called <I>luxury.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) There is <I>the lust of the eyes.</I> The eyes are delighted with
|
|
treasures; riches and rich possessions are craved by an extravagant
|
|
eye; this is the lust of covetousness.
|
|
|
|
3. There is <I>the pride of life.</I> A vain mind craves all the
|
|
grandeur, equipage, and pomp of a vain-glorious life; this is ambition,
|
|
and thirst after honour and applause. This is, in part, the disease of
|
|
the ear; it must be flattered with admiration and praise. The objects
|
|
of these appetites must be abandoned and renounced; as they engage and
|
|
engross the affection and desire, <I>they are not of the Father, but of
|
|
the world,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Father disallows them, and the world should keep them to itself.
|
|
The lust or appetite to these things must be mortified and subdued; and
|
|
so the indulging of it is not appointed by the Father, but is
|
|
insinuated by the ensnaring world.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. From the vain and vanishing state of earthly things and the
|
|
enjoyment of them. <I>And the world passeth away, and the lust
|
|
thereof,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
The things of the world are fading and dying apace. The lust itself
|
|
and the pleasure of it wither and decay; desire itself will ere long
|
|
fail and cease,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+12:5">Eccl. xii. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
And what has become of all the pomp and pleasure of all those who now
|
|
lie mouldering in the grave?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. From the immortality of the divine lover, the lover of God: <I>But
|
|
he that doeth the will of God,</I> which must be the character of the
|
|
lover of God, in opposition to this lover of the world, <I>abideth for
|
|
ever,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
The object of his love in opposition to <I>the world</I> that
|
|
<I>passeth away,</I> abideth for ever; his sacred passion or affection,
|
|
in opposition to the lust that passeth away, abideth for ever; love
|
|
shall never fail; and he himself is an heir of immortality and endless
|
|
life, and shall in time be translated thither.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
From the whole of these verses we should observe the purity and
|
|
spirituality of the apostolical doctrine. The animal life must be
|
|
subjected to the divine; the body with its affections should be swayed
|
|
by religion, or the victorious love of God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_19"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec5"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Concerning Antichrist.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 80.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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.
|
|
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they
|
|
had been of us, they would <I>no doubt</I> have continued with us: but
|
|
<I>they went out,</I> that they might be made manifest that they were
|
|
not all of us.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here is,
|
|
|
|
I. A moral prognostication of the time; the end is coming: <I>Little
|
|
children, it is the last time,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Some may suppose that the apostle here addresses the first rank of
|
|
Christians again; the juniors are most apt to be seduced, and
|
|
therefore, "<I>Little children,</I> you that are young in religion,
|
|
take heed to yourselves that you be not corrupted." But it may be, as
|
|
elsewhere, a universal appellation, introductive of an alarm to all
|
|
Christians: "<I>Little children, it is the last time;</I> our Jewish
|
|
polity in church and state is hastening to an end; the Mosaic
|
|
institution and discipline are just upon vanishing away; Daniel's weeks
|
|
are now expiring; the destruction of the Hebrew city and sanctuary is
|
|
approaching, <I>the end whereof must be with a flood, and to the end of
|
|
the war desolations are determined,</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+9:26">Dan. ix. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is meet that the disciples should be warned of the haste and end of
|
|
time, and apprised as much as may be of the prophetic periods of
|
|
time.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The sign of this last time: <I>Even now there are many
|
|
antichrists</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
many that oppose the person, doctrine, and kingdom of Christ. It is a
|
|
mysterious portion of providence that antichrists should be permitted;
|
|
but, when they have come, it is good and safe that the disciples should
|
|
be informed of them; ministers should be <I>watchmen to the house of
|
|
Israel.</I> Now it should be no great offence nor prejudice to the
|
|
disciples that there are such antichrists:
|
|
|
|
1. One great one has been foretold: <I>As you have heard that
|
|
antichrist shall come,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
The generality of the church have been informed by divine revelation
|
|
that there must be a long and fatal adversary to Christ and his church,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Th+2:8-10">2 Thess. ii. 8-10</A>.
|
|
|
|
No wonder then that there are many harbingers and forerunners of the
|
|
great one: <I>Even now there are many antichrists,</I> the mystery of
|
|
iniquity already worketh.
|
|
|
|
2. They were foretold also as the sign of this last time. <I>For there
|
|
shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great
|
|
signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall
|
|
deceive the very elect,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+24:24">Matt. xxiv. 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
And these were the forerunners of the dissolution of the Jewish state,
|
|
nation, and religion: <I>Whereby we know it is the last time,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Let the prediction that we see there has been of seducers arising in
|
|
the Christian world fortify us against their seduction.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. Some account of these seducers or antichrists.
|
|
|
|
1. More positively. They were once entertainers or professors of
|
|
apostolical doctrine: "<I>They went out from us</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
from our company and communion;" possibly from the church of Jerusalem,
|
|
or some of the churches of Judea, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:1">Acts xv. 1</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>Certain men came down from Judea, and taught the brethren,</I> &c.
|
|
The purest churches may have their apostates and revolters; the
|
|
apostolic doctrine did not convert all whom it convinced of its truth.
|
|
|
|
2. More privately. "They were not inwardly such as we are: <I>But they
|
|
were not of us;</I> they had not <I>from the heart obeyed the form of
|
|
sound doctrine delivered to them;</I> they were not of our union with
|
|
Christ the head." Then here is,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The reason upon which it is concluded that they were not of us,
|
|
were not what they pretended, or what we are, and that is their actual
|
|
defection: "<I>For, if they had been of us, they would</I> no doubt
|
|
<I>have continued with us</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>);
|
|
|
|
had the sacred truth been rooted in their hearts it would have held
|
|
them with us; had they had the anointing from above, by which they had
|
|
been made true and real Christians, they would not have turned
|
|
antichrists." Those that apostatize from religion sufficiently indicate
|
|
that, before, they were hypocrites in religion: those who have imbibed
|
|
the spirit of gospel truth have a good preservative against destructive
|
|
error.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The reason why they are permitted thus to depart from apostolical
|
|
doctrine and communion--that their insincerity may be detected:
|
|
<I>But</I> this was done (or <I>they went out) that they might be made
|
|
manifest that they were not all of us,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
The church knows not well who are its vital members and who are not;
|
|
and therefore the church, considered as internally sanctified, may well
|
|
be styled <I>invisible.</I> Some of the hypocritical must be manifested
|
|
here, and that for their own shame and benefit too, in their reduction
|
|
to the truth, if they have not sinned unto death, and for the terror
|
|
and caution of others. <I>You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these
|
|
things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of
|
|
the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace,</I>
|
|
&c.,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+3:17,18">2 Pet. iii. 17, 18</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_27"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec6"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Concerning Antichrist.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 80.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all
|
|
things.
|
|
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.
|
|
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?
|
|
He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
|
|
23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father:
|
|
<I>(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.</I>
|
|
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.
|
|
25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, <I>even</I>
|
|
eternal life.
|
|
26 These <I>things</I> have I written unto you concerning them that
|
|
seduce you.
|
|
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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here,
|
|
|
|
I. The apostle encourages the disciples (to whom he writes) in these
|
|
dangerous times, in this hour of seducers; he encourages them in the
|
|
assurance of their stability in this day of apostasy: <I>But you have
|
|
an unction from the Holy One, and you know all</I> things. We see,
|
|
|
|
1. The blessing wherewith they were enriched--an unguent from heaven:
|
|
<I>You have an unction.</I> True Christians are anointed ones, their
|
|
name intimates as much. They are anointed with the oil of grace, with
|
|
gifts and spiritual endowments, by the Spirit of grace. They are
|
|
anointed into a similitude of their Lord's offices, as subordinate
|
|
prophets, priests, and kings, unto God. The Holy Spirit is compared to
|
|
oil, as well as to fire and water; and the communication of his
|
|
salvific grace is our anointing.
|
|
|
|
2. From whom this blessing comes--<I>from the Holy One,</I> either from
|
|
the Holy Ghost or from the Lord Christ, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+3:7">Rev. iii. 7</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>These things saith he that is holy--the Holy One.</I> The Lord
|
|
Christ is glorious in his holiness. The Lord Christ disposes of the
|
|
graces of the divine Spirit, and he anoints the disciples to make them
|
|
like himself, and to secure them in his interest.
|
|
|
|
3. The effect of this unction--it is a spiritual eye-salve; it
|
|
enlightens and strengthens the eyes of the understanding: "<I>And</I>
|
|
thereby <I>you know all things</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>),
|
|
|
|
all these things concerning Christ and his religion; it was promised
|
|
and given you for that end,"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:26">John xiv. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Lord Christ does not deal alike by all his professed disciples;
|
|
some are more anointed than others. There is great danger lest those
|
|
that are not thus anointed should be so far from being true to Christ
|
|
that they should, on the contrary, turn antichrists, and prove
|
|
adversaries to Christ's person, and kingdom, and glory.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The apostle indicates to them the mind and meaning with which he
|
|
wrote to them.
|
|
|
|
1. By way of negation; not as suspecting their knowledge, or supposing
|
|
their ignorance in the grand truths of the gospel: "<I>I have not
|
|
written unto you because you know not the truth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
I could not then be so well assured of your stability therein, nor
|
|
congratulate you on your unction from above." It is good to surmise
|
|
well concerning our Christian brethren; we ought to do so till evidence
|
|
overthrows our surmise: a just confidence in religious persons may both
|
|
encourage and contribute to their fidelity.
|
|
|
|
2. By way of assertion and acknowledgment, as relying upon their
|
|
judgment in these things: <I>But because you know it</I> (you know
|
|
<I>the truth in Jesus), and that no lie is of the truth.</I> Those who
|
|
know the truth in any respect are thereby prepared to discern what is
|
|
contrary thereto and inconsistent therewith. <I>Rectum est index sui et
|
|
obliqui--The line which shows itself to be straight shows also what
|
|
line is crooked.</I> Truth and falsehood do not well mix and suit
|
|
together. Those that are well acquainted with Christian truth are
|
|
thereby well fortified against antichristian error and delusion. No lie
|
|
belongs to religion, either natural or revealed. The apostles most of
|
|
all condemned lies, and showed the inconsistency of lies with their
|
|
doctrine: they would have been the most self-condemned persons had they
|
|
propagated the truth by lies. It is a commendation of the Christian
|
|
religion that it so well accords with natural religion, which is the
|
|
foundation of it, that it so well accords with the Jewish religion,
|
|
which contained the elements or rudiments of it. <I>No lie is of the
|
|
truth;</I> frauds and impostures then are very unfit means to support
|
|
and propagate the truth. I suppose it had been better with the state of
|
|
religion if they had never been used. The result of them appears in the
|
|
infidelity of our age; the detection of ancient pious frauds and wiles
|
|
has almost run our age into atheism and irreligion; but the greatest
|
|
actors and sufferers for the Christian revelation would assure us that
|
|
<I>no lie is of the truth.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The apostle further impleads and arraigns these seducers who had
|
|
newly arisen.
|
|
|
|
1. They are <I>liars,</I> egregious opposers of sacred truth: <I>Who is
|
|
a liar,</I> or the liar, the notorious liar of the time and age in
|
|
which we live, <I>but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?</I> The
|
|
great and pernicious lies that the father of lies, or of liars, spreads
|
|
in the world, were of old, and usually are, falsehoods and errors
|
|
relating to the person of Christ. There is no truth so sacred and fully
|
|
attested but some or other will contradict or deny it. That Jesus of
|
|
Nazareth was the Son of God had been attested by heaven, and earth, and
|
|
hell. It should seem that some, in the tremendous judgment of God, are
|
|
given up to strong delusions.
|
|
|
|
2. They are direst enemies to God as well as to the Lord Christ: <I>He
|
|
is antichrist who denieth the Father and the Son,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
He that opposes Christ denies the witness and testimony of the Father,
|
|
and the seal that he hath given to his Son; <I>for him hath God the
|
|
Father sealed,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:27">John vi. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
And he that denies the witness and testimony of the Father, concerning
|
|
Jesus Christ denies that God is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ,
|
|
and consequently abandons the knowledge of God in Christ, and thereupon
|
|
the whole revelation of God in Christ, and particularly of God in
|
|
Christ <I>reconciling the world unto himself;</I> and therefore the
|
|
apostle may well infer, <I>Whosoever denies the Son the same has not
|
|
the Father</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>);
|
|
|
|
he has not the true knowledge of the Father, for the Son has most and
|
|
best revealed him; he has no interest in the Father, in his favour, and
|
|
grace, and salvation, <I>for none cometh to the Father but by the Son.
|
|
But,</I> as some copies add, <I>he that acknowledgeth the Son has the
|
|
Father also,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
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As there is an intimate relation between the Father and the Son, so
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there is an inviolable union in the doctrine, knowledge, and interests
|
|
of both; so that he who has the knowledge of, and right to, the Son,
|
|
has the knowledge of, and right to, the Father also. Those that adhere
|
|
to the Christian revelation hold the light and benefit of natural
|
|
religion withal.</P>
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<P>
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IV. Hereupon the apostle advises and persuades the disciples to
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continue in the old doctrine at first communicated to them: <I>Let that
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therefore abide in you which you have heard from the beginning,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
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Truth is older than error. The truth concerning Christ, that was at
|
|
first delivered to the saints, is not to be exchanged for novelties. So
|
|
sure were the apostles of the truth of what they had delivered
|
|
concerning Christ, and from him, that after all their toils and
|
|
sufferings they were not willing to relinquish it. The Christian truth
|
|
may plead antiquity, and be recommended thereby. This exhortation is
|
|
enforced by these considerations:--</P>
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|
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<P>
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1. From the sacred advantage they will receive by adhering to the
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|
primitive truth and faith.
|
|
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(1.) They will continue thereby in holy union with God and Christ:
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<I>If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you,
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you also shall continue in the Son and in the Father,</I>
|
|
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
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It is the truth of Christ abiding in us that is the means of severing
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us from sin and uniting us to the Son of God,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:3,4">John xv. 3, 4</A>.
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The Son is the medium or the Mediator by whom we are united to the
|
|
Father. What value then should we put upon gospel truth!
|
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(2.) They will thereby secure the promise of eternal life: <I>And this
|
|
is the promise that he</I> (even God the Father,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+5:11"><I>ch.</I> v. 11</A>)
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<I>hath promised us, even eternal life,</I>
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>.
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Great is the promise that God makes to his faithful adherents. It is
|
|
suitable to his own greatness, power, and goodness. It is <I>eternal
|
|
life,</I> which none but God can give. The blessed God puts great value
|
|
upon his Son, and the truth relating to him, when he is pleased to
|
|
promise to those who continue in that truth (under the light, and
|
|
power, and influence of it) <I>eternal life.</I> Then the exhortation
|
|
aforesaid is enforced,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. From the design of the apostle's writing to them. This letter is to
|
|
fortify them against the deceivers of the age: "<I>These things have I
|
|
written to you concerning those that seduce you</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>),
|
|
|
|
and therefore, if you continue not in what <I>you have heard from the
|
|
beginning,</I> my writing and service will be in vain." We should
|
|
beware lest the apostolical letters, yea, lest the whole scripture of
|
|
God, should be to us insignificant and fruitless. <I>I have written to
|
|
him the great things of my law</I> (and my gospel too), <I>but they
|
|
were counted as a strange thing,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+8:12">Hos. viii. 12</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. From the instructive blessing they had received from heaven: <I>But
|
|
the anointing which you have received from him abideth in you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
True Christians have an inward confirmation of the divine truth they
|
|
have imbibed: the Holy Spirit has imprinted it on their minds and
|
|
hearts. It is meet that the Lord Jesus should have a constant witness
|
|
in the hearts of his disciples. The unction, the pouring out of the
|
|
gifts of grace upon sincere disciples, is a seal to the truth and
|
|
doctrine of Christ, since none giveth that seal but God. <I>Now he who
|
|
establisheth us with you</I> (and you with us) <I>in Christ, and hath
|
|
anointed us, is God,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+1:21">2 Cor. i. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
This sacred chrism, or divine unction, is commended on these
|
|
accounts:--
|
|
|
|
(1.) It is durable and lasting; oil or unguent is not so soon dried up
|
|
as water: it <I>abideth in you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
Divine illumination, in order to confirmation, must be something
|
|
continued or constant. Temptations, snares, and seductions, arise. The
|
|
anointing must abide.
|
|
|
|
(2.) It is better than human instruction: "<I>And you need not that any
|
|
man teach you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
Not that this anointing will teach you without the appointed ministry.
|
|
It could, if God so pleased; but it will not, though it will teach you
|
|
better than we can: <I>And you need not that any man teach you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
You were instructed by us before you were anointed; but now our
|
|
teaching is nothing in comparison to that. <I>Who teacheth like
|
|
him?</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+36:22">Job xxxvi. 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
The divine unction does not supersede ministerial teaching, but
|
|
surmount it.
|
|
|
|
(3.) It is a sure evidence of truth, and all that it teaches is
|
|
infallible truth: <I>But as the same anointing teacheth you of all
|
|
things, and is truth, and is no lie,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Holy Spirit must needs be <I>the Spirit of truth,</I> as he is
|
|
called,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:17">John xiv. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
The instruction and illumination that he affords must needs be in and
|
|
of the truth. The Spirit of truth will not lie; and he teacheth all
|
|
things, that is, all things in the present dispensation, all things
|
|
necessary to our knowledge of God in Christ, and their glory in the
|
|
gospel. And,
|
|
|
|
(4.) It is of a conservative influence; it will preserve those in whom
|
|
it abides against seducers and their seduction: "<I>And even as it hath
|
|
taught you you shall abide in him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
It teaches you to abide in Christ; and, as it teaches you, it secures
|
|
you; it lays a restraint upon your minds and hearts, that you may not
|
|
revolt from him. <I>And he that hath anointed us is God, who also hath
|
|
sealed us</I> for himself, <I>and given the earnest of the Spirit in
|
|
our hearts.</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+1:21,22">2 Cor. i. 21, 22</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Jo2_29"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec7"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ's Second Appearance.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 80.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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.
|
|
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that
|
|
doeth righteousness is born of him.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
From the blessing of the sacred unction the apostle proceeds in his
|
|
advice and exhortation to constancy in and with Christ: <I>And now,
|
|
little children, abide in him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
The apostle repeats his kind appellation, <I>little children,</I> which
|
|
I suppose does not so much denote their diminutiveness as his
|
|
affection, and therefore, I judge, may be rendered <I>dear
|
|
children.</I> He would persuade by love, and prevail by endearment as
|
|
well as by reason. "Not only the love of Christ, but the love of you,
|
|
constrains us to inculcate your perseverance, and that <I>you would
|
|
abide in him,</I> in the truth relating to his person, and in your
|
|
union with him and allegiance to him." Evangelical privileges are
|
|
obligatory to evangelical duties; and those that are anointed by the
|
|
Lord Jesus are highly obliged to abide with him in opposition to all
|
|
adversaries whatever. This duty of perseverance and constancy in trying
|
|
times is strongly urged by the two following considerations:--
|
|
|
|
1. From the consideration of his return at the great day of account:
|
|
<I>That when he shall appear we may have confidence, and not be ashamed
|
|
before him at his coming,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is here taken for granted that the Lord Jesus will come again. This
|
|
was part of that truth they had heart from the beginning. And, when he
|
|
shall come again, he will publicly appear, be manifested to all. When
|
|
he was here before, he came privately, in comparison. He proceeded from
|
|
a womb, and was introduced into a stable: but, when he shall come
|
|
again, he will come from the opened heavens, and every eye shall see
|
|
him; and then those who have continued with him throughout all their
|
|
temptations shall have confidence, assurance, and joy, in the sight of
|
|
him. They shall lift up their heads with unspeakable triumph, as
|
|
knowing that their complete redemption comes along with him. On the
|
|
contrary, those that have deserted him <I>shall be ashamed before
|
|
him;</I> they shall be ashamed of themselves, ashamed of their
|
|
unbelief, their cowardice, ingratitude, temerity, and folly, in
|
|
forsaking so glorious a Redeemer. They shall be ashamed of their hopes,
|
|
expectations, and pretences, and ashamed of all the wages of
|
|
unrighteousness, by which they were induced to desert him: <I>That we
|
|
may have confidence, and may not be ashamed.</I> The apostle includes
|
|
himself in the number. "Let not us be ashamed of you," as well as, "you
|
|
will not be ashamed of yourselves." Or <B><I>me aischynthomen ap
|
|
autou</I></B>--<I>that we be not ashamed</I> (made ashamed, or put to
|
|
shame) <I>by him at his coming.</I> At his public appearance he will
|
|
shame all those who have abandoned him, he will disclaim all
|
|
acquaintance with them, will cover them with shame and confusion, will
|
|
abandon them to darkness, devils, and endless despair, by professing
|
|
before men and angels that he is ashamed of them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+8:38">Mark viii. 38</A>.
|
|
|
|
To the same advice and exhortation he proceeds,
|
|
|
|
2. From the consideration of the dignity of those who still adhere to
|
|
Christ and his religion: <I>If you know that he is righteous, you know
|
|
that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>.
|
|
|
|
The particle here rendered <I>if</I> seems not to be <I>vox
|
|
dubitantis,</I> but <I>concedentis;</I> not so much a conditional
|
|
particle, as a suppositional one, if I may call it so, a note of
|
|
allowance or concession, and so seems to be of the same import with our
|
|
English <I>inasmuch,</I> or <I>whereas,</I> or <I>since.</I> So the
|
|
sense runs more clearly: <I>Since you know that he is righteous, you
|
|
know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.</I> He
|
|
that doeth righteousness may here be justly enough assumed as another
|
|
name for him that abideth in Christ. For he that abideth in Christ
|
|
abideth in the law and love of Christ, and consequently in his
|
|
allegiance and obedience to him; and so must do, or work, or practise,
|
|
righteousness, or the parts of gospel holiness. Now such a one must
|
|
needs <I>be born of him.</I> He is renewed by the Spirit of Christ,
|
|
after the image of Christ, <I>created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
|
|
which God hath fore-ordained that he should walk in them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+2:10">Eph. ii. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
"<I>Since then you know that the Lord Christ is righteous</I>
|
|
(righteous in his quality and capacity, the Lord our righteousness, and
|
|
the Lord our sanctifier or our sanctification, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+1:30">1 Cor. i. 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
you cannot but know thereupon" (or know you, it is for your
|
|
consideration and regard) "that he who by the continued practice of
|
|
Christianity abideth in him is born of him." The new spiritual nature
|
|
is derived from the Lord Christ. He that is constant to the practice of
|
|
religion in trying times gives good evidence that he is born from
|
|
above, from the Lord Christ. The Lord Christ is an everlasting Father.
|
|
It is a great privilege and dignity to be born of him. Those that are
|
|
so are the children of God. <I>To as many as received him to them gave
|
|
he power to become the sons of God,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:12">John i. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
And this introduces the context of the following chapter.</P>
|
|
|
|
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