1 John 2

Christ Our Advocate

1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, a we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And b He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but c also for the whole world. 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a d liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But e whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God 1 is perfected f in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 g He who says he abides in Him h ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

The New Commandment

7 2 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had i from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard 3 from the beginning. 8 Again, j a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, k because the darkness is passing away, and l the true light is already shining. 9 m He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 n He who loves his brother abides in the light, and o there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who p hates his brother is in darkness and q walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

12 I write to you, little children,
Because r your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake.
13 I write to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is s from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
Because you have overcome the wicked one.
I write to you, little children,
Because you have t known the Father.
14 I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
Because u you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,
And you have overcome the wicked one.

Do Not Love the World

15 v Do not love the world or the things in the world. w If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, x the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And y the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Warning Concerning Antichrists

18 z Little children, a it is the last hour; and as you have heard that b the 4 Antichrist is coming, c even now many antichrists have come, by which we know d that it is the last hour. 19 e They went out from us, but they were not of us; for f if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out g that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. 20 But h you have an anointing i from the Holy One, and j you 5 know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he who denies that l Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 m Whoever denies the Son does not have the n Father either; o he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, q you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 r And this is the promise that He has promised us - eternal life.

26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to 6 deceive you. 27 But the s anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and t you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing u teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you 7 will abide in Him.

Children of God

28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that 8 when He appears, we may have v confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 w If you know that He is righteous, you know that x everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.

  1. Cross References
    Romans 8:34
    Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
    1 Timothy 2:5
    For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.
    Hebrews 7:25
    Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
    Hebrews 9:24
    For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.
  2. Cross References
    Romans 3:25
    Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.
    Hebrews 2:17
    Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
    1 John 4:10
    In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
  3. Cross References
    John 1:29
    The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
  4. Cross References
    Romans 3:4
    Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.
  5. Cross References
    John 14:21
    "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."
    John 14:23
    Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
  6. Cross References
    1 John 4:12
    No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
  7. Cross References
    John 15:4
    Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
  8. Cross References
    Matthew 11:29
    Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
    John 13:15
    For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
    John 15:10
    If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
    1 Peter 2:21
    For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
  9. Cross References
    John 13:34
    A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
    1 John 3:11
    For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
    1 John 3:23
    And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
    1 John 4:21
    And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
  10. Cross References
    John 13:34
    A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
    John 15:12
    This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
  11. Cross References
    Romans 13:12
    The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
    Ephesians 5:8
    For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
    1 Thessalonians 5:4
    But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
  12. Cross References
    John 1:9
    That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
    John 8:12
    Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.
    John 12:35
    Then Jesus said to them, "A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.
  13. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 13:2
    And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
    1 John 3:14
    We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
  14. Cross References
    1 John 3:14
    We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
  15. Cross References
    2 Peter 1:10
    Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.
  16. Cross References
    1 John 2:9
    He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.
    1 John 3:15
    Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
    1 John 4:20
    If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
  17. Cross References
    John 12:35
    Then Jesus said to them, "A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.
    1 John 1:6
    If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
  18. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 6:11
    And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
  19. Cross References
    John 1:1
    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
    Revelation 22:13
    "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."
  20. Cross References
    Romans 8:15 - 17
    For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father.
    Galatians 4:6
    And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!
  21. Cross References
    Ephesians 6:10
    Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
  22. Cross References
    Romans 12:2
    And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
    Galatians 1:4
    Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.
    James 1:27
    Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
  23. Cross References
    Matthew 6:24
    No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
    James 4:4
    Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
  24. Cross References
    Ecclesiastes 5:10
    He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.
    Ecclesiastes 5:11
    When goods increase, They increase who eat them; So what profit have the owners Except to see them with their eyes?
  25. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:31
    And those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.
    1 Peter 1:24
    Because "All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away.
  26. Cross References
    John 21:5
    Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No.
  27. Cross References
    Romans 13:11
    And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
    1 Timothy 4:1
    Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.
    Hebrews 1:2
    Has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.
    1 Peter 4:7
    But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
  28. Cross References
    2 Thessalonians 2:3
    Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.
  29. Cross References
    Matthew 24:5
    For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
    Matthew 24:24
    For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
    1 John 2:22
    Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.
    1 John 4:3
    And every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
  30. Cross References
    1 Timothy 4:1
    Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.
  31. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 13:13
    Corrupt men have gone out from among you and enticed the inhabitants of their city, saying, "Let us go and serve other gods" ' - which you have not known -
  32. Cross References
    Matthew 24:24
    For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
  33. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 11:19
    For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.
  34. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 1:21
    Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God.
    Hebrews 1:9
    You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.
    1 John 2:27
    But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
  35. Cross References
    Acts 3:14
    But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you.
  36. Cross References
    Proverbs 28:5
    Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all.
    John 16:13
    However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
    1 Corinthians 2:15
    But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.
    1 Corinthians 2:16
    For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
  37. Cross References
    1 John 4:3
    And every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
  38. Cross References
    John 15:23
    He who hates Me hates My Father also.
  39. Cross References
    John 5:23
    That all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
  40. Cross References
    1 John 4:15
    Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
    1 John 5:1
    Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.
  41. Cross References
    John 14:23
    Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
    1 John 1:3
    That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
  42. Cross References
    John 3:14 - 16
    And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.
    John 6:40
    "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
    John 17:2
    As You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.
    John 17:3
    And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
    1 John 1:2
    The life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us -
  43. Cross References
    John 14:16
    And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever -
    John 16:13
    However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
    1 John 2:20
    But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.
  44. Cross References
    Jeremiah 31:33
    But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
  45. Cross References
    John 14:16
    And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever -
    1 Corinthians 2:12
    Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
    1 Thessalonians 4:9
    But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.
  46. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:12
    In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
    1 John 3:21
    Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
    1 John 4:17
    Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
    1 John 5:14
    Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
  47. Cross References
    Acts 22:14
    Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.
  48. Cross References
    John 7:18
    He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
    1 John 3:7
    Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
    1 John 3:10
    In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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