“He that said, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 Jean 2: 4.

“There are those who profess holiness, who declare that they are wholly the Lord’s, who claim a right to the promises of God, while refusing to render obedience to His commandments. These transgressors of the law claim everything that is promised to the children of God; but this is presumption on their part, for John tells us that true love for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth, to make a profession of faith in Christ, to believe that Jesus is no impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. “He that saith, I know Him, and kept not His commandments,” John wrote, “is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But who so kept His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.” “He that kept His commandments dwelled in Him, and He in him.” 1 John 2:4, 5; 3:24.

John did not teach that salvation was to be earned by obedience; but that obedience was the fruit of faith and love. “Ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins,” he said, “and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” 1 John 3:5, 6. If we abide in Christ, if the love of God dwells in the heart, our feelings, our thoughts, our actions, will be in harmony with the will of God. The sanctified heart is in harmony with the precepts of God’s law.” –The Acts of Apostles, pp. 562, 563.

Questions to think about:

Is it enough to believe the theory of truth and to make a profession of faith in Christ?

What are those who say, I know Him, but do not keep God’s commandments?

What is the fruit of faith and love?