1 John 3:23 Commentary and Bible Study

The two fundamental elements of the Christian life are encapsulated in this verse by the apostle. The Christian is defined by the possession of faith and that faith is centred on the person and work of Christ by which the great problem of human sin was solved. Because faith is always contrasted with works, we might be surprised to see it represented as a commandment, but this means no more than that faith is an obligation. By commanding us to believe, God overcomes the hesitancy of sinners who fear that it would be presumption to come in faith expecting to be received, for what he commands cannot be presumption. But love is truly a work, for the commandment to love summarises the law, as Christ has shown us. Love would, if it were perfect, fulfil every commandment that God has given.