1 John 2:2-3
What is written? (ESV)
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
What does it say?
He (Christ) is the atonement for our sins, and not ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by keeping his commandments, we know that we have come to know him.
What is its immediate context?
John, in his letter to brethren, makes refrain after refrain for them to continue to “walk in the light”. In the first chapter he states it as, “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1:6). John emphasizes here and throughout our “walk” to be in accordance with Jesus’ word and His walk (vs 6).
How 1 John 2:2-3 is applied across Bible answers
For whom did Christ die?
The apostle John makes it clear that Jesus was the atonement (the Greek word for propitiation) for the sins of the universe/all mankind (the meaning of Greek word for world - "kosmos"). The distinction is drawn with those who "have come to know him" through obedience.
It might also be noted that the Greek word used for world ("kosmos") is not the Greek word "goy" (e.g. nations). The former means universe or all mankind. The latter is used prominently throughout Scripture (primarily Old Testament) to contrast Jew from Gentile (e.g. nations or "goy") and later to emphasize (New Testament) the joining of Jew and Gentile in Christ.
How do we know God?
Knowing Him (God/Jesus) comes through obeying His commandments (His word).
John goes on to equate knowing him with being "in him" (vs 5).
