1 John 2:29 - Exposition

This verse forms a bridge between the two main divisions of the Epistle. The coming of Christ suggests the righteousness of Christ; for it is as the righteous Judge that he is coming, and those who would not be ashamed to meet him at his coming must be righteous also. Once more ( 1 John 2:27 ) we are in doubt between indicative and imperative: γινώσκετε , in spite of the preceding μένετε and following ἴδετε , is probably indicative. To know that God is righteous is to perceive that every doer of his τήν righteousness is a son of God (not of Christ; we are nowhere in Scripture said to be born of Christ). To partake of that righteousness which is God's nature is proof of birth from him. With ποιεῖν τὴν δικαιοσύνην , compare ποιεῖν τὴν ἀληθείαν ( 1 John 1:6 ; John 3:21 ). Righteousness must be shown in conduct; mere desire to be righteous will not suffice. And the conduct must be habitual ὁ ποιῶν not ὁ ποιήσας ; a single act of righteousness will not suffice. Note to come to know (by experience) that who the change from εἰδῆτε to γινώσκετε .To ever habitually acts righteously is God' know (intuitively) that God is righteous is offspring.

Homiletics