1 John 2:23 - Exposition

Having the Father.

Connecting link: Having shown us of how much the lie of antichrist would deprive us, the apostle declares how rich we are when that lie is rejected, and the truth of Christ abides in us. Topic— The vast wealth of the believer. No uncertainty can attach to the expression, "he that hath the Son;" for while we are sure it must include abiding in the confession of the Son in all his glory and grace, we are equally sure that the confession must be the submission to, the acceptance, the embrace of Christ with all the heart, as well as the avowal of him with the lip (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 ). To "have" Christ is to have received him as a Saviour, to own him as the Revealer of the Father, to honour him as Lord, to follow him as Leader, to grow up to him as the Head. Now, our text contains a remarkable statement about those who thus "have" Christ. They "have" the Father also. In what sense?

1 . In the Person of Christ as the incarnate Son they have the exact Image of the Father, so that they see him through the Son ( John 14:9 ).

2 . Through the atoning work of Christ—they learn the self-sacrificing love of the Father, " τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ἀγάπην " ( Romans 5:8 ; 1 John 4:10 ).

3 . Through the mediation of Christ they have access to the Father ( Ephesians 2:18 ; Romans 5:2 ).

4 . Through the intercession of Christ they have constant communion with the Father; not merely occasional access as to a King, but a filial fellowship with a Father.

5 . Through Christ as the channel of communication between earth and heaven they receive of the infinite wealth of the Father ( 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 ).

6 . Through the impartation of power and life from Christ they share the life of the Father ( Galatians 2:20 ). We are not only ἔν τῷ υιῷ , but also ἐν τῶ πατρὶ ( 1 John 2:24 ).

7 . Through the gracious leadership of Christ they will have an everlasting home with the Father ( John 14:2 , John 14:3 ). And such a Father! Then how ought we:

"O little heart of mine! shall pain

Or sorrow make thee moan,

When all this God is all for thee

A Father all thine own?"