What does 1 John 3:24 mean?

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. 1 John 3:24

Explanation

This verse from the First Epistle of John emphasises the importance of obedience to God’s commandments as an indicator of a reciprocal spiritual relationship between God and the believer. The phrase “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him” suggests that by following the commandments, one is not only abiding in God but also that God abides in the individual. The mutual indwelling highlights an intimate relationship characterized by love and obedience.

The latter part of the verse, “And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us,” provides a sense of assurance to believers. It implies that the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is the evidence or proof of God’s presence within us. The Holy Spirit is given to believers as a gift, and its presence is a marker of God’s abiding relationship with them.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the First Epistle of John, traditionally attributed to John the Evangelist, one of Jesus’ original disciples. Written around the end of the first century AD, the epistle addresses the early Christian communities and deals with the issues of true faith and love. Its background is set against emerging theological conflicts of the time, including Gnosticism, which presented a dualistic worldview that often diminished the importance of moral behavior and the physical world.

Christian communities faced internal divisions over the nature of Jesus Christ, the definition of salvation, and the application of Jesus’ teachings. John writes to encourage believers in their faith, to affirm the importance of love and obedience as hallmarks of the Christian life, and to counter false teachings that were causing confusion and doubt.

Theological Insights

From an evangelical perspective, this verse underscores a belief in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is often seen as key to the process of sanctification, which means living a life that reflects God’s holiness.

The Catholic tradition might emphasize the grace that comes through the sacraments as aiding believers in keeping God’s commandments and reinforce the importance of community and the Church’s teaching authority.

In Reformed theology, such a verse might be discussed in terms of the assurance of salvation, noting that the Holy Spirit’s presence in a believer’s life is a confirmation of God’s promise and covenant.

In Eastern Orthodox theology, the concept of theosis might be brought up, indicating the process by which a believer becomes more divine through participation in God’s energies, which includes the reception and cooperation with the Holy Spirit.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals to reflect on their commitment to following God’s commandments and to actively seek a relationship with God through prayer, worship, and ethical living. It suggests that genuine faith is manifested in a person’s actions and lifestyle.

Christians may also find encouragement in this verse for their spiritual journey, taking comfort in the knowledge that the Holy Spirit resides within them as a guide, counselor, and source of strength.

Cross-References

• John 14:23 – “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
• John 15:4 – “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”
• Romans 8:9 – “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
• Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
• Ephesians 3:17 – “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• “keepeth” (τηρῶν, tērōn): This verb connotes guarding or observing, and implies both a protective and obedient attitude towards God’s commandments.
• “dwelleth” (μένει, menei): This verb means to remain or abide, indicating stability and permanence.
• “commandments” (ἐντολὰς, entolas): Generally used in the context of moral and religious directives or orders.
• “abideth” (μένει, menei): Same as “dwelleth”, emphasizing the continual presence.
• “Spirit” (Πνεῦμα, Pneuma): Refers to the Holy Spirit, seen as a distinct person of the Trinity in Christian theology.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this Christian concept with other religious traditions, one common theme is the idea of divine presence within the individual. Hinduism, for example, has the concept of “Atman,” the innermost essence or soul of an individual, which is ultimately identical with “Brahman,” the universal spirit.

In Buddhism, while there is no belief in a personal God or an indwelling spirit, there are similar ideas about the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of ethical living as a reflection of understanding this interconnectedness through the idea of karma and Dharma (cosmic law).

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science does not typically comment on matters of theology or spiritual experiences such as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit since these concepts are considered outside the realm of empirical observation and analysis. Neurological and psychological studies of religious experiences often focus on the observable effects on the human brain and behavior rather than validating or discrediting theological claims.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s commentary on this verse emphasizes the mutual communion between God and the faithful soul who obeys his commandments. He also describes the Spirit’s role as both a guide and witness to God’s presence in us.
• John Wesley’s explanatory notes highlight the test of knowing God’s abidance in us, which is through the given Spirit, and the importance of this Spirit in our hearts as a means to understand the various divine graces we receive.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the evidence of God’s permanent residence in the soul being the Spirit given unto us, indicating that the presence of the Spirit is the mark of God’s ownership and our sonship to Him.