1 John 2:29
This sermon explores the nature of Christ's righteousness and its implications for believers in terms of faith and good works.
John Gill emphasizes the righteousness of Christ, asserting that true knowledge of His righteousness leads to a life characterized by righteous deeds. He clarifies that performing righteousness is not about earning justification but is a natural outcome of being justified by faith in Christ's righteousness. Gill explains that those who genuinely do righteousness are born of God, reflecting His image and grace in their lives. This transformation is evident through faith and good works, which stem from a heart that believes in Christ. Ultimately, this understanding of righteousness and regeneration sets the foundation for the believer's identity as a child of God.
Text
Ver. 29. If ye know that he is righteous,.... That is, Christ, who is righteous as God in his nature and in his works; and as man in his obedience, life, and conversation; and as Mediator, in faithfully discharging the work he undertook; and is the author of an everlasting righteousness, which is imputed by God, revealed in the Gospel, and received by faith; all which they knew, for this is not said as doubting, but rather as taking it for granted that they did know it; "if", or "seeing ye know", &c. then it follows;
ye know, or "know ye"; ye may assure yourselves,
that everyone that doeth righteousness; not merely works of righteousness, especially in order to justify him before God; for such an one is so far from being born of God, or born again, that he is manifestly in a state of nature, and of opposition to, and enmity against God; he is not subject to him, he does not submit to the righteousness of God, but goes about to establish his own and betrays his ignorance and want grace; but it intends such an one who with the heart believes unto righteousness, and lays hold by faith, and lives upon the righteousness of Christ for justification; and who performs, good, works in faith, and from a principle of love, not to obtain a justifying righteousness, but because he is justified by the righteousness of Christ: and: such an one
is born of him; either of God, or rather, of Christ; being regenerated by his Spirit, having his, grace implanted in him, as appears by his faith in his righteousness and by his works of righteousness, as fruits of faith; and having his image stamped on him, and he himself formed in him, and so made like unto him; by all which it is evident he is one of his spiritual seed and offspring. The Syriac version reads, "is of him"; belongs to him, is one of his; and this makes way for what is said of adoption in the following chapter and which should begin here.
Sermon Outline
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I
- {'A': 'Christ's nature as righteous', 'B': 'Righteousness in His works', 'C': 'Role of Christ as Mediator'}
- Understanding Righteousness
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II
- {'A': 'Certainty of knowing Christ's righteousness', 'B': 'Implications of knowing Him', 'C': 'The importance of faith in righteousness'}
- The Assurance of Knowledge
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III
- {'A': 'Definition of true righteousness', 'B': 'Faith as the basis for good works', 'C': 'Transformation through regeneration'}
- The Evidence of Being Born of God
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IV
- {'A': 'Good works as evidence of faith', 'B': 'Living out righteousness in daily life', 'C': 'The relationship between faith and works'}
- The Fruits of Righteousness
Key Quotes
“If ye know that he is righteous,.... That is, Christ, who is righteous as God in his nature and in his works.” — John Gill
“Everyone that doeth righteousness... is born of him.” — John Gill
“Such an one who... performs good works in faith, and from a principle of love.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Reflect on the nature of Christ's righteousness and how it impacts your life.
- Examine your faith and ensure it leads to genuine good works.
- Consider the importance of being born again and living out your faith daily.