1 John 2:29

1 John 2:29

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

King James Version (KJV)

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Since God is righteous, everyone who practices righteousness shows they are born of Him.

What Does 1 John 2:29 Mean?

John draws a conclusion from God's character. Since we know that He is righteous, we also know that everyone who does righteousness is born of Him. A righteous God produces righteous children.

Spiritual birth shows itself in a changed life. Those truly born of God begin to resemble Him, doing what is right because His nature is at work within them. This is not about earning a place in the family but about bearing the family likeness. John gives a gentle test: a life inclined toward righteousness is evidence of new birth, a sign that we belong to the righteous God who fathered us.

In the Original Language

gennao (γεννάω), 'to be born' -- to be begotten, here the new birth from God that bears the fruit of righteousness.

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