1 John 2:12
1 John 2:12
“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →John writes to all his readers because their sins are forgiven for Christ's sake.
What Does 1 John 2:12 Mean?
John addresses his readers as little children, embracing the whole family of faith. The ground of his writing is glad: their sins are forgiven for His name's sake. Forgiveness rests on Christ, not on themselves.
Before any command, John grounds his readers in mercy already received. Their sins are forgiven, and forgiven because of who Jesus is and what He has done. This is the foundation of the Christian life. We obey not to win pardon but because pardon is already ours. To know our sins forgiven for His name's sake is the deep assurance from which all faithful living springs.