Assurances of Spiritual Progress

1 John 2:12-14

The dark cloud of doubt and guilty despair result when Christians are not sure they are in a proper relationship with God. They are left with a feeling of insecurity in regard to their hope of eternal life and the joy of living the Christian life is replaced with fear. However, John indicates the Christian can joyfully sing Blessed Assurance knowing “Jesus is mine”. How can one be truly assured that they really are forgiven, know God, and are overcoming Satan?

I write to you, little children, 
Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.

I write to you, fathers, 
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
Because you have overcome the wicked one.
I write to you, little children,
Because you have known the Father.
I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,
And you have overcome the wicked one.
1 John 2:12-14

Verses twelve through fourteen of 1 John chapter 2 represent the most unique and abrupt change of style within this epistle. Six statements are made as to the purpose of John writing this epistle. Six different lines focus on four different groups who are assured of their progress in spiritual growth. These groups are said to be three in number by some. However, the Greek word for “little children” in verse twelve is teknia, which literally means “small born ones”. A different Greek for “little children” is used in verse thirteen: paidia. This second term refers to children who are older but still under the direction of their parents. Thus there are four different groups identified in the Greek text. These groups are not to be taken literally, because it would leave out mothers and young women among the saints. Perhaps, John is referring to those who are at different levels of spiritual development. These stages do not necessarily relate to specific chronological age groups. Someone may be elderly and yet have not progressed or matured spiritually (Heb. 5:11f). Another unique aspect of this section is the first three times John uses the present tense “I write” and in the last three statements he uses past tense “I have written.” Perhaps the only reason for this difference is one of style and emphasis. There is no need to consider this proof that a previous letter had been sent.

Perhaps the chart below may prove helpful. It shows the changes previously mentioned.

I write to you (present tense) Little children (teknia) Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.

I write to you (present tense) fathers Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.

I write to you (present tense) young men Because you have overcome the wicked one.

I have written to you (past tense) little children (paidia) Because you have known the Father.

I have written to you (past tense) fathers Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.

I have written to you (past tense) young men Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.

John has pointed out five different lies which some have been advocating. 1) Those who boast they have fellowship and walk in darkness (1:6). 2) Those who hold they do have not sin (1:8). 3) Others who go so far as to advocate they have never sinned (1:10). 4) Some were claiming to know God but not keeping His commandments (2:4). 5) Finally, there were those Christians who claimed to be in the light while hating their brothers (2:9). These last two claims are in contrast with a third claim made by those who say they abide in God (2:6). Now John contrasts these lies by giving some reassurances to his readers in recognition that they are different from the previous five groups.

✓ Assurance of Being Forgiven

The first group are the “little children” whose sins have been forgiven. It refers to all Christians of all levels of development. It is the same term used throughout this epistle to address Christians in general. All Christians have been forgiven at the point of their baptism in the name or authority of Jesus Christ. All those who have been born again represent this group. This forgiveness has been made possible by the work of Christ mentioned in verses one and two. Furthermore, only the name of Christ is to receive the glory for the salvation of one’s souls (Acts 4:12).

✓ Assurance of Knowing God

Both the fathers and “little children” (paidia) know their Father in Heaven. The difference is: the fathers here have known Him who is from the beginning. Thus the fathers know God the Father as the eternal one or the One who has always existed. John is not saying the father’s have attained complete or perfect knowledge of God for such would take an eternity to achieve. They have began a relationship in Him that needs to continue. As Peter instructed, all are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18a).

✓ Assurance of Overcoming Satan

The “wicked one” is the Devil or Satan. Twice the young men are said to have overcome Satan. Two things are mentioned as the means of their victory. First, they are strong. Strength is the natural and physical aspect of youth. Here “strong” refers to their spiritual strength. However, this strength is not from within themselves or the result of their efforts. But secondly, they are strong due to their knowledge of and proper use of the Word of God. They have grown to the point they have realized Christians are in a war zone and must be armed with the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Eph. 6:12). Since the past tense is used John is saying they have already experienced victory in this war. Perhaps, they have even come to the realization that victory is already determined and they are on the winning side. However, more battles must be found. John now warns them of their need to beware of falling in love with this world. After all, the “wicked one” is the “ruler of this world” (John 8:44).

No matter what level of spiritual development, John assures his readers they can be confident in their possession of eternal life. This, of course, does not exclude the need for faithful living.

– Daniel R. Vess