5:1
It is interesting how John links the theological test with life application tests in this verse and the next. In this verse we get the theological test. If we believe that Jesus is the Christ, then we are born of God. Yet again, we need to remember the context. John is saying this in opposition to the seeds of doubt that the gnostics were seeking to sow. “You lack something, you lack something” the gnostics were saying. “No you don’t” is what John is saying. You believe that Jesus is the Christ, then you are born of God, you don’t need any special knowledge. The converse is also true. If we love the Father then we love the Son as well. If someone claims to love the Father, but not the son, then they are being ridiculous. However, in talking of children here, John may mean that we will love His people as well. ie looking at us as God’s children.
5:2
This would seem to imply that “love His child as well” means loving God’s people. And how do we love people? By loving God and carrying out His commands. We need to take this to heart, especially today. Those who advocate a sin-affirming approach to LGBT issues may claim to be acting out of “love”, but in reality they are doing no such thing. We know that we are truly loving people by loving God and carrying out His commands. Anything else is not true love, but is counterfeit. Those of the sin-affirming tendency have only counterfeit love.
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