What did Jesus mean when he said “He who loves me will keep my commandments”?
Orientation
Many assume Jesus' statement about keeping commandments is a new, burdensome law we must strive to obey.
- This creates anxiety about measuring up to God's demands.
- It frames the Christian life as a test of our love through our effort.
- It misunderstands the nature of the 'new commandment' revealed in scripture.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (1 John 5:3)
— 1 John 5:3
Clarification
The commandment is not an external demand but Christ's own eternal life installed within the believer.
- The 'new commandment' is Christ Himself as Eternal Life indwelling us (1 John 5:11-12).
- It is 'true in us' as it is in Christ, marking our transition from darkness to light (1 John 2:8).
- It centers on two inseparable realities: faith in Jesus and love for fellow believers.
Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. (1 John 2:8)
— 1 John 2:8
Structure
Biblical logic shows that faith in Christ and love for the brethren are the inseparable evidence of His indwelling life.
- Believing God's testimony concerning His Son results in being born of God and having the Spirit's witness.
- The Spirit's witness enables us to recognize other believers as fellow children of God.
- This mutual recognition is the practical love that cooperates with God's work in the body.
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (1 John 3:23)
— 1 John 3:23
Weight-Bearing Prose
The apostle John provides the doctrinal exposition of Jesus’ words. The ‘commandment’ is not the Mosaic law or any external code. It is the ’new commandment’ which is Christ as Eternal Life dwelling within the believer (1 John 5:11-12). This life has two inseparable expressions: faith in the name of Jesus Christ and love for one another (1 John 3:23). These are not human works but the evidence of divine life. To believe the Gospel is to be born of God (1 John 5:1). Being born of God means we have the Spirit’s witness to the truth of Christ’s person and work (1 John 5:6-10). This same witness enables us to accurately profess Christ’s doctrine and to recognize that same life in other believers. This recognition is love. It is not sentimental but practical, cooperating with God’s work in His body. Denying this mutual recognition—like Cain or the antichrists who denied Christ and separated from the brethren—is to operate in darkness (1 John 2:18-19; 3:12). The commandment is not burdensome because its source is Christ’s indwelling life, not human effort. Keeping commandments, therefore, is the natural fruit of genuine faith, evidenced by holding fast to the doctrine of Christ and loving those in whom His life is found.
Integration
Your assurance rests on Christ’s life within you, not on your performance of commands. He is the Eternal Life installed in every believer. The faith you have and the love you recognize for fellow believers are both evidences of His indwelling presence. This is not a challenge to strive harder, but a reality to rest in. The Spirit bears witness with your spirit that you are a child of God because you believe the testimony concerning His Son. There is no pressure to advance or earn a higher standing. You are complete in Him. Let this truth anchor you: Christ in you is both the source and the fulfillment of every divine command. Your part is simply to believe Him and to recognize the life He has given to others. This is the safe and secure ground of the Gospel.