Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. John addresses the opposite situation—when conscience doesn't condemn. "Beloved" (agapētoi) again expresses affection. "If our heart condemn us not" (ean hē kardia hēmōn mē kataginōskē)—when our conscience is clear, not accusing us. This assumes we've examined ourselves and found evidence of genuine love in deed and truth (vv. 18-19).
"Then have we confidence toward God" (parrēsian echomen pros ton theon). Parrēsia (παρρησία) means boldness, confidence, or freedom of speech—the right to speak openly. This confidence is directed "toward God" (pros ton theon)—in our relationship with Him, in prayer, and in anticipation of final judgment. When our love for the brethren evidences genuine faith, we can approach God with confidence, not cowering in fear or doubt.
This confidence rests on assurance of salvation and acceptance before God. It's not presumption or self-righteousness but the appropriate posture of children before their Father (Romans 8:15, Hebrews 10:19-22). However, this confidence requires an informed conscience—not ignoring sin or refusing self-examination, but honestly assessing our lives and finding genuine evidence of saving faith through love demonstrated in deeds.
Historical Context
The concept of parrēsia had political meaning in Greek democracy—the right of citizens to speak freely in the assembly. In religious contexts, it meant the privilege of approaching deity without fear. Ancient pagans approached their gods with terror, offering sacrifices to appease anger. Judaism's temple system, while God-ordained, involved mediated access through priests and sacrifices.
Christianity revolutionized access to God—believers approach Him directly with confidence through Christ. This wasn't irreverent familiarity but the security of adopted children before a loving Father. The writer of Hebrews similarly exhorts believers to come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). John connects this confidence to the evidence of love, showing that assurance and holy living are intertwined.
Questions for Reflection
What confidence toward God do you currently have, and on what basis does that confidence rest?
How can you cultivate a clear conscience through genuine love in deed and truth?
What's the difference between biblical confidence toward God and presumption or false assurance?
Analysis & Commentary
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. John addresses the opposite situation—when conscience doesn't condemn. "Beloved" (agapētoi) again expresses affection. "If our heart condemn us not" (ean hē kardia hēmōn mē kataginōskē)—when our conscience is clear, not accusing us. This assumes we've examined ourselves and found evidence of genuine love in deed and truth (vv. 18-19).
"Then have we confidence toward God" (parrēsian echomen pros ton theon). Parrēsia (παρρησία) means boldness, confidence, or freedom of speech—the right to speak openly. This confidence is directed "toward God" (pros ton theon)—in our relationship with Him, in prayer, and in anticipation of final judgment. When our love for the brethren evidences genuine faith, we can approach God with confidence, not cowering in fear or doubt.
This confidence rests on assurance of salvation and acceptance before God. It's not presumption or self-righteousness but the appropriate posture of children before their Father (Romans 8:15, Hebrews 10:19-22). However, this confidence requires an informed conscience—not ignoring sin or refusing self-examination, but honestly assessing our lives and finding genuine evidence of saving faith through love demonstrated in deeds.