2:23 (Emphasis)

In this verse John is making it clear that our relationship to God depends on our believing in Jesus. He emphasizes this by stating it first negatively and then positively.

2:23a

have the Father: (Meaning) This is another way by which John refers to Christians’ close relationship and union with God the Father. See also the note on 2:5c “in Him.”

2:23b

confesses the Son: (Meaning) This is the opposite of “denies the Son.” It means “accepts, says openly that he believes in Jesus as the Son of God.”

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.