5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:
5 But the one who keeps God's word is the person in whom we see God's mature love. This is the only way to be sure we're in God.
5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.
5 But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.
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Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 John 2:5
Commentary on 1 John 2:3-11
(Read 1 John 2:3-11)
What knowledge of Christ can that be, which sees not that he is most worthy of our entire obedience? And a disobedient life shows there is neither religion nor honesty in the professor. The love of God is perfected in him that keeps his commandments. God's grace in him attains its true mark, and produces its sovereign effect as far as may be in this world, and this is man's regeneration; though never absolutely perfect here. Yet this observing Christ's commands, has holiness and excellency which, if universal, would make the earth resemble heaven itself. The command to love one another had been in force from the beginning of the world; but it might be called a new command as given to Christians. It was new in them, as their situation was new in respect of its motives, rules, and obligations. And those who walk in hatred and enmity to believers, remain in a dark state. Christian love teaches us to value our brother's soul, and to dread every thing hurtful to his purity and peace. Where spiritual darkness dwells, in mind, the judgment, and the conscience will be darkened, and will mistake the way to heavenly life. These things demand serious self-examination; and earnest prayer, that God would show us what we are, and whither we are going.