◄ What Does 1 John 2:12 Mean? ►

In his later years, the apostle John was often called 'the apostle of love', for this fiery son of thunder displayed such a gentle grace in his twilight years.

Whether the brothers and sisters to whom he was writing were new into the faith or well-weathered, seasoned saints, they were often referred to as 'little children', for all had been sinners saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, all had their sins forgiven through His shed blood, and all had been given eternal life as God's free gift of grace.

All John's 'little children' were saved by grace for simply believing on the only begotten Son of God for the redemption of sin and life everlasting. All had their sins forgiven: "For His name's sake."

There is no other name given under heaven whereby we must be saved, for salvation is from the Lord and justification rests on the precious blood of Christ. The forgiveness of sins and redemption of our lives rests firmly and exclusively on: "His name's sake."

What a wonderful truth to wake to everyday, knowing that forgiveness of sins is our present possession, morning by morning: "Great is His faithfulness." What glorious grace it is to know that the forgiveness of our sins does not have to rest on our own merit or good works, but is secured on Christ's finished work on the Cross: "For His name's sake."

What a marvellous matter to know that the gift of eternal life, which we received at the moment of our salvation, is not conditional on our own steadfastness but on the truth of the Word of the Lord and the faithfulness of God's unchangeable character: "For His name's sake."

Praise God that when the aged apostle John said, "I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name's sake," that this truth is as pertinent today as it was when John penned this first epistle to all God's 'little children'.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I am Your little child. Thank You that my sins are forgiven, today and forever. Help me to grow in grace and in a knowledge of my Lord and Saviour. In His name I pray, AMEN.