Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 John 2:28-3:3

## Lutheran Lens Reading of 1 John 2:28-3:3

### Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read 1 John 2:28-3:3 through the lens of Law and Gospel, seeing the call to abide in Christ (2:28) as both a command (Law) that exposes our inability and a promise (Gospel) that assures us of our identity in Christ. The passage highlights our baptismal identity as God's children (3:1), which is a pure gift of grace. We understand the hope of being like Christ when He appears (3:2) as a Gospel promise that delivers assurance and comfort, emphasizing our position as simul justus et peccator — fully justified yet awaiting full sanctification.

### Key Language Decisions