NOTES for Jo1 2:1-2

The wish not to sin, and if one should fall into sin, to turn to Christ, whose sacrifice is the propitiation for sins of all the living, appears simple enough. We are given hope for forgiveness; nevertheless, the discussion of forgiveness begins with the call not to sin. Fulfilling such a call is difficult, and often it appears impossible, and yet it is not worth speaking of forgiveness if we constantly indulge ourselves and do not even try to resist sin. The concepts of what is due remain unshakable, no matter how often we depart from them; following them is the criterion of the truth of faith. Therefore knowledge of the commandments is not theory, for knowledge of a craft also consists not in memorizing technical norms, but in the ability to work.