1 John 2
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My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, y we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
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z He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but a also for the sins of the whole world.
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And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we b keep his commandments.
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Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments c is a liar, and c the truth is not in him,
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but whoever d keeps his word, in him truly e the love of God is perfected. f By this we may know that we are in him:
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whoever says he g abides in him h ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
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Beloved, I am writing you i no new commandment, but j an old commandment k that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard.
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At the same time, it is l a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because m the darkness is passing away and n the true light is already shining.
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Whoever says he is in the light and o hates his brother is still in darkness.
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Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no p cause for stumbling.
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But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and q walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
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I am writing to you, little children,
because r your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.
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I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know s him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because t you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children,
because u you know the Father.
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I write to you, fathers,
because you know s him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because t you are strong,
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
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v Do not love the world or the things in the world. w If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
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For all that is in the world - x the desires of the flesh and y the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world.
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And z the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
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Children, a it is the last hour, and as you have heard that b antichrist is coming, so now c many antichrists have come. d Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
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e They went out from us, but they were not of us; for f if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, g that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
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But you have been h anointed by i the Holy One, and j you all have knowledge.
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I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
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Who is the liar but k he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is b the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
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l No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
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Let m what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then n you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
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And this is the promise that he made to us - o eternal life.
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I write these things to you about p those who are trying to deceive you.
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But q the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and r you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and s is true, and is no lie - just as it has taught you, abide in him.
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And now, little children, abide in him, so that t when he appears u we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his v coming.
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If you know that w he is righteous, you may be sure that x everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
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Cross References
Romans 8:34
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 7:25
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
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Cross References
1 John 4:10
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Romans 3:25
Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18 - 19
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
Colossians 1:20
And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
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Cross References
1 John 4:14
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
John 1:29
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
John 4:42
They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.
John 11:51 - 52
He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation.
John 12:32
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
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Cross References
John 14:15
If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
John 15:10
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
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Cross References
1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
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Cross References
1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
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Cross References
1 John 5:3
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
John 14:23
Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
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Cross References
1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
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Cross References
1 John 3:24
Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
1 John 4:13
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
1 John 5:2
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.
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Cross References
John 15:4 - 5
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
John 15:7
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
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Cross References
Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
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Cross References
2 John 1:5
And now I ask you, dear lady - not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning - that we love one another.
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Cross References
Leviticus 19:18
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
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Cross References
1 John 2:24
Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
1 John 3:11
For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
2 John 1:5 - 6
And now I ask you, dear lady - not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning - that we love one another.
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Cross References
John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
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Cross References
Romans 13:12
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Ephesians 5:8
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
1 Thessalonians 5:4 - 5
But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.
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Cross References
John 1:9
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
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Cross References
1 John 4:20
If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
1 John 3:14 - 15
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.
Titus 3:3
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
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Cross References
John 11:10
But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.
Proverbs 4:19
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.
2 Peter 1:10
Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
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Cross References
1 John 1:6
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
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Cross References
Luke 24:47
And that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
Acts 10:43
To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
Acts 13:38
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
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Cross References
1 John 1:1
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life -
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Cross References
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
1 John 5:4 - 5
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.
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Cross References
John 14:7
If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.
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Cross References
1 John 2:13
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.
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Cross References
1 John 2:13
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.
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Cross References
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
2 Timothy 4:10
For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
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Cross References
James 4:4
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
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Cross References
Romans 13:14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Ephesians 2:3
Among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
1 Peter 4:2
So as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
2 Peter 2:18
For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.
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Cross References
Ecclesiastes 4:8
One person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
Ecclesiastes 5:11
When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:31
And those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
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Cross References
2 Timothy 3:1
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
James 5:3
Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.
2 Peter 3:3
Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
Jude 1:18
They said to you, "In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.
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Cross References
1 John 2:22
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
1 John 4:3
And every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
2 John 1:7
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
Matthew 24:5
For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray.
Matthew 24:24
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
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Cross References
1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Matthew 24:5
For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray.
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Cross References
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.
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Cross References
Deuteronomy 13:13
That certain worthless fellows have gone out among you and have drawn away the inhabitants of their city, saying, 'Let us go and serve other gods,' which you have not known.
Acts 20:30
And from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
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Cross References
John 17:12
While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 11:19
For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
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Cross References
1 John 2:27
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie - just as it has taught you, abide in him.
2 Corinthians 1:21
And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us.
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Cross References
Mark 1:24
"What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God."
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Cross References
1 John 2:27
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie - just as it has taught you, abide in him.
John 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
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Cross References
1 John 4:3
And every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
2 John 1:7
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
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Cross References
1 John 2:18
Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
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Cross References
1 John 4:15
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
1 John 5:1
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.
2 John 1:9
Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
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Cross References
1 John 3:11
For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
2 John 1:6
And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
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Cross References
John 14:23
Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
1 John 1:3
That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
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Cross References
John 17:2
Since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.
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Cross References
1 John 3:7
Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
2 John 1:7
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
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Cross References
1 John 2:20
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
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Cross References
Jeremiah 31:34
And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Hebrews 8:11
And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
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Cross References
John 14:17
Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
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Cross References
1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
Colossians 3:4
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
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Cross References
1 John 3:21
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God.
1 John 4:17
By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.
1 John 5:14
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:19
For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?
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Cross References
1 John 3:7
Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
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Cross References
1 John 3:9
No one born of God makes a practice of sinning,...
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is f...
1 John 5:1
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ ...
1 John 5:4
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes...
1 John 5:18
We know that everyone who has been born of God ...
3 John 1:11
Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. ...
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.