Who is John addressing in 1 John 2:1?
In 1 John 2:1, John addresses believers, calling them "my little children." He does not call the unbelieving world his children; rather, the believing element is being addressed. He writes to them so that they will not sin, while affirming grace does not give license.
Les explains that in 1 John 2:1 John uses the phrase "my little children" to identify his audience as believers, not the unbelieving world. He notes that John does not call unbelievers his children, but addresses the believing element again. John writes these things so that they sin not. Les connects this to the teaching that believers are under grace, not law, but grace is not license. Even though sin is always less than God's grace, that does not give license. John begs the believer not to sin, then adds, "but if any man sin."
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
More Questions
Why did John write 1 John 2:1?
John wrote 1 John 2:1 so that believers would not sin.
Who is 1 John 2:1 written to?
In 1 John 2:1, John is addressing believers, not the unbelieving world, by calling them 'my little children.'
Who is John addressing when he says 'my little children' in 1 John 2:1?
In 1 John 2:1 John is addressing believers when he says 'my little children' — he does not call the unbelieving world his children, but addresses the believing element.