1 John 3:21

Beloved. See on v. 2.

Condemn us not. It is well to remember that these words were addressed to those who had been instructed “from the beginning” (ch. 2:7), whose sins had been forgiven (ch. 2:12), who had known the Father (ch. 2:13), and had been accepted as children of God (ch. 3:1,2). What would be vain self-confidence on the part of less mature Christians might, on the part of John’s readers, be no more than a recognition of God’s redemptive mercy toward them.

Confidence. Greek parresia (see on ch. 2:28). The context (ch. 3:23) shows that the primary reference is to our approach to God in prayer; but the apostle may also have in mind our attitude before the Judge of all the earth. In respect to prayer there is nothing of presumption in the confident believer’s petitions. We can open our hearts to God in prayer as we open them to a tried and trusted friend (SC 93).

Toward God. As a child of God, the redeemed sinner may have the same free access to the presence of the Father as the Saviour enjoyed (John 16:23).