New King James Version®, Copyright© 1982, Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.
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John 15:9-14
Having love does not nullify God's law. John, an apostle and close friend of Jesus Christ, emphasized love. However, not once did he say that love nullifies or supersedes the Ten Commandments. Indeed, by keeping the commandments, the love of God is perfected in us (I John 2:5). The Ten Commandments constitute a spiritual law that is inexorable and eternal, producing faith and happiness and righteous character that pleases God.
Martin G. Collins
The Ten CommandmentsOther Forerunner Commentary entries containing John 15:9:
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What Does John 15:9 Mean?
To abide in Christ's love means to continue and live in it as part of an ongoing process. Love is defined as keeping the commandments of God, as shown in John 14:15 and I John 5:3, which declares that the love of God consists of keeping His commandments. This understanding is basic to the Christian way of life. Having love does not nullify God's law; John, though emphasizing love, never taught that love supersedes the Ten Commandments. Rather, by keeping the commandments, the love of God is perfected in us (I John 2:5). The Ten Commandments form a spiritual, inexorable, and eternal law producing faith, happiness, and righteous character. Abiding in His love means continuing to keep His commandments, not the traditions of men—the way Jesus lived.