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Connecting Statement:
John continues to write about fellowship and shows that it is possible because Jesus goes between believers and the Father.
General Information:
Here the words "we" and "us" refer to John and all believers. The words "him" and "his" could refer to God the Father or to Jesus. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive)
Children
John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. AT: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)
I am writing these things
"I am writing this letter"
But if anyone sins
"But when anyone sins." This is something that is likely to happen.
we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the one who is righteous
The word "advocate" here refers to Jesus. AT: "we have Jesus Christ, the one who is righteous, who speaks to the Father and asks him to forgive us" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)
He is the propitiation for our sins
"God is no longer angry with us, because Jesus sacrificed his own life for our sins" or "Jesus is the one who sacrificed his life for our sins, so God is no longer angry with us for our sins"
We know that we have come to know him
"We know that we know him" or "We know that we have a good relationship with him"
if we keep his commandments
"if we obey what he commands"