1 John 2:24-27 (NKJV) Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.
26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. 28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
V24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.” The beginning here refers to the beginning ministry of the Lord Jesus which began after His baptism and temptations in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). It may also refer to the beginning of an individual’s Christian life. If the Gospel really lives inside us (the new birth), then we are also united with the Father and the Son for life, service, fellowship, etc. It refers to our attitudes, motives, and actions.
V25 “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.” All of God’s promises have been fulfilled, are being fulfilled, or will be fulfilled. Some are conditional (Deuteronomy 28) and some are not (this verse). Those who in faith trust the Lord Jesus for forgiveness of sins will have life everlasting. Those who do not will have everlasting torment.
V26 “These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.” All of this is to remind us of the truth, so that we will not be deceived. The more we know and understand the truth, the more we are protected from deception. The only 100% source of truth is the Bible in its plain, normal sense from Genesis through Revelation.
V27 “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” The anointing refers to 1 John 2:20 (see notes there). God gives the anointing (Galatians 3:2-5, Galatians 3:14, Ephesians 1:13-14). The Scriptures are our spiritual food, light, growth, truth, comfort, exhorter, etc. The Holy Spirit prompts our memories what we must do and give light and wisdom when needed. All things refers to everything about the Christian faith–doctrine, lifestyle, rules, worldview, answers to life, etc. All of God’s word is true. That is why we MUST interpret the Bible in its plain, normal sense. Those who do otherwise run into the danger of deception and making God a liar. If we continue in these things, then it is a passing of the test that we are Christians and builds our assurance. No one is perfect. We all drift from the faith from time to time. The Bible is the standard, and God knows how to correct our drift.
We learn:
- Our faith is secure
- Our chief shepherd and bishop is the Lord Jesus
- God helps us to remain faithful
- Let us pray to remain faithful