Continuing in the book of 1 John (see 1 John 2:22-23 from the previous article), since those receiving this letter from John already knew the truth, they didn’t necessarily need to make a major course change. They just needed to stick with the truth that they started with.
As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life.
1 John 2:24-25 NIV
Now, in the past, some of the recipients of John’s letter here may have heard – and even believed – things that weren’t true. However, once they found the truth, they needed to hold onto it. However, while I think that is important, the sense of John’s writing seems to go the other way: they don’t necessarily remain in the truth as much as the truth needs to remain in them. And, when that happens, they remain in both God the Son and God the Father.
In the end, the result is eternal life. Not just “existing” forever, but actual life. Remember, per John 14:6-7, Jesus is the way (including how we get back to God, after separating ourselves from Him by sinning), the truth (which we’re talking about here), and the life (which is what we receive when we let His truth remain in us). And, Jesus promised eternal life for those who believe in Him! (Consider John 3:16 for an example of this truth.) That is the ultimate way to be alive: walking with God Himself and living for the very purpose for which we were created: starting during our time on this earth, but continuing for eternity.
Next, we find out why the recipients of this letter could use a reminder, and it’s probably the same reason that you and I – even once we know the truth in Jesus – need a reminder to let the truth remain in us.
I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
1 John 2:26-27 NIV
Apparently – as often seems to be the case, I’m afraid – others were trying to pull believers away from the truth. These false teachers can properly be called liars, but those who are following Jesus need to be aware of what these “antichrists” (see 1 John 2:18-23) are trying to do.
For one thing, these false teachers are apparently trying to recruit more people – even Christians – to their cause [ref. Womack, p.73-74]. That shouldn’t be a surprise: after all, how many false teachers today still try to convince others to join their side? How many non-Biblical beliefs insist on others agreeing with them, and try to “cancel” those that do not? How often is the word “tolerance” used incorrectly, when the speaker really means “acceptance” and “endorsement” of something that runs contrary to the truth about Jesus?
Just as misery loves company, those who have chosen to not accept Jesus tend to seek others around them that follow the same falsehoods as they do, even if that means trying to convince others to believe their ideas as “truth”.
When the difference between the truth and a lie becomes more clear, though, then everything else that isn’t the truth becomes more obvious. And, after reading elsewhere in the Bible about those who went astray from following God, this passage is kind of encouraging. John is reminding his readers to stick with the truth that they already know. He acknowledges that this truth is already in them, and that they need to remain in God. That’s not a bad situation to be in, compared to those who have already gone far from the narrow path.
Going back to that anointing from earlier in this chapter (and mentioned again here), it seems to me [and to Mark Scott in the study guide, as well as to Womack, p.71] that the Holy Spirit is the One doing the anointing. He reminded Jesus’ early disciples about truth, and He still helps guide us with truth. If that’s the case, then it is the God the Holy Spirit who helps us, 1) remain in the truth, 2) identify what isn’t true, and 3) continue our walk into eternal life.
So, how about us? Are we holding onto the truth that we find in Jesus Christ, and letting it remain in us? If not, let’s not merely try to “do better” or just “hold on tighter” to this foundation. That’s not a bad place to start, but if we really want to let the truth abide in us, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to help us. He has a better understanding of the truth than we can find on our own, anyway!
From Sunday School lesson prepared for February 23, 2025
References:
- 1717 Bible Studies, 1, 2, and 3 John, © 2025 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – 1, 2 & 3 John, by Morris M. Womack. © 1998 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 