You may recall that when we began looking at John’s first Epistle, we noted that John urges his readers to apply three tests against errors of those falling away from authentic Christianity. The errors John points out are very serious and can damage faith: Any denial that sin is damaging to our relationship with God, any denial that we are sinful by nature, and any denial that sin shows itself in the way we live or our conduct. The tests John presents are simple and straightforward: A moral test of obedience, a social test of love, and a doctrinal test of right belief.
At this point of the letter, John is finishing a point he has been making about Christian doctrine and beginning a second application of the three tests (2:28-29).
24 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. 25 And this is what he promised us—even eternal life. 26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 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.
The goal of our faith is eternal life, and that is exactly what Jesus has promised to us. If anything is promised that’s different, it’s a lie—that’s one result of this test. If the goal of preaching and teaching is nothing but a better life and a better society, then something is horribly wrong. At the very least, such a teaching is incomplete. But even that isn’t likely. A religious teaching that doesn’t point us toward heaven through Jesus is a false teaching, and needs to be avoided and condemned.
28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him. (NIV)
How do we “continue in him”? We show our faith, we keep our ears and hearts open to his word, and we change our lives to conform to God’s will because we love him and because we are thankful for all the things he has done for us.
As we look ahead to Jesus coming again on the Last Day, we will want to be his servants; we will want to show our faith in every part of our lives. Loving Jesus and continuing in Jesus, how can I be a better person, a better parent, a better student, or a better citizen? How can I help my neighbors see the love of Christ in my life?
That’s a question worth asking every day.
Pastor Smith serves St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm, Minnesota. His wife, Kathryn, attended Chapel from 1987-1990 while studying Secondary Education (Theater and Math) at UW-Madison. Kathryn’s father, John Meyer, was also the first man to serve as a Vicar at Chapel.
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