No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us–eternal life. I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie–just as it has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. – 1 John 2:15-29 ESV
Although this entire passage is very excellent, verse 24 is where I would like to draw your attention. John is placing the responsibility of abiding in doctrinal truth squarely on the disciples shoulders.
What? Carl – are you saying we have to maintain doctrinal purity to keep our salvation? Be careful before you jump into too many assumptions. The doctrinal purity being referred to here is in one subject, that is the person of Jesus being the Christ.
North American Christians have classified biblical teaching into a multiplicity of compartments, splitting hairs over issues that are of no eternal significance. John is dealing with the person of the Christ in this passage, – not how many angels fit on the head of a pin.
As disciples, we are responsible to follow the One who delivered us. We should desire and seek to please the right Person. This Person is described in the apostolic teaching we have been given in the New Testament.
Do you seek to understand who He is? Are you constantly referring back to the Biblical record for answers, and to compare the Scriptures against any and all teachers?
John is addressing the gnostic error that teaches that Jesus isn’t the Christ. But Carl – everyone knows that Jesus’ last name is Christ – no worries!
I think there is a bit more to it than that!
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you would like to receive daily posts from Considering the Bible, click on the “Follow” link below
Considering the Bible 
One thought on “Conditional Security – 1 John 2:23-29”