1 John 2:29

If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him.

The entire discussion as it had been carried on by the apostle in the last paragraphs had been in the interest of his readers: These things I wrote to you concerning those that lead you into error. That was his solicitude; he knew that there were men always on the lookout to lead souls astray from the truth in Christ, and therefore he lifted up his voice in such solemn warning. For in spite of all the scorn that is affected by the false teachers as they sneer about orthodoxy, we know that everyone who forsakes the Word of the Gospel concerning Christ, the Son of God, will not remain in the fellowship of God. and cannot inherit eternal life.

As for the Christians, the apostle expresses his confidence: And as for you, the anointing which you have received from Him remains in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you; rather, as His anointing teaches you about everything, and it is true and is no lie; and even as it taught you, abide in Him. The believers whom St. John addresses have received and experienced the enlightening grace of the Holy Spirit. This anointing was not a mere temporary experience, whose effects might soon have worn off. By virtue of it, as it was applied to them in the Word of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit exerted His power in them. It was but necessary for them to follow His leading in the Word. This anointing, this enlightening work of the Spirit in the Word gave them all the information which they needed in any situation in life, and thus, in just that form it was true, without the slightest bit of falsehood or lying. Therefore they should heed the teaching of the Gospel at all times, in all circumstances, and thus abide in Him, in their Savior Jesus Christ. To genuine believers the mere suggestion that Christ should not be considered the eternal Son of God, the Savior of the world, is so blasphemous that they turn from its very breath with loathing and disgust. Jesus Christ is the everlasting foundation of our faith.

This being true, the appeal of the apostle strikes us with full force: And now, little children, abide in Him, in order that, when He is manifested, we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. St. John has enumerated every reason which ought to induce us to cling with all our heart to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His urgent admonition, therefore, comes as the climax of the chapter. To abide in Him, firm, steadfast, unwavering; that is our glorious privilege. Moreover, it is a necessity, for although the manifestation of the Lord on the last day is certain, the time of His coming is not known. By remaining steadfastly in His Word and faith unto the end we acquire that boldness, fearlessness, confidence which will cause us to hail His coming with all joy. There will be no hanging of our heads in shame if we have followed the apostle's injunction, but we shall look up, lifting up our heads with joy, since our salvation is certain. His coming will be the signal for the culmination of our redemption.

And another point must not be overlooked by the Christians: If you know that He is just, you understand also that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. The coming of the Lord to Judgment reminds the Christians of His justice, of His righteousness. With this thought in mind, the Christian will not foolishly depend upon the mercy of God and in the mean time lead a life as it suits his old evil nature. Because he knows Christ to be righteous and just, therefore he will arrange his entire life so as to be found in works of righteousness. That is the certain result of the righteousness of faith, namely, righteousness of life. Being born of Him, being regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit in the Word, a believer is bound to be engaged in thinking and speaking and doing that which pleases the Lord. These facts cannot be taught too often or learned too well.

Summary. In discussing Christ's propitiation and its influence upon the life of the 'believers, the apostle shows what the keeping of His commandments includes, namely, abiding in the light of His power; he appeals to all classes among the Christians in warning against the love of the world and of antichristian doctrines and practices; in concluding, he once more shows the need of abiding in Christ.