1 Yochanan 2 (1 John 2)
1 John 2 takes the individual from repentance to the full realization of salvation. Along the way, there are steps one must take if they are to becoming a vibrant and Spirit filled follower of Messiah. This is something we all should pursue; however, it is not for the faint-hearted. Of all the Apostles, John may be the most direct and demanding. His words are not to be taken lightly. John builds a strong case for endeavoring in the faith at all times.
1 John 2:1
1 My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Yeshua Messiah the righteous:
John is making an appeal to those that claim the name of Yeshua Messiah not to sin. You would think that this would be unnecessary. However, it has been a problem; since the beginning of time. It occurs for numerous reasons, but these are just excuses that bring forth more sin.
The importance of not sinning cannot be over emphasized. With each sin we do, it results in Hebrews 3:13 stockpiling sin. As such, we must put it to an end.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Once a sin has been committed, it brings about increased deceitfulness in the individual that sins. This is why it is important to go to the Advocate, Yeshua Messiah, as soon as possible to eliminate further problems. He will plead our case with the Father.
So many are under the false understanding that it is simply about being forgiven. That is a shallow view of what is occurring. With all sins, there is the process of correction and the opportunity for growth. There is also the possibility that one has gone too far in a sin. John will discuss this possibility later in 1 John 5:16.
16 If any man see his brother sin a sin not to death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not to death. There is a sin to death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
There is a sin that leads to death. It is not necessarily one specific sin, it has to do more with various sins that are a result of a lifestyle that a believer has. We ought to understand that when the Advocate meets with the Father, it is not only about receiving forgiveness. It is to determine the penalty involved to prevent future occurrence. Paul speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 11:30-32.
30 For this cause many weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
If we will not properly judge ourselves, we will discover that God will judge us appropriately. It can result in weakness, sickness and even death. Worst of all, sin affects our relationship to the Father. Sin puts spiritual distance between us and the Father. It results in a less spiritual life and reduction in the grace, charis that would be attainable. This is limited until the condition is corrected and appropriately rectified.
1 John 2:2
2 And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.
Propitiation comes from the Greek word ἱλασμός hilasmos (G2434). It is in the Bible 2 times and is always translated propitiation. It signifies that a sin is covered. We should remember that this is not only for us, but it is a possibility for all if they so choose. Sometimes people forget this, John will address this later in 1 John 2.
1 John 2:3
3 And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.
This starts to bring an interesting concept into the faith of a believer. One would know that they know Messiah when they desire to keep His commandments. This is not some obscure set of rules found in the New Testament. It is what John states in 2 John 6.
6 And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, That, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
Beginning comes from the Greek word ἀρχή arche (G0746). It is in the Bible 58 times. ἀρχή arche (G0746) is translated beginning 40 times, principality 8 times, corner 2 times, first 2 times and 6 miscellaneous words. It means beginning or origin. It could have been just as easily translated genesis in 2 John 6. Then it would have a clearer meaning. John was referring to the commandments that were given from Genesis on. From the beginning, mankind was supposed to walk in obedience to Yehovah’s Commandments. The idea that the law, Torah, has gone away is counter to the very words of Messiah, Matthew 5:17-19.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For verily I say to you, until heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, until all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Yeshua never came to put an end to the law. He came to honor the law. To magnify its importance over men’s traditions, Isaiah 42:21.
21 Yehovah is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will magnify Torah, and make honorable.
Those that teach others to keep the law will be considered great in the kingdom. It should be the goal of all believers to be well pleasing to Messiah. In this case, that would be teaching the law to others.
Why would anyone want to be least? As crazy as it may seem, many are headed in that direction. When people teach that the law is not for today, they are headed in the least direction.
So when John speaks about commandments, he is referring to the law of the Hebrew Scriptures. This should not be of much surprise. When one considers the New Covenant, Jeremiah 31:31-34.
31 Behold, the days come, says Yehovah, That I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah. 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My covenant they broke, although I was a Husband to them, says Yehovah. 33 But this the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; after those days, says Yehovah, I will put My law (Torah) in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts (leb); and will be their Redeemer and they shall be My people (am). 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know Yehovah. For they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says Yehovah. For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more.
When it states, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, there is only one law that this could be referring to, Torah. The idea that the law is not for today, is a complete misleading by the Harlot Church and has no basis in the scriptures. One must strain at a gnat to prove such nonsense. Not keeping the law is one of the major reasons the Spirit started to be limited in the Second Century. It is why so many believers today have limited victory. This is why John writes next.
1 John 2:4
4 He that says, I know Him, and keeps not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
If one claims to know Messiah, but does not keep the commandments, Torah, John tells us that this individual is a liar and the truth in not in this individual. This may come as a surprise to many. However, the real surprise will come when they discover that they missed out on a lot more. Especially, when it was easily available to them.
1 John 2:5
5 But whoso keeps His word (logos), in him verily is the love (agape) of God perfected (teleioo). Hereby know we that we are in Him.
John has just raised the bar. Not only is it a requirement to keep the law, Torah, it is a requirement to keep the words of Scriptures. This is referring to what Paul stated in Romans 7:6.
6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not the oldness of the letter.
This is where a lot of people get tripped up. They think that Paul is telling them that they are not required to keep the law. If that was true, then why would Paul state later in Romans 7:12-14.
12 Wherefore the law holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death to me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Paul is telling us that the law is holy and spiritual. Do we need any reason more to keep the law? What Paul was expressing in Romans 7:6 was that we are not to do the law by the letter, but the Spirit. We no longer try to do it on our own ability, Romans 8:3-4.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
We allow the Spirit to work through us, so that we fulfill the righteous requirement of Torah. If we did that, then we would understand how to fulfill Matthew 5:20.
20 For I say to you, That except your righteousness shall exceed of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
When we do the righteous requirement of the law, our righteousness will exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. But if we reject Torah, we may find ourselves in a desperate situation without much help.
John told us earlier, we know Him if we keep His commandments. Even greater, if we do Torah in the righteous requirement of scriptures, the word, then love will be perfected in us. Not our love, the love of God.
1 John 2:6
6 He that says he abides in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.
Again John has raised the bar. If we claim to abide in Him then we must walk as He walked. He walked sinless and took up His cross. Therefore we should strive to walk sinless and take up our cross. Yeshua tells us in Mark 8:34.
34 And when He had called the people with His disciples also, He said to them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
To abide in Messiah requires one to deny themselves. It is to take up the cross that God has laid before us. It is different for each person and it is extremely demanding. However, it is worth every minute of it. Because until we do, we will not receive our lives back to the point we can enjoy life. It is a daily task that we must do if we want to abide in Him.
1 John 2:7
7 Brethren, I write no new (kainos) commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word (logos) which you have heard from the beginning (arche).
John is not writing a new commandment to believers. He is discussing something that we should have known from the beginning.
1 John 2:8
8 Again, a new (kainos) commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shines.
The new commandment is actually a renewed commandment that is refreshed for us. To suspend any suspense, which there should be none, John is referring to Leviticus 19:17-18.
17 You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall in any wise rebuke your neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him. 18 You shall not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I Yehovah.
This should be no surprise. All the law is about learning to love others as God loves us. As we continue in 1 John 2, this will not be hard to determine. Further, the light shines on those that are perfected in love.
1 John 2:9
9 He that says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now.
This is almost a repeat of what was stated before; however, once again John has raised the bar. If we claim we are in the light, but we have animosity towards others, we are in darkness.
One of the saddest things I have experienced among those that claim to be His, is the expression of forgiveness many have for others. Christians want forgiveness, but find it hard to forgive others. When we find it hard to forgive others for whatever reason, then a root of bitterness has sprung up in us. This is where 1 John 2 started. We need to understand that forgiveness was not just designed for the individual, it was for the whole world. We were warned in Matthew 6:15.
15 But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Pretty simple. Forgive and forget the past sins of others. This is the first step in loving others. Many say if I forgive, then I tolerate what they have done. It is not for us to decide. It is for Him to determine the appropriate consequences. Ours is to find love in our heart, so that others can repent and mature in the faith. If we cannot do this, John says we are in darkness.
1 John 2:10
10 He that loves (agapao) his brother abides in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
John makes all this clear. If we love our brother as God would love them, we are in the light. If not, we will stumble in the darkness of the world. Then we may find it even harder to walk with Him, because we will have less of a clear path. The lack of love results in a lack of spiritual power and revelation flowing to our spirit. One is only hurting themselves when they cannot find a place in their heart to love. Even those that they think wronged them.
1 John 2:11
11 But he that hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not whither he goes, because that darkness has blinded his eyes.
Love is an essential part of the Gospel Message. Do not be deceived. A lack of love will cause one to lack in a lot of ways. The message is simple, we need to learn how to love others as God would love them. As difficult as this may seem, once this is learned; it can be one of the most freeing experiences.
1 John 2:12
12 I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.
John is placing believers in various classes. First there is the little children. These are believers at the lowest level of Christianity. They have forgiveness of their sins.
1 John 2:13
13 I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father.
Next are the fathers, these are ones that run the congregations. Paul uses similar terminology in 1 Timothy 5:1.
1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat as a father; the younger men as brethren;
Fathers are elders, they understand scriptures from the beginning. The understand scriptures from the perspective of Torah in the Spirit. They oversee the assembly. They are the ones that feed, tend and protect the flock. The term father is used, because we are to be a family, Ephesians 3:14-15.
14 For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Yeshua Messiah, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
The young men are the mature believers. John says they have overcome the wicked one. John is referring to something he will write later, 1 John 5:18.
18 We know that whosoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not.
John is writing about the 3 aspects of the individual. Paul divides it up in 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Yeshua Messiah.
We are spirit, soul and body. 1 John 5:18, when John writes sins not, John is referring to the spirit of the individual. Our spirit is pure, this is what enables us to commune with His Spirit. Man’s spirit can only be in one of two conditions, alive and pure or completely dormant. One who keeps themselves does this through their soul life. One’s soul is made up of one’s intellect, emotions and will. If one keeps these in the spirit and puts down vain imagination, they will be walking in the sprit rather than the flesh. The wicked one can only touch a believer when they are in the flesh. These young men have learned how to keep themselves in the spirit.
Paul writes about this in Romans 13:12-14.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and lewdness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put you on the Lord Yeshua Messiah, and make not provision for the flesh, to the lusts.
If one puts on the armor of light, does the things described, they will keep their soul. Then the wicked one will not be able to touch them. It is walking as John stated earlier, keeping the commandments and the word, performing the righteous requirement of the law. To walk as Yeshua walked. If one can do this, then they are considered to be a “young men” mature believer.
But in all cases, they know the Father.
1 John 2:14
14 I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.
This seems like a repeat of the previous verse; however, John is addressing these two groups for a specific purpose. Fathers have known from the beginning, they have the understanding of scriptures. The young men are strong and the word abides in them, they have overcome the wicked one. What John is about to write to these two groups, they need to learn. Once they have learned and understand, they are to teach the children. This is so the children can grow into young men, mature in the faith.
1 John 2:15
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
First of all, do not love the world. This has a wide range of applications. To simplify it, if it will not remain into the millennium, then it is temporary. However, it may be necessary. The things of the world are necessary for this lifetime, but they are not something we should invest our soul into. They are merely tools to help us further the Gospel Message and build the Temple of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 2:16-17
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides for ever.
John helps by giving us an easy way to determine if we love the world. If we lust for something, then it is probably not good for us. Lust is not an emotion we should have, we should replace it with love. If we get our self-worth from something other than God, that is just silly pride. We should let it go, because it is of the world. When we lust or have pride in something that is not of the Father. It will pass away. We ought to help it pass away today in us and focus on what will remain.
1 John 2:18
18 Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
It is interesting that John addresses this to little children. They are the least mature of all believers and they most susceptible to this issue. Antichrist comes from the Greek word ἀντίχριστος antichristos (G0500). It is in the Bible 5 times and is always translated antichrist. Antichrist can have the meaning of either “against Christ” or “instead of Christ”. Too often people think of just against and forget about the instead part. Typically, the individuals that John is referring to are a combination of the two thoughts. These usually appear to be godly people, but draw away disciples after themselves. This affects the least mature believers that are not strong in the faith or the word. This is not a new concept, Paul warned in Acts 20:28-31.
28 Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the assembly of God, which He has purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Both John and Paul are telling the believers of the First Century, especially the little children, that this would occur in their lifetime. Many would be susceptible to this. Those strong in the faith and word should guard against it.
So many look off into the future for a falling away. When in reality, it occurred in the 3rd Century. It is time to return to the faith, Revelation 18:4.
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, That you be not partakers of her sins and that you receive not of her plagues.
It has long been the time to leave the Harlot Churches and return to the faith of Messiah.
If there was a spirit of antichrist in John’s day, imagine how much worse it is today. This is why we see the fulfillment of Isaiah 5:20-23.
20 Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe to mighty to drink wine and men of strength to mingle strong drink. 23 Which justify the wicked for reward and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
These are the days we living in. It is time to change all that and heed 2 John 9.
9 Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Messiah, has not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Messiah, he has both the Father and the Son.
It is time to abide in the doctrine of Messiah and throw off the shackles of men’s traditions.
2 John 2:19
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
This is the lesson we all need to learn. If we are walking with Messiah, there will those that will come along side. Some are true believers, some are not. A true believer, if they are given time to mature, will flourish in a proper congregation. In a mature congregation, those that are not of us will leave. It will become quite apparent when they cannot get their way. God will manifest this to the mature believers walking in Messiah.
2 John 2:20
20 But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things.
This is one of the most vital gifts that that God gives the believer. It enables one to know without knowing. It is truly being led of the Spirit. Many times one is led of the Spirit to what is right or wrong. When error is being taught by a smooth talker then those that follow the Spirit, will know. It just will not sit right with them. That is the Spirit telling them, it is time to exit and find a true teacher.
This helps one that is early in the faith to not be led astray. It helps those in the faith to be guided in the right direction. It is something we can all access and we all need. But for it to work, we must be obedient to God in truth and spirit.
2 John 2:21
21 I have not written to you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
John tells these people that he has written to them, because they know the truth. John is reinforcing the principles of truth. Because as John stated earlier, many antichrists are were among the early believers. Truth is one of the best defenses we have against error. When one is led by the Spirit and listens to the Spirit then they can easily detect error.
2 John 2:22
22 Who is a liar but he that denies that Yeshua is the Messiah? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son.
First we must understand that Yeshua is the Messiah. This is where things become a bit difficult. Today, there is the doctrine of the Trinity. It is not found in the Bible nor can it be supported without disregarding many scriptures. However, it is a mainstay of many denominations. It was a doctrine brought to believers by the Catholic Church. It was never a doctrine of the First Century and it was never a doctrine of the Hebrew Scriptures. Simply Deuteronomy 6:4.
4 Hear Israel. Yehovah our Redeemer one Yehovah.
The God of the Hebrew Scriptures. He was never three in one. He was always one. The Son is the one that was sacrificed. God Himself cannot be sacrificed; however, God was in Messiah. Probably the best way to explain this is 1 Timothy 3:16.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
This essentially tells us that it is a mystery. The real problem with the trinity is that it has an answer for everything, except scriptures. Yeshua disputes the trinity with John 14:28.
28 You have heard how I said to you, I go away, and come again to you. If you loved Me, you would rejoice, because I said, I go to the Father: for My Father is greater than I.
Yeshua stated that the Father was greater than Him. This one verse disputes the trinity. However, it does not explain the whole matter either. The relationship between the Father and the Son is not as simple as one or two verses. It takes more study and time than most are willing to devote. The one born in the manager was the Son. The one that remains is God. Everything in-between is the mystery. That is why Paul calls it the mystery of godliness.
1 John 2:23
23 Whosoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father.
Simply we cannot deny the Son. He was the second Adam, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man of the earth, earthy: the second man the Lord from heaven. 48 As the earthy, such they also that are earthy: and as the heavenly, such they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
If Yeshua the Son was only God, then it is not possible that Yeshua could be the second Adam. If he was both fully God and fully man, second Adam, then the first Adam would be a God too. The trinity just cause confusion and leaves us with more contradictions and unanswered questions then before.
Yeshua was born of God. He had God in Him. He had the Spirit without measure. He rose on the third day to put the blood on the mercy seat. In the end, there will only be one, Revelation 22:3-4.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him: 4 And they shall see His face; and His name in their foreheads.
It is the throne of God and the Lamb. But we do not serve them, we serve Him. We see His face and not their face. It is only one. It is the mystery of godliness.
1 John 2:24
24 Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
If we continue in the faith. It will remain. We must guard ourselves from false doctrine. It is so easy to be seduced if we do not protect ourselves. The best protection is to know truth in the Spirit.
1 John 2:25
25 And this is the promise that He has promised us, eternal life.
If we abide, then we know that we are His. Then, we have the promise of eternal life. If we do not abide, then we must ask ourselves were we ever one of His.
1 John 2:26
26 These have I written to you concerning them that seduce you.
John has written all this with the expressed purpose of keeping us protected. If we would guard our faith, we will not be easily seduced to a false doctrine as so many have. Truth is our protection and we need to ensure the Children are raised in the truth. So that they are not seduced by the many antichrists in the world.
1 John 2:27
27 But the anointing which you have received of Him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in Him.
This is more than an unction. The spirit teaches us by leading the one that listens and obeys throughout life. It will speak to them so they can know.
One might ask if this is true, then what is the purpose of the teacher? The purpose of the teacher is not to tell anyone what to believe, it is to present a doctrine. Then the Spirit will lead each individual as the Spirit decides. This will result in the individual receiving what they need at that time. One cannot always handle all the things that another teaches. The Spirit knows what one needs to learn and when to learn.
Also a teacher is the one that fulfills 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle to all, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
A gifted teacher does most of the deliverance in the faith. It is done by slowly bringing people out of error and into truth. This is a long and drawn out process that takes one who is gifted in doing this.
1 John 2:28
28 And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
If we abide in Him then we will have the confidence that we are His. Many may be surprised. Peters warns in 1 Peter 4:18.
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
The righteous are scarcely saved. One should never assume salvation. One should always be striving. Let us not be among those that assume. Let us be of the ones that have their record inside them, 1 John 5:10-11.
10 He that believes on the Son of God has the witness in himself: he that believes not God has made Him a liar; because he believes not the record that God gave of His Son. 11 And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
We must have the record inside us, the Holy Spirit. Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:10.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall:
Peter had a list of things that must be done. Essentially, we are to continue to build our faith and never stop. It all goes back to what John said earlier. If you give up, you never were. If you continue then you are. Ensure that you continue in His word.
Too many continue in some other book written by someone other than the Apostles. Yeshua commissioned only the Apostles of the First Century to record His words. All other books are just commentary and may be suspect. Always compare to scriptures in the Spirit and it will lead you to all understanding as you mature in the faith.
1 John 2:29
29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that every one that does righteousness is born of Him.
This is one of the greatest indicators of our faith. Yeshua said in Matthew 7:20
20 Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.
The most important fruit is 2 Corinthians 9:10.
10 Now he that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
The seed is the word. When it becomes bread to us and we consume it, it will produce fruits of righteousness in the believer. If it does not, then they may never have been of us and they will go out from us. We must pursue righteousness at all times.
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