“And this is what he promised us —even eternal life.”
1 John 2:25
In the second chapter of 1 John we find a section written to Christian believers warning them about false teachers and antichrists. During this time there were those that wanted to teach things that were contrary to Christian beliefs. John wanted to give the people encouragement and reminders of what was true and right. In verses 1-17 he reminds them of their salvation through Christ and what living in the light should look like.
These people lived in perilous times. There were real dangers and real evil lurked around them. It was important that they be well grounded in the gospel. They needed to be strong in their faith, remember their salvation and be assured of the promise of eternal life that was theirs.
We live in perilous times too. There are those in our world that desire to destroy Christian beliefs and lead people away from Jesus and salvation. Just like John’s audience, we too have to be well-grounded in our faith. We must resist evil and stand our ground by “putting on the whole armor of God”. (Ephesians 6:10-18) We must believe that “those that are with us are more than those that are with them”, 1 Kings 6:16. We must remember that we are “more than conquerors and nothing can separate us from the love of Christ”. (Romans 8:37)
The battles of this world are real, and we may grow weary and tired at times. But thanks be to God, we can rejoice in the knowledge that when the battles are done, we will be spending eternity with Jesus and only goodness, joy and light will abide there.