1 JOHN 2:24-25

 

24 As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.

 

     John then addresses his audience.  As for you listening to this letter being read.  Let what you have heard remain in you.  The word abide in the bible means, to remain, stay, continue, or dwell in a lasting, faithful, and intimate relationship—especially describing the believer’s ongoing connection with Christ.  It came to you at the beginning when you first were taught it.  Let is stay in your heart and mind.  Let it be your action and activity.

     If you heard from the beginning stays and remains in you.  This will be the foundation of your being the temple and the abode of the Holy Spirit who points to the Father and the Son.  You will walk in unity with the Godhead and will have all the benefits of that relationship and truth.

 

25 This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.

     So, the promise has been given and executed.  Jesus Christ gave this promise in the upper room and now John is once again relating this truth.  John was there and he recorded it in his gospel and now he is once again reminding his audience of that.  The promise made to all who call on the name of the Lord and confess Him as Lord and Savior is eternal life.  Eternal life in the Bible is the gift of a personal, ongoing relationship with God through Jesus Christ, beginning now and continuing forever.  In Scripture, eternal life is not merely unending existence or a long lifespan; it is life from God that is characterized by fellowship with Him, freedom from sin, and spiritual vitality