Last week we covered in detail the fact that as a child of God we cannot continue to practice habitual sin and attempt to justify it. The Word of God reveals sin for what it is and the Holy Spirit who dwells in us will bring conviction of that sin. If we are not convicted but rather continue to live in sin, then we are not born of God and we are not a new man as Paul speaks of in:
Ephesians 4:24 "And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."
Colossians 3:10 "And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,"
We did see that there is a difference between a believer who stumbles into sin, is convicted and then repents, and the one who may call himself a believer but has no conviction and is unrepentant. Jesus sets us free from the bondage of sin and death, but we must abide in Him and hold to His word not wavering from His truth.
This week John continues this thought of those who are God’s and those who are not. He also goes back to the command of loving one another and continuing to abide in Jesus.
