Matthew Henry Commentary 1 John 2:24-29

"As for you, let that abide in you which ye heard from the beginning. If that which ye heard from the beginning abide in you, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise which he promised us, [even] the life eternal. These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you; concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him. And now, [my] little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one also that doeth righteousness is begotten of him." — 1 John 2:24-29 (ASV)

The truth of Christ, abiding in us, is a means to sever from sin, and unites us to the Son of God (John 15:3, 4). What value should we put upon gospel truth! Through this, the promise of eternal life is assured. The promise God makes is suitable to his own greatness, power, and goodness; it is eternal life.

The Spirit of truth will not lie; and he teaches all things in the present dispensation, all things necessary to our knowledge of God in Christ, and their glory in the gospel. The apostle repeats the kind words, “little children,” which denotes his affection. He would persuade by love.

Gospel privileges oblige us to gospel duties; and those anointed by the Lord Jesus abide with him. The new spiritual nature is from the Lord Christ. He who is constant to the practice of religion in trying times, shows that he is born from above, from the Lord Christ. Then, let us beware of holding the truth in unrighteousness, remembering that only those are born of God who bear his holy image and walk in his most righteous ways.