1 John 2:7-11
The command to love one another is both ancient and newly realized in Christ, and it serves as the decisive evidence that one truly walks in the light rather than in darkness.
7 Brothers, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.
8 Again, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away and the true light already shines.
9 He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness even until now.
10 He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him.
11 But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
The command to love one another is both ancient and newly realized in Christ, and it serves as the decisive evidence that one truly walks in the light rather than in darkness.
To show that love for fellow believers is not optional but central to authentic Christian life, exposing hatred as incompatible with fellowship in the light.
Christ Our Advocate, Walking as He Walked, and Abiding in the Truth
Because Jesus Christ is the righteous advocate and atoning sacrifice, believers must abide in him through obedience, love, truth, and discernment until his appearing.