Believing the Truth (1 John 2:18-29)

John has instructed the believer to evidence belief in the God of light by expressing love particularly to fellow believers. But, what does it mean to have a common faith with fellow believers? John says that it is to believe that Jesus, the Messiah was fully God and fully human. John warns against 'antichrists' or false teachers who would pervert this truth. The believer is able to guard against these 'antichrists' by assessing whatever new teaching they might learn against the faith they have already inherited from those who saw Jesus and heard from him firsthand, the eyewitnesses. They are also to remain in fellowship with those who share the common faith and to continue in righteous conduct.