Abide in Him

The way of the gospel is not as easy as living a normal life doing whatever we want. The path of Christ demands much more from us, and one of the greatest requirements is learning to deny ourselves. This includes denying our comforts, our passions, and sometimes even our long-held dreams. Why is this necessary? Because by walking this narrow and sacrificial path, we testify to the world that we do not belong to this temporary place. We are pilgrims seeking a celestial city, a better homeland whose architect and builder is God Himself.

We were not called merely to fill another seat in a church or to add our name to a membership list. We were called to abide in God, to remain in His teachings, to live them out daily, and through them to stand firm in the difficult moments of the Christian life. The gospel is not the modern message that many present today—one without sacrifice, suffering, or commitment. Rather, it is the gospel of the cross, dear brothers and sisters: a gospel that invites us to suffer for Christ, to carry our cross, and to live fully and exclusively for Him.

27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.

1 John 2:27-29

In these verses the apostle reminds us that biblical doctrine is an essential aspect of the Christian life. Remaining in God is inseparably connected to remaining in His Word. And for us to remain in His Word, we must study it, meditate on it, and allow it to transform our hearts. The Scriptures were not given merely to be admired; they were given to shape us into Christ’s image.

The Bible teaches that all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness. When we are weak, the Word strengthens us. When we lose direction, the Word guides us. When we fall, the Word lifts us up. In the most difficult moments of life, it is the Word of God that anchors us and keeps us from drifting away.

Remaining in Christ means surrendering daily to His voice and refusing to follow the desires of the flesh. It means allowing the Holy Spirit—the anointing mentioned by the apostle John—to illuminate the Scriptures in our hearts and guide us into truth. It means choosing obedience even when it is uncomfortable, choosing holiness even when the world pushes us toward compromise, and choosing faithfulness even when trials press in on every side.

Let us remain in Christ and remain in His Word with perseverance, for the day will come when the Son of God will be revealed in glory. On that glorious day we want to stand before Him with confidence and not with shame. We desire to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” May we then rise to live with Him for all eternity, lifting our voices together to proclaim: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.”