In chapter 4 of the first letter of John, the apostle begins by speaking about the importance of the Christian not believing in every spirit, but rather being attentive to these warnings. We know well that every spirit that confesses that Jesus came in the flesh is from God and abides in His love.
In this chapter, we will talk about what is the key to remaining in God. Why remain in God? Because when man has love, he has God, and this will allow him to identify the deceptions of the enemy. John teaches us the best way to remain in God and for Him to remain in us.
Next, we will see what 1 John 4:15 says, where it shows us the key to remaining in God:
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1 John 4:15
John was constantly fighting against doctrines that proclaimed a different gospel and deceiving prophets. To counteract this, it is necessary to remain in the love of God, because if His love is in us, then God will remain in us.
His love makes us remain in the Lord, just as John says. He has given us His Spirit, and His Spirit testifies that we are of God because we recognize and walk under His commands.
Beloved, we invite you to remain in the love of the Lord every day, because in this way, God will remain in us and His Spirit will not leave us alone. Therefore, it is good that we remain in His love, which comes from God.
Remaining in God is not a superficial or emotional experience; it is a daily, conscious commitment to walk according to His truth. John makes it clear that confessing Jesus as the Son of God is not merely a verbal declaration, but a confession that transforms the heart and guides the believer’s life. When someone truly believes that Jesus came in the flesh, they accept His lordship, His sacrifice, and His teachings, and this confession becomes the foundation of their relationship with God.
This is why the apostle places so much emphasis on love. Love is not optional in the Christian life; it is evidence of God’s presence in us. Where there is genuine love—love that forgives, corrects, restores, and perseveres—there is God. The absence of love, on the other hand, reveals distance from Him. Many false teachers may use persuasive words, but their lack of love and truth exposes their deception.
John also reminds us that God has given us His Spirit as a seal and confirmation that we belong to Him. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, helps us discern between what comes from God and what does not, and strengthens us to remain faithful in times of trial. Through the Spirit, believers receive assurance, conviction, and the power to live according to God’s will.
Remaining in God also implies obedience. Love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments. This obedience is not driven by fear or obligation, but by gratitude and reverence. When we walk in obedience, our relationship with God grows stronger, and our spiritual discernment becomes clearer. We begin to recognize what aligns with God’s truth and what contradicts it.
In a world filled with confusion, false teachings, and spiritual distractions, John’s message remains deeply relevant. Many voices claim to speak truth, but not all are guided by the Spirit of God. That is why believers must remain anchored in the confession of Christ, grounded in love, and attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, remaining in God brings confidence and peace. When God dwells in us, we are not easily shaken by circumstances or deceived by false doctrines. His love casts out fear and strengthens our faith. Let us therefore remain steadfast in Him, confessing Jesus as the Son of God, walking in love, and trusting that as we remain in Him, He will faithfully remain in us.