1 John 2:26-29
26 “These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. 27 And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him remains in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you remain in Him.28 Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not draw back from Him in shame at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness also has been born of Him.”
Anointing which you received…have no need for anyone: John is not suggesting that believers do not need to benefit from one another’s spiritual gifts. John is simply telling the church that they have an anointing from God: His presence within. Because Jesus lives within them, they have been introduced to the nature and character of God. Believers know God and can resist false theology such as Gnosticism as a result.
We may have confidence: Believers will not be punished and judged at the Second Coming. Believers can, therefore, have confidence at His coming. Unbelievers, however, will be judged because they have rejected Christ and do not have eternal life.
Practices righteousness: Throughout the letter John argues that there are only two groups of people: Those in the light and those in the dark. Those who are in the light are characterized by righteousness. God has made them righteous at the core of their being, and they naturally want to live from this new nature. Believers practice how to live from their identity in Christ. We are not fulfilled by sinful behavior.
