Counterfeit or Genuine

The bigger picture of 1 John is focused on counterfeit Christians who were trying to convince genuine Christians that a person could be saved and still practice sin. In chapters 1&2 John focused on the test of “fellowship.” Because the talk of believers was not matching the lives of believers. We’ve learned when a person says they’re a Christian it’s biblically sound to expect fruit. It’s the evidence of what’s expected. We’ve learned that biblical fellowship is seen in a life characterized by “doing” not just “saying.” It’s an active faith NOT a said faith. In these verses, John underscores the motivation of genuine belief. And he is telling the Church we cannot be born again and then live a life of “practicing sin.” - It’s impossible!!!