The Anointing Remains

1 John 2:26-29 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 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.  
 
ONE of Jesus’ last teachings to his disciples was to implore them to continue to follow him: “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4) Our Lord knew his most beloved followers would have a faith crisis as he was crucified and buried. All their hope in Jesus as Son of God and Messiah would seem to disappear.
   John and the other disciples did remain in Jesus through the revelation of his resurrection and ascension. The church began and grew against significant opposition from false teachers and harsh persecution.  
   John is an apostle who has for 50 years had a very personal relationship with Jesus. He knew that because he remained in Jesus, Jesus remained in him as he promised. John had witnessed very tragic events against the church, including the martyrdom of his brother James and Rome’s brutal persecutions against people he loved. John, too, had suffered much. What should one do amid such adversity?
   Remain in Jesus. His anointing to call you to faith remains on you in all circumstances. The Spirit has given you the knowledge of God, so you know he forgives sins and saves you unto heaven. This truth hasn’t left you if hard things have come to you. Jesus has anointed you with his righteousness, love and salvation. “Continue in him,” John urges. Trust that Jesus has come to save you. Be prepared for the day when he appears (so) we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
   In summary, to remain in Jesus is the key to a righteous life. You have been taught, and you know everyone who does what is right has been born of him. To do right is to remain in faith, believing in God’s sovereign power and authority to redeem your sins. To do right is to remain in love with God, so you will know his love for you. To do right is to follow Jesus through the valleys and into the glorious light of eternal life. To do right is to love the Lord God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:30-31) Where else would you want to be?