The purpose for which St. John wrote his Gospel was that we might believe in the Incarnation, and so have Eternal Life (John 20:31); the purpose of the Epistle is not merely that we may have Eternal Life by believing but that we may know that we have it. The Gospel exhibits the Son of God, the Epistle commends Him. It is a supplement to the Gospel, a personal application and appeal. ἔγραψα, “I wrote,” looking back on the accomplished risk. εἰδῆτε, “know,” not γινώσκητε, “get to know”. Full and present assurance.

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Old Testament