The word “abide” is used to talk about something continuing to be or remaining somewhere. Jesus told his disciples to abide in him. He also said that he abides in them (see: John 6:56; 15:4). This is a way of talking about Jesus and his disciples continuing to have a relationship with one another. They remain united spiritually.
The evidence that Jesus abides in a person and the person abides in Jesus is that God gives the person the Holy Spirit (see: 1 John 4:13). Through this relationship with Jesus, the person is able to do the things that honor God (see: John 15:4-5; 1 John 3:6, 9). A person who continues sinning does not have this relationship with Jesus (see: 1 John 3:6, 14, 17).
John also wrote about God’s word abiding in people (see: 1 John 2:14). This is a way of talking about people believing the Gospel message. Because they believe the Gospel, they are changed in their spirit and start to obey God.
See: Indwelling of the Holy Spirit; Sin; Gospel; Inner Person
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