1 John 2:12-14
John launches into this vital section of the letter by surrounding and buoying his readers in the facts of their essential spiritual competence. He recalls their spiritual standing and further blessings in order to motivate them to cultivate ever more intimacy in fellowship with God. John has several purposes in writing but two stand out here: 1) He does this to plant their feet solidly on assurance, which is the best growth and good-works platform. In 5:13, These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know (oida – certain, absolute knowledge, perfect tense) that you have eternal life. 2) To warn them of the false teachers who would rob them, not of eternal life, but of their solid assurance of it 2:26   These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you.