I have not written to you, as to people unacquainted with the truth of the gospel: but as to such who know it, and know that it cannot give rise to any imposture.

Consider what proof the father has given us of his love, in allowing us to be called the sons of God: therefore the world does not know us, because it knew him not.

beloved, we are now the sons of God, tho' it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, that when this change shall be, his immediate presence will give us a divine resemblance.

he that observes his commandments, dwelleth in God, and God in him: and hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the spirit which he hath given us.

Hereby we know that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his spirit.

if we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater: now this is the testimony, which God has given us of his son.

Now what is testified, is this, that God has given to us eternal life: and this life is by his son.

We know that the son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding to know him that is true: and we are with him that is true, by his son Jesus Christ. "he is the true God, who is the author of eternal life."