John wrote this epistle towards the end of the first century and the end of his ministry on earth. He wrote these words to his flock of believers that they might remain steadfast and know the fulness of eternal life in Christ. His intent was that his readers would have fellowship with each other in the body of Christ and with the Father and the Son. He was not concerned primarily to have people understand about the Christian life, but that they should live it to the utmost. He wanted them to be able to hear God’s voice and His continuing revelation and to be prepared to live accordingly.

 In the midst of the confusion and hopelessness of the world in which we live, John holds up for us hope—hope for our entire sanctification, hope for a Church united in the love of Jesus, hope for a lively fellowship with the Holy Trinity and with each other, hope for the restoration of our authority to do the greater works Jesus promised, hope for the redemption of the world, the hope of eternal life.