Eternal Life

How encouraging that John's stated purpose is to comfort his readers.

If I didn't know my eternal destiny, I'd be distracted constantly by questions of existence, meaning, and doubt.

Because of the promises in the Bible and the historical evidence which supports its claims, I can go through life confident in my eternal destiny.

This is different than saying I have self-confidence. In fact, it is nearly the opposite. That's the key. It's not dependent upon my performance day-by-day. And that brings me great comfort.

The Christian life is simultaneously freeing because it sets clear parameters and freeing because the parameters no longer convict me.