Therefore, as for you, let that remain in you which you heard from the beginning. If that which you heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Son, and in the Father.
If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father: "Remain" and "continue" are from the same Greek word as "abide" and mean to settle down and be at home. John prefaces his remark with the conditional "if." If the true doctrine of Christ remains at home in you, you will continue to be at home in Jesus and in the Father. Our word "abide" is a term John uses to suggest fellowship with God. The Christian’s continued fellowship with God depends on his continued retention of the word as an effective resident in his heart. In this statement, John points out that our salvation is at stake. Salvation depends on experiencing an intimate spiritual communion with God, and that communion is dependent on our faithful adherence to God’s truth. (Compare John 15:1-6.) To be "in the Son, and in the Father" is the same as being "in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:19). To be "in Christ" is to be in the body of Christ, the church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23). One is baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27). To remain in this relationship, we must allow the word of God to remain in us and fulfill its purposes. Salvation, as well as fellowship, depends on the indwelling word.