his epistle is a discourse upon the principles of
Christianity, in doctrine and practice. The design appears to
be, to refute and guard against erroneous and unholy tenets,
principles, and practices, especially such as would lower the
Godhead of Christ, and the reality and power of his sufferings
and death, as an atoning sacrifice; and against the assertion
that believers being saved by grace, are not required to obey
the commandments. This epistle also stirs up all who profess to
know God, to have communion with him, and to believe in him, and
that they walk in holiness, not in sin, showing that a mere
outward profession is nothing, without the evidence of a holy
life and conduct. It also helps forward and excites real
Christians to communion with God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to
constancy in the true faith, and to purity of life.