What does 1 John 2:8 mean?
In previous verses, John reminds readers that the commandment to live as Christ lived is not a new one. This is an idea which believers have heard since the very beginning of their faith. Earlier in this letter, he explained how a person's life gives powerful evidence of their relationship with Christ.Here, in addition to the old commandments, he also provides a new commandment. According to John, this concept applies both to Christ as well as to those reading his letter.
The new commandment itself will be presented in verse 9. First, John prefaces it with a clear reason. Namely, that light is here and darkness is fading. Christian believers have left the "darkness," meaning the ways of sin. In a saved believer, the true light of Jesus is shining in their lives. John commended their positive actions while pointing out important areas of new growth for their lives (1 John 1:5–6).