Verse 14
14. We know As one of the tests. The fraternal love, which Cain wanted and Abel possessed, is inherited by us; and thus we know we are on the side of life and not of death. Yet we belong with the good Abel not by natural descent; but, having been originally under death, we have passed therefrom unto life. So that our regeneration is also a resurrection.
Brethren This oft-repeated word is used in no narrow, bigoted, or partisan sense, but designates all who are, with us, the sons of God, and hence the universal Church of the truly justified. The central element of this brotherhood and sonship is a divine love; verily divine since God himself is love, and is that love within the heart. Hence a consciousness of that love for the sons is proof of love for the common Father, God, 1 John 5:1; and reciprocally the consciousness of our love to God is proof that we truly love the brethren, the sons of God, 1 John 5:2. And this is no mere shallow emotional love, it is realistic, and is embodied in keeping God’s commandments, 1 John 5:2. Hence these brethren are the truly good, and actually holy in the world; and this love is no gross affection, but transcendent and divine. It is a love on earth anticipating the love which constitutes heaven above.
Loveth not As Cain did not. The loveless being, uninspired by any divine affection, has never made the transition to life, but abideth in death.
Death The opposite of eternal life in 1 John 2:25, as also in verse following.
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