What does 1 John 3:7 mean?

John again refers to his readers as "little children," a term he uses seven times in this letter in reference to believers. Jesus also referred to His followers as little children (John 13:33). They are warned not to be deceived. False teachers were spreading dangerous and phony spiritual claims. This is why John speaks in such strong terms throughout this letter.

A believer who is truly walking with Christ will practice what is right, just like Jesus did. Ultimately, we cannot know for certain the spiritual condition of others (1 Samuel 16:7). We can judge behaviors. However, as far as this principle is concerned, there is no need to judge another's salvation. In fact, we should be careful about making such judgments in the first place. Regardless of what their spiritual state is, if a person lives contrary to the teachings of Jesus, they are not "in fellowship" with God and are not to be listened to or followed. False teachers have existed throughout the church's history, even as early as when John wrote his letters.