1 John 2:28

“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”

Context:First John is a letter written by the Apostle John to a community of believers. It addresses various issues within the early Christian community, emphasizing the importance of love, obedience, and genuine faith.

Addressed to “little children”: In this verse, John addresses the believers as “little children.” This term of endearment emphasizes the familial relationship within the Christian community. John, as an elder, encourages and exhorts them.

“Abide in him”:The phrase “abide in him” refers to the call for believers to remain in a close, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. It implies a continuous fellowship, reliance, and obedience to Christ. This speaks of an ongoing, enduring connection with Jesus rather than a temporary or superficial one.

“When he shall appear”:John reminds the believers of the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The Second Coming of Christ is a significant event in Christian eschatology, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

“We may have confidence”:By abiding in Christ, believers can have confidence or boldness before God. This confidence is not based on their own righteousness but on their union with Christ and the assurance of His promises. Through faith in Jesus, believers can approach God with confidence, knowing that they are accepted and loved.

“Not be ashamed before him at his coming”:John warns the believers against the possibility of shame or embarrassment at the return of Christ. This emphasizes the importance of living faithfully and obediently to Christ’s teachings. When Christ returns, believers should strive to have lives characterized by righteousness and devotion to Him so that they will not be ashamed but rather receive His approval.

Key Takeaways:

• Believers are called to maintain an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, abiding in Him.
• The return of Christ should be a motivation for believers to live faithfully and obediently.
• Confidence and assurance come from a genuine relationship with Christ and living in accordance with His teachings.
• The prospect of Christ’s return should encourage believers to live righteously and avoid shame or embarrassment.

As you reflect on this verse, consider how you can apply the call to “abide in Him” in your own life and ensure that you live in a manner that will bring you confidence and not shame at His coming.