1 John 2:28
And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's not just about avoiding shame, but about gaining confidence. John wants us to live in such a way that when Jesus returns, we won't just be okay, but we'll be eager and bold to meet Him, full of assurance because of our connection to Him.
John is writing to reassure his readers, who are facing false teachers trying to lead them astray. He's just warned them about the Antichrist and urged them to remain in fellowship with God, emphasizing that true followers will live righteously. This verse is a direct exhortation to keep living in that truth, looking forward to Jesus' return with joy, not fear.
The Bible doesn't just tell us what Jesus did, but also what we're called to do. This verse is a powerful call to action.
John opens this section with a direct command: "abide in him." This isn't a suggestion; it's a vital instruction for all believers, whom he affectionately calls "little children." To "abide" means to remain, to dwell, to stay continually connected to Jesus. It’s about a deep, ongoing relationship, not a one-time decision. This staying power is what prepares us for the future.
What will your reaction be when Jesus finally returns? This verse offers a stark contrast: confidence or shame.
The immediate reason John urges believers to abide is for their response at Jesus' return. He contrasts two possible outcomes: confidence or shame. If we abide in Christ, we will face His second coming with assurance and boldness. We'll be able to look Him in the eye, not with fear, but with joyful anticipation. Conversely, if we drift away or fail to remain connected, His coming will be a source of deep shame and regret. This isn't about earning salvation, but about living in a way that reflects our genuine union with Him.
Understand the original words
parrēsian · Greek Noun
A state of boldness, openness, and freedom of speech before God. It describes the confident assurance a believer possesses in prayer and standing before Christ, based on their standing in grace rather than their own merit.
parousia · Greek Noun
Refers to the physical, literal return of Jesus Christ to earth. It is the glorious expectation of the church, marking the final judgment, the vindication of the righteous, and the consummation of God's kingdom.
Jesus speaks about 'abiding' in Him as the source of fruitfulness, mirroring John's exhortation to 'abide in him' for confident standing before God.
Romans 8:1This passage assures believers that there is 'no condemnation' for those in Christ, directly supporting the idea of having 'confidence' and not shame at Christ's appearing.
Philippians 3:20-21It speaks of our citizenship being in heaven and Christ transforming our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body, a hopeful anticipation of His coming that contrasts with shrinking in shame.
1 John 4:17This verse connects love being perfected with boldness 'on the day of judgment' because of our relationship with Christ, reinforcing the theme of confidence rather than shame.
It's not just about avoiding shame, but about gaining confidence. John wants us to live in such a way that when Jesus returns, we won't just be okay, but we'll be eager and bold to meet Him, full of assurance because of our connection to Him.
John is writing to reassure his readers, who are facing false teachers trying to lead them astray. He's just warned them about the Antichrist and urged them to remain in fellowship with God, emphasizing that true followers will live righteously. This verse is a direct exhortation to keep living in that truth, looking forward to Jesus' return with joy, not fear.
John is writing to reassure his readers, who are facing false teachers trying to lead them astray. He's just warned them about the Antichrist and urged them to remain in fellowship with God, emphasizing that true followers will live righteously. This verse is a direct exhortation to keep living in that truth, looking forward to Jesus' return with joy, not fear.
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"And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming." — It's not just about avoiding shame, but about gaining confidence. John wants us to live in such a way that when Jesus returns, we won't just be okay, but we'll be eager and bold to meet Him, full…
