Book of 1 John - Chapter 2 - Verse 28
Meaning
The verse "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" emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith and connection with God. By abiding in Him, we are ensuring that we are constantly in His presence, seeking His guidance and living according to His will. This verse encourages believers to maintain a strong relationship with God so that when Christ returns, we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that we have lived faithfully and obediently. The idea of not being ashamed before Him at His coming highlights the significance of living a life that is pleasing to God, free from sin and filled with faith. This verse serves as a reminder to believers to stay rooted in their faith and continue to grow in their relationship with God, so that when the time comes to face Him, they can do so with confidence and assurance.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of the verse emphasizes the importance of abiding in Jesus to be prepared for His second coming. The term "abide" conveys the idea of remaining steadfastly connected to Jesus through faith and obedience. By doing so, believers can have confidence and assurance when Christ returns, knowing that they have faithfully followed Him. This verse also highlights the need for believers to live in a way that honors and pleases Jesus, so that they will not be ashamed when He appears. The word "ashamed" carries the connotation of feeling regret or embarrassment for not living according to God's will. Therefore, the exhortation to abide in Him serves as a reminder for believers to stay close to Jesus, walking in His ways, and being prepared for His glorious return.