What is the meaning of 1 John 2:28? And now, little children John’s warm address reminds every believer of family ties in Christ: • The phrase echoes 1 John 2:1—“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin.” Love and expectation travel together. • It signals immediacy: “And now.” The instruction that follows is not optional for a future day; it matters today (cf. James 1:22). • Like Jesus’ own wording, “Little children, I am with you a little longer” (John 13:33), it blends tenderness with urgency: pay attention because time is short. remain in Christ The command is simple but weighty. • “Remain” (or “abide”) points to ongoing, relational trust, not a one-time decision (John 15:4-5). • Remaining keeps us anchored in truth already taught (1 John 2:24-27). • It shapes daily choices—obedience, love, rejection of sin (1 John 3:6). Practical helps for remaining: – Keep Scripture central (Psalm 119:11). – Maintain fellowship with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Rely on the Spirit’s anointing (1 John 2:27). so that when He appears John turns hearts toward the promised revelation of Christ. • Jesus’ return is certain: “This same Jesus…will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). • His appearing is personal and visible (Matthew 24:30). • Hope in that moment purifies life now (1 John 3:2-3; Titus 2:13-14). Remaining in Christ is therefore forward-looking, not merely defensive. we may be confident The goal is holy boldness, not fear. • Confidence means freedom of speech—being able to stand before Christ without shrinking back (Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 4:17). • Such boldness grows from intimacy with Him today. • Like the righteous in Proverbs 28:1, we can be “bold as a lion” because our conscience is clean. and unashamed before Him Shame comes when life and confession do not match. Remaining prevents that disconnect. • Paul urged Timothy to “present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15). • Whoever believes in Him “will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:11), yet practical shame can still arise if we walk in darkness (1 John 1:6). • Living openly in the light now spares us embarrassment then. at His coming John ties everything to the climactic return of Jesus. • “Coming” (parousia) speaks of the King’s royal arrival (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). • For believers, it signals reward and reunion (Colossians 3:4). • For the world, it initiates judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). Our daily abiding prepares us for that defining event. summary John packs pastoral warmth and serious warning into one verse. Because the Savior will soon appear, believers must continually remain in Him. Abiding fosters confidence, silences shame, and readies us for His glorious coming. Live close to Christ today, and you will stand fearless and joyful when He steps onto the stage of history tomorrow. |
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