Verse
Context
Remain in Christ
27And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. 28And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.
Sermons



Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And now, little children - Τεκνια, Beloved children, abide in him - in Christ Jesus. Let his word and spirit continually abide in you, and have communion with the Father and the Son. That when he shall appear - To judge the world, we may have confidence, παρῥησιαν, freedom of speech, liberty of access, boldness, from a conviction that our cause is good, and that we have had proper ground for exultation; and not be ashamed - confounded, when it appears that those who were brought to Christ Jesus, have apostatized, and are no longer found in the congregation of the saints, and consequently are not our crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. Abide in him, that this may not be the case.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
little children--Greek, "little sons," as in Jo1 2:12; believers of every stage and age. abide in him--Christ. John repeats his monition with a loving appellation, as a father addressing dear children. when--literally, "if"; the uncertainty is not as to the fact, but the time. appear--Greek, "be manifested." we--both writer and readers. ashamed before him--literally, "from Him"; shrink back from Him ashamed. Contrast "boldness in the day of judgment," Jo1 4:17; compare Jo1 3:21; Jo1 5:14. In the Apocalypse (written, therefore, BENGEL thinks, subsequently), Christ's coming is represented as put off to a greater distance.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now, little children, abide in him,.... The apostle having finished his separate instructions exhortations to the fathers, young men and children, returns to the whole body of the saints in general, whom he addresses, as in 1Jo_2:1; under the name of little children; See Gill on Jo1 2:1; and whom he exhorts to abide in Christ, that is, in the exercise of faith on him, of hope in him, and love to him; and to hold to him the head, and to hold fast his word and Gospel, and abide by his truth and ordinances, and adhere to his cause and interest, and not to be moved away on any consideration; to which the following encouragement is given: that when he shall appear; that is, Christ, who is now hid, and out of the sight of bodily eyes, is in heaven, at the right hand of God; but ere long he will appear a second time, and not only to those that look for him, but even every eye shall see him; and his appearance will be a glorious one, and his saints shall appear in glory with him, and shall be like him, and see him as he is: we may have confidence; boldness or freedom, as now at the throne of grace, so then at the throne of judgment; where the saints will stand with courage and intrepidity, when the wicked will flee to the rocks and mountains, being filled with amazement, terror, and trembling: and not be ashamed before him at his coming; they will not be put to shame by him; nor will they be ashamed of their confidence, faith, hope, and expectation; their hope will not make them ashamed, for they will now enjoy what they hoped for; and, notwithstanding all their sins and infirmities, they will not be ashamed, for they will have on the wedding garment, the righteousness of Christ, and will stand before the throne without fault, spot, or blemish; nor will Christ be ashamed of them who have not been ashamed of him and his words, but have confessed him, and have been faithful unto death, and have cleaved to him and his cause with full purpose of heart to the end. Some think ministers of the Gospel are here meant, who, when those that are under their care abide faithful, and persevere to the end, will give up their account with joy; and will have what they have expressed confidence in, and will have their expectations answered, and not disappointed, by having such souls as their joy and crown of rejoicing.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
From the blessing of the sacred unction the apostle proceeds in his advice and exhortation to constancy in and with Christ: And now, little children, abide in him, Jo1 2:28. The apostle repeats his kind appellation, little children, which I suppose does not so much denote their diminutiveness as his affection, and therefore, I judge, may be rendered dear children. He would persuade by love, and prevail by endearment as well as by reason. "Not only the love of Christ, but the love of you, constrains us to inculcate your perseverance, and that you would abide in him, in the truth relating to his person, and in your union with him and allegiance to him." Evangelical privileges are obligatory to evangelical duties; and those that are anointed by the Lord Jesus are highly obliged to abide with him in opposition to all adversaries whatever. This duty of perseverance and constancy in trying times is strongly urged by the two following considerations: - 1. From the consideration of his return at the great day of account: That when he shall appear we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming, Jo1 2:28. It is here taken for granted that the Lord Jesus will come again. This was part of that truth they had heart from the beginning. And, when he shall come again, he will publicly appear, be manifested to all. When he was here before, he came privately, in comparison. He proceeded from a womb, and was introduced into a stable: but, when he shall come again, he will come from the opened heavens, and every eye shall see him; and then those who have continued with him throughout all their temptations shall have confidence, assurance, and joy, in the sight of him. They shall lift up their heads with unspeakable triumph, as knowing that their complete redemption comes along with him. On the contrary, those that have deserted him shall be ashamed before him; they shall be ashamed of themselves, ashamed of their unbelief, their cowardice, ingratitude, temerity, and folly, in forsaking so glorious a Redeemer. They shall be ashamed of their hopes, expectations, and pretences, and ashamed of all the wages of unrighteousness, by which they were induced to desert him: That we may have confidence, and may not be ashamed. The apostle includes himself in the number. "Let not us be ashamed of you," as well as, "you will not be ashamed of yourselves." Or mē aischunthōmen ap' autou - that we be not ashamed (made ashamed, or put to shame) by him at his coming. At his public appearance he will shame all those who have abandoned him, he will disclaim all acquaintance with them, will cover them with shame and confusion, will abandon them to darkness, devils, and endless despair, by professing before men and angels that he is ashamed of them, Mar 8:38. To the same advice and exhortation he proceeds, 2. From the consideration of the dignity of those who still adhere to Christ and his religion: If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him, Jo1 2:29. The particle here rendered if seems not to be vox dubitantis, but concedentis; not so much a conditional particle, as a suppositional one, if I may call it so, a note of allowance or concession, and so seems to be of the same import with our English inasmuch, or whereas, or since. So the sense runs more clearly: Since you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. He that doeth righteousness may here be justly enough assumed as another name for him that abideth in Christ. For he that abideth in Christ abideth in the law and love of Christ, and consequently in his allegiance and obedience to him; and so must do, or work, or practise, righteousness, or the parts of gospel holiness. Now such a one must needs be born of him. He is renewed by the Spirit of Christ, after the image of Christ, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath fore-ordained that he should walk in them, Eph 2:10. "Since then you know that the Lord Christ is righteous (righteous in his quality and capacity, the Lord our righteousness, and the Lord our sanctifier or our sanctification, as Co1 1:30), you cannot but know thereupon" (or know you, it is for your consideration and regard) "that he who by the continued practice of Christianity abideth in him is born of him." The new spiritual nature is derived from the Lord Christ. He that is constant to the practice of religion in trying times gives good evidence that he is born from above, from the Lord Christ. The Lord Christ is an everlasting Father. It is a great privilege and dignity to be born of him. Those that are so are the children of God. To as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, Joh 1:12. And this introduces the context of the following chapter.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:28-29 To remain in fellowship with Christ means, in part, not being misled by any kind of false teaching. If John’s readers listen to the false teachers, they will not be in fellowship with Christ and will have reason to shrink back from him in shame when he returns, because of the judgment coming upon them.
Remain in Christ
27And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. 28And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Second Coming of Christ
By Keith Daniel3.6K1:51:48Second Coming Of ChristMAT 22:1MAT 23:29MAT 24:34MAT 24:42MAT 25:11JN 2:281JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being ready for the coming of Jesus Christ. He uses the analogy of two men on a hill, where one disappears and the other is left standing still, to illustrate the suddenness of Christ's return. The preacher urges the audience, both believers and non-believers, to speak to God in their hearts and make a personal connection with Jesus. He quotes several passages from the Bible, including the parable of the faithful and wise servant, to emphasize the need for readiness and the consequences of being unprepared for Christ's return. The sermon concludes with a reference to the parable of the vineyard, highlighting the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus by the Jewish leaders.
(Basics) 70. Proving God's Perfect Will(3)
By Zac Poonen2.4K13:05PRO 11:14MAT 6:33ROM 12:2ROM 14:131CO 8:91JN 2:171JN 2:28In this sermon, the speaker discusses how to find the perfect will of God for our lives. They emphasize that in the new covenant age, God primarily speaks to us through our renewed mind and the Holy Spirit. The speaker provides twelve questions that we can ask ourselves to determine if a course of action aligns with God's will. These questions include considering if it is in line with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, if it can be done with a clear conscience, if it brings glory to God, and if it can be done in fellowship with Jesus. The speaker also highlights the importance of seeking guidance from wiser and more mature believers.
Christians Will Face Persecution
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:00:09MAT 5:6MAT 24:24MRK 10:29JHN 16:332TI 3:121JN 2:28REV 7:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles in the face of deception and diluted messages in Christianity. It warns against being misled by false prophets and the need to prioritize reading the Bible over other Christian literature. The speaker highlights the inevitability of persecution for those who desire to live godly lives in Christ, urging believers to persevere and stand firm in faith, even in the midst of tribulations and great trials.
Christian Armament 04 Armed W-Care for Church
By Neil Fraser84452:36EXO 23:20PSA 119:136MAT 8:17LUK 10:251CO 12:4HEB 4:141JN 2:28In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a passage from Luke's Gospel chapter 10, where a lawyer asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds by quoting the law, which states that one should love God with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love their neighbor as themselves. The speaker emphasizes that no one can save themselves through keeping the law because all humans are born with a sinful nature. The speaker also highlights the importance of recognizing our inability to perfectly love God and the need for Christ's sacrifice for salvation.
Seven Truths That Every Christian Must Know
By Zac Poonen65849:23MAT 18:23LUK 9:23LUK 16:13JHN 14:6ACT 20:21EPH 5:181JN 2:281JN 3:31JN 4:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of key truths that every Christian must know. It covers the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only way to God, the necessity of repentance alongside faith, the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, the requirement to deny oneself to follow Jesus, the warning against serving both God and money, the essentiality of loving and forgiving one another, and the preparation for Christ's second coming.
The Preparation to Be the Bride of Christ
By Zac Poonen5771:10:172CO 5:102CO 11:3EPH 2:13HEB 3:131JN 2:28This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining simple and pure devotion to Christ, warning against being led astray by the deceitfulness of sin and distractions like accumulating knowledge without true transformation. It highlights the need for believers to be like a pure virgin for Christ, free from selfishness and division, and to prioritize unity and love within the local church as a reflection of the Bride of Christ. The message stresses the significance of daily surrendering our self-life to God, allowing the sword of the Spirit to cut through selfish desires and leading us to the tree of life, which is simple, fervent devotion to Jesus.
Resurrected and Seated in Heaven
By Zac Poonen49745:19PSA 1:2MAT 6:8LUK 15:20ACT 24:15ROM 8:15ROM 14:171JN 2:28This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing the love of the Father, as demonstrated through the story of the prodigal son. It highlights the need to maintain a blameless conscience before God and men, to be prepared for the resurrection of the righteous, and to live a life of readiness for the return of Christ.
The Kingdom of God
By Zac Poonen38517:14ISA 54:17MAT 16:3ROM 5:1ROM 14:17PHP 4:41JN 2:28This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first, focusing on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. It traces the restoration of truth throughout history, highlighting the need for inner peace, freedom from anxiety, and reconciliation with others. The speaker encourages pursuing a life of righteousness with peace and joy, trusting in God's provision for all earthly needs, and being prepared for the return of Christ.
Judgment Is Coming
By Edwin H. Waldvogel14946:58JudgmentReadiness for Christ's ReturnMAT 24:42LUK 21:36JHN 14:23ROM 8:1COL 3:31TH 1:12TH 1:62TI 3:11PE 4:71JN 2:28Edwin H. Waldvogel emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for the coming judgment, urging believers to live in Christ and maintain a holy walk. He reflects on the significance of being united with God and the transformative power of accepting Jesus into our lives. Waldvogel warns against the creeping moral decline within the church and the world, reminding the congregation that judgment is imminent and that they must be vigilant in their faith. He encourages a life of prayer, obedience, and readiness for Christ's return, highlighting the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to glorify God in our lives as we await His coming.
The Saints Ruling in the Millennial Kingdom, Part 2
By Mike Bickle191:12:33Millennial KingdomFaithfulness and RewardsDAN 7:27MAT 11:28MAT 19:261CO 3:142CO 4:182CO 5:10COL 4:12HEB 9:271JN 2:28REV 20:4Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the Millennial Kingdom, where saints will rule alongside Christ, highlighting that this theme is prevalent throughout the Bible yet often overlooked. He stresses the practical implications of understanding our current struggles in relation to our future roles in God's Kingdom, urging believers to strive for faithfulness in their lives. Bickle warns that not all believers will be rewarded equally, as only those deemed faithful will hold positions of authority in the Millennial reign. He encourages self-examination and repentance to avoid regret at the judgment seat of Christ, where our works will be evaluated. Ultimately, he calls for a life dedicated to pleasing God, as this will determine our eternal rewards.
Prayer - 1 Peter 5:10, 11, Part 3
By A.W. Pink2ACT 24:16ROM 12:21CO 10:322CO 5:10PHP 1:10JAS 1:27JAS 4:41JN 2:151JN 2:28The preacher delves into the Greek word 'aproskopos' which means blameless, without offense, and not causing others to stumble. Christians are called to live lives of true integrity that do not lead others into sin. The sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a blameless conscience before God and men, avoiding actions that could cause others to stumble. The ultimate goal is to be filled with the fruit of righteousness through Jesus Christ, leading to glory and praise of God on the Day of Christ's return.
Abiding - I John 2:28 (There Is a "Secret Place of the Most High," and "He That Abideth in Him Sinneth not.")
By Hans R. Waldvogel1Abiding in ChristOvercoming SinPSA 91:1ISA 40:31MAT 11:28JHN 14:23JHN 15:5ROM 6:14GAL 5:22PHP 3:101JN 2:281JN 3:6Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ, drawing parallels to Moses' desire to be close to God despite the backsliding of others. He highlights that true abiding leads to a life free from sin and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to reject earthly distractions and focus on their relationship with Jesus. Waldvogel encourages listeners to seek the 'secret place of the Most High' where they can find strength and renewal, reminding them that even in weakness, there is a place for them in God's heart.
Heaven Inhabitants
By D.L. Moody0HeavenEternal LifeISA 55:7MAT 8:11MAT 18:10JHN 3:16JHN 12:26ROM 6:231CO 6:92CO 5:11JN 2:28REV 22:2D.L. Moody emphasizes the joy and comfort of knowing that heaven is filled with God and our loved ones, making it a place of ultimate reunion and peace. He reflects on the personal loss of loved ones and how their presence makes home and heaven beautiful, asserting that it is the relationships we cherish that define our experience of both. Moody reassures believers that they will recognize their friends in heaven and that eternal life begins the moment one believes in Christ. He warns against the misconception that all will enter heaven regardless of their lives on earth, stressing the importance of repentance and faith. Ultimately, he paints a picture of heaven as a diverse and welcoming place, filled with joy and healing for all who seek righteousness.
1 John 2:28
By John Gill0Abiding in ChristConfidence at His ComingMAT 10:32ROM 5:5PHP 1:6COL 3:41TH 5:242TI 4:8HEB 10:231PE 5:41JN 2:28REV 3:5John Gill emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ, encouraging believers to maintain their faith, hope, and love towards Him. He reassures that when Christ returns, those who have remained steadfast will have confidence and not be ashamed, as they will be clothed in His righteousness. Gill highlights the glorious nature of Christ's second coming, where believers will stand boldly before Him, free from shame and full of joy. He also notes that faithful ministers will rejoice in the perseverance of their congregations, as they will share in the joy of their salvation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for unwavering commitment to Christ and His teachings.
Signs and Wonders of God
By Dick Brogden0PSA 119:176JHN 21:11JN 2:28REV 22:20Dick Brogden emphasizes the awe-inspiring signs of God through Christ's incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and promised return, surpassing any earthly miracles. He highlights the scandalous act of God becoming man, dignifying humanity forever, and the continuous pursuit of humanity through Jesus' repeated appearances. Brogden urges believers to abide in Jesus, eagerly anticipating His glorious return when He will fully reveal Himself, encouraging them to be confident and unashamed before Him.
Rev. 16:15. the Swift and Sudden Advent
By Horatius Bonar0Preparation for Christ's ReturnSpiritual VigilanceMAT 24:42MAT 25:1LUK 12:35ROM 13:11EPH 6:111TH 5:2HEB 10:252PE 3:101JN 2:28REV 16:15Horatius Bonar emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for Christ's swift and sudden return, as highlighted in Revelation 16:15. He warns that Christ will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, and urges believers to remain vigilant and keep their spiritual garments intact. Bonar outlines the importance of watching, maintaining communion with God, and being ready to meet the Lord, as neglecting these can lead to shame and exposure. He reassures that those who watch and keep their garments will be blessed, while also issuing a stark warning to the unprepared. The sermon serves as a call to awaken from spiritual slumber and be ready for the imminent return of Christ.
The Final Shaking
By Phil Beach Jr.0MAL 4:61CO 3:131CO 11:32CO 5:10EPH 5:23EPH 5:271PE 4:102PE 3:101JN 2:28REV 2:5Phil Beach Jr. preaches about the urgent need for divine order to be restored in the home and church, emphasizing the failure of men to lead selflessly and the resulting rebellion in women who are forced to take the lead. He highlights the importance of men stepping up to their God-ordained leadership roles to prevent spiritual decay and destruction. Phil stresses the necessity for every member of Christ's church to pray for guidance and cooperate with God's plan for a healthy local body, rather than relying solely on human-initiated methods. He concludes by emphasizing the call for all believers to die to self, discover the abundant life of Jesus, and prepare for the imminent judgment that will begin in God's house.
A Brief Account of Some Reasons Why the Quakers Cannot Do Some things...
By Isaac Penington0JHN 7:13JHN 7:26ACT 2:29COL 2:15HEB 4:16HEB 10:191JN 2:281JN 4:171JN 5:14Warren Wiersbe discusses the concept of confidence (parrhesia) in the Bible, emphasizing the freedom of speech and lack of fear that comes with it. He highlights the boldness and assurance believers can have when approaching God's throne of grace, not based on their own merits but on the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Wiersbe encourages Christians to maintain this confidence in all circumstances, placing their trust in Jesus who never fails.
All You Who Have Come to Him.-matt.11:28
By Andrew Murray0Spiritual FellowshipAbiding in ChristPSA 37:4MAT 11:28JHN 15:4ROM 8:38PHP 4:19COL 3:3HEB 13:5JAS 4:81JN 2:28Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of not only coming to Jesus but also abiding in Him, highlighting that true blessings and joy are found in continuous fellowship with the Savior. He explains that many believers experience disappointment because they wander away from this intimate relationship, forgetting that the call to 'Come unto me' also includes the command to 'Abide in me.' Murray encourages believers to meditate on the meaning of abiding, recognizing that it is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's love and grace. He invites listeners to daily seek this abiding relationship, assuring them that it is possible and necessary for spiritual growth and fulfillment. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper commitment to remain in Christ, where true rest and satisfaction are found.
How to Abide
By A.B. Simpson0Abiding in ChristDependence On GodJHN 15:41JN 2:28A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Christ, likening it to the dependence of little children on their parents. He explains that true strength comes from surrendering our will and self-reliance to Jesus, allowing Him to be our support and guide. Simpson outlines practical steps for maintaining this abiding relationship, including living moment by moment, establishing habits of trust, and recognizing God's presence in all circumstances. He encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of internal prayer and vigilance, ensuring they remain focused on Christ amidst life's distractions. Ultimately, he assures that through constant dependence on God, believers can experience a profound and transformative relationship with Him.
Consecration
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0PSA 143:10JHN 15:4ROM 6:111CO 1:30COL 1:181PE 4:111JN 2:28W.H. Griffith Thomas delves into the concepts of Justification and Sanctification, emphasizing the Divine provisions of new positions and conditions in Christ, as well as the gradual realization of these blessings in personal experience. He highlights the importance of accepting our Divine position and purpose, leading to a process of consecration and purification for God's service. The sermon explores the Divine Requirement of acknowledging Christ as Lord and Master, drawing parallels from the Old Testament and emphasizing the necessity of realizing and maintaining our true relationship with God. It also discusses the Human Response to God's call, focusing on receiving, realizing, reckoning, surrendering, and abiding in Christ for a life of holiness and dedication.
1 Peter 2:6
By John Gill0Assurance in FaithChrist as CornerstonePSA 118:22ISA 28:16MAT 7:24ROM 10:111CO 3:11EPH 2:202TI 1:12HEB 13:51PE 2:61JN 2:28John Gill emphasizes the significance of Christ as the chief cornerstone, as prophesied in Isaiah 28:16, highlighting His divine selection and preciousness to both God and humanity. He explains that Christ not only strengthens and adorns the spiritual building of the church but also unites believers across all ages and places. Gill reassures that those who believe in Christ will not be ashamed or confounded, as their faith provides safety and confidence both in this life and the next. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Christ's role in our spiritual lives and the assurance that comes from trusting in Him.
The Purifying Hope
By G. Campbell Morgan0Purifying HopeLiving in Expectation1JN 2:28G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the purifying hope found in the anticipation of Christ's return, urging believers to abide in Him and live righteously in light of this hope. He explains that true hope is not a passive expectation but an active pursuit of holiness, as it shapes our lives and attitudes towards Christ and the world. Morgan warns against the dangers of being unprepared at Christ's coming, highlighting the importance of living in obedience to God's truth. He encourages believers to view their daily lives through the lens of this hope, which should inspire them to serve faithfully and remain ready for the Lord's return. Ultimately, this hope is a source of strength and motivation for a life of purity and purpose.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And now, little children - Τεκνια, Beloved children, abide in him - in Christ Jesus. Let his word and spirit continually abide in you, and have communion with the Father and the Son. That when he shall appear - To judge the world, we may have confidence, παρῥησιαν, freedom of speech, liberty of access, boldness, from a conviction that our cause is good, and that we have had proper ground for exultation; and not be ashamed - confounded, when it appears that those who were brought to Christ Jesus, have apostatized, and are no longer found in the congregation of the saints, and consequently are not our crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. Abide in him, that this may not be the case.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
little children--Greek, "little sons," as in Jo1 2:12; believers of every stage and age. abide in him--Christ. John repeats his monition with a loving appellation, as a father addressing dear children. when--literally, "if"; the uncertainty is not as to the fact, but the time. appear--Greek, "be manifested." we--both writer and readers. ashamed before him--literally, "from Him"; shrink back from Him ashamed. Contrast "boldness in the day of judgment," Jo1 4:17; compare Jo1 3:21; Jo1 5:14. In the Apocalypse (written, therefore, BENGEL thinks, subsequently), Christ's coming is represented as put off to a greater distance.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now, little children, abide in him,.... The apostle having finished his separate instructions exhortations to the fathers, young men and children, returns to the whole body of the saints in general, whom he addresses, as in 1Jo_2:1; under the name of little children; See Gill on Jo1 2:1; and whom he exhorts to abide in Christ, that is, in the exercise of faith on him, of hope in him, and love to him; and to hold to him the head, and to hold fast his word and Gospel, and abide by his truth and ordinances, and adhere to his cause and interest, and not to be moved away on any consideration; to which the following encouragement is given: that when he shall appear; that is, Christ, who is now hid, and out of the sight of bodily eyes, is in heaven, at the right hand of God; but ere long he will appear a second time, and not only to those that look for him, but even every eye shall see him; and his appearance will be a glorious one, and his saints shall appear in glory with him, and shall be like him, and see him as he is: we may have confidence; boldness or freedom, as now at the throne of grace, so then at the throne of judgment; where the saints will stand with courage and intrepidity, when the wicked will flee to the rocks and mountains, being filled with amazement, terror, and trembling: and not be ashamed before him at his coming; they will not be put to shame by him; nor will they be ashamed of their confidence, faith, hope, and expectation; their hope will not make them ashamed, for they will now enjoy what they hoped for; and, notwithstanding all their sins and infirmities, they will not be ashamed, for they will have on the wedding garment, the righteousness of Christ, and will stand before the throne without fault, spot, or blemish; nor will Christ be ashamed of them who have not been ashamed of him and his words, but have confessed him, and have been faithful unto death, and have cleaved to him and his cause with full purpose of heart to the end. Some think ministers of the Gospel are here meant, who, when those that are under their care abide faithful, and persevere to the end, will give up their account with joy; and will have what they have expressed confidence in, and will have their expectations answered, and not disappointed, by having such souls as their joy and crown of rejoicing.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
From the blessing of the sacred unction the apostle proceeds in his advice and exhortation to constancy in and with Christ: And now, little children, abide in him, Jo1 2:28. The apostle repeats his kind appellation, little children, which I suppose does not so much denote their diminutiveness as his affection, and therefore, I judge, may be rendered dear children. He would persuade by love, and prevail by endearment as well as by reason. "Not only the love of Christ, but the love of you, constrains us to inculcate your perseverance, and that you would abide in him, in the truth relating to his person, and in your union with him and allegiance to him." Evangelical privileges are obligatory to evangelical duties; and those that are anointed by the Lord Jesus are highly obliged to abide with him in opposition to all adversaries whatever. This duty of perseverance and constancy in trying times is strongly urged by the two following considerations: - 1. From the consideration of his return at the great day of account: That when he shall appear we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming, Jo1 2:28. It is here taken for granted that the Lord Jesus will come again. This was part of that truth they had heart from the beginning. And, when he shall come again, he will publicly appear, be manifested to all. When he was here before, he came privately, in comparison. He proceeded from a womb, and was introduced into a stable: but, when he shall come again, he will come from the opened heavens, and every eye shall see him; and then those who have continued with him throughout all their temptations shall have confidence, assurance, and joy, in the sight of him. They shall lift up their heads with unspeakable triumph, as knowing that their complete redemption comes along with him. On the contrary, those that have deserted him shall be ashamed before him; they shall be ashamed of themselves, ashamed of their unbelief, their cowardice, ingratitude, temerity, and folly, in forsaking so glorious a Redeemer. They shall be ashamed of their hopes, expectations, and pretences, and ashamed of all the wages of unrighteousness, by which they were induced to desert him: That we may have confidence, and may not be ashamed. The apostle includes himself in the number. "Let not us be ashamed of you," as well as, "you will not be ashamed of yourselves." Or mē aischunthōmen ap' autou - that we be not ashamed (made ashamed, or put to shame) by him at his coming. At his public appearance he will shame all those who have abandoned him, he will disclaim all acquaintance with them, will cover them with shame and confusion, will abandon them to darkness, devils, and endless despair, by professing before men and angels that he is ashamed of them, Mar 8:38. To the same advice and exhortation he proceeds, 2. From the consideration of the dignity of those who still adhere to Christ and his religion: If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him, Jo1 2:29. The particle here rendered if seems not to be vox dubitantis, but concedentis; not so much a conditional particle, as a suppositional one, if I may call it so, a note of allowance or concession, and so seems to be of the same import with our English inasmuch, or whereas, or since. So the sense runs more clearly: Since you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. He that doeth righteousness may here be justly enough assumed as another name for him that abideth in Christ. For he that abideth in Christ abideth in the law and love of Christ, and consequently in his allegiance and obedience to him; and so must do, or work, or practise, righteousness, or the parts of gospel holiness. Now such a one must needs be born of him. He is renewed by the Spirit of Christ, after the image of Christ, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath fore-ordained that he should walk in them, Eph 2:10. "Since then you know that the Lord Christ is righteous (righteous in his quality and capacity, the Lord our righteousness, and the Lord our sanctifier or our sanctification, as Co1 1:30), you cannot but know thereupon" (or know you, it is for your consideration and regard) "that he who by the continued practice of Christianity abideth in him is born of him." The new spiritual nature is derived from the Lord Christ. He that is constant to the practice of religion in trying times gives good evidence that he is born from above, from the Lord Christ. The Lord Christ is an everlasting Father. It is a great privilege and dignity to be born of him. Those that are so are the children of God. To as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, Joh 1:12. And this introduces the context of the following chapter.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:28-29 To remain in fellowship with Christ means, in part, not being misled by any kind of false teaching. If John’s readers listen to the false teachers, they will not be in fellowship with Christ and will have reason to shrink back from him in shame when he returns, because of the judgment coming upon them.