Prepared for His Appearing

“Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.”

1 John 2:28 NASB 95

Most of us know what it feels like to walk into a classroom on the day of a final exam. If we have prepared, then there is a general sense of confident optimism. On the other hand, if we are unprepared, there is a sense of anxiety or even dread. So, the same test brings the potential for either confidence or shame. It is all based on preparation before the big day. In a similar way, the apostle John exhorts believers in 1 John 2:28 to be prepared for Jesus’ imminent return. The best way to prepare was not a list of religious activities but something entirely different. The same preparation applies to us today.

A Tender Appeal

The apostle John begins his appeal with the language of a loving father who only wants what is best for his children. John refers to them as “little children,” which is a familiar term of affection for the believers. Years before, Jesus would use these same words in the Upper Room to describe the disciples (John 13:33). In John’s case he sees himself as their spiritual father, calling on the believers to remain faithful to Christ in light of false teachers and His imminent return. Not only is this a term of affection but also a theologically appropriate term. Having believed in the Lord Jesus, they are now part of the family of God. Having reminded them of their identity as God’s children, John now turns to the reality that one day they will stand before their Lord.

“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.” 1 John 3:1 NASB 95

Two Future Outcomes

Every person who has trusted in the Lord Jesus will also appear before him one day. This will occur at the Judgment Seat of Christ (bema) as described in 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:10-12. This is not for the purpose of determining our eternal destiny, but rather to evaluate our service and life from the time we first believed. In this passage, John indicates one of two conditions the believer will experience based on their preparation. First, they can be confident (parrēsia) which gives the idea of boldness or freedom of speech. This same word is used elsewhere in 1 John to describe the freedom believers have in prayer and testimony (cf. 1 John 4:17), showing that confidence before Christ begins with confidence in Him now. In other words, the believer will be ready to meet Christ with joy rather than fear. Alternatively, the other condition is that negatively the believer will experience shame (aischynthōmen) which pictures someone shrinking back as caught unprepared. This state reflects a believer who feels exposed or guilty. What a sobering reminder that the same event will bring joy to some and regret to others.

“Face to face with Christ, my Savior,

Face to face—what will it be,

When with rapture I behold Him,

Jesus Christ who died for me?”[1]

How to Be Confident

The question that naturally arises is how can a believer be confident rather than ashamed at His Coming? While we may anticipate John giving a long “to do” list, instead he tells them to abide (ménō) with Christ. “Abiding” is a common Johannine phrase that speaks of our fellowship with Jesus. Specifically, to abide means to continue, remain, or stay. In John 15:4-5, Jesus taught that abiding was key to fruitfulness and fellowship. In this case it reflects the believer remaining in a close relationship with the Lord Jesus. As a result, when Christ returns, believers who are already living in a right relationship with Him will stand before Him with confidence.

“Ready to meet Him, my Lord, my King,

Ready to serve, and His praises sing.”[2]

Most of us know what it is like to be unprepared for something. In this case of Jesus’ return, John has provided to us clear instructions on how to be confident versus ashamed. As we reflect on this verse, we should ask ourselves whether our way of life will leave us unashamed at the Lord’s return. Are we walking in daily fellowship with Him? Are we confessing the sins that would otherwise bring shame before Him? May we abide with Christ today so we are prepared to meet Him with joy and confidence on that day.

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

[1] Carrie E. Break. “Face to Face with Christ, My Savior.”

[2] Frances Ridley Havergal. “Ready.”