The Nugget:
1Jn 2:28 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.
My Comment:
I am concerned that there are young people I know that are former students of mine or friends of my former students, for they seem totally unaware that their lifestyle choices are not at all in line with how the Bible teaches us to live. One person in particular was deeply concerned and asked for prayer on behalf of her brother who was hospitalized. But upon his successful recovery, she celebrated by turning to the use of alcohol. That is not “abiding in him.” “Abiding” in Him means to remain in Him, to live according to what Jesus taught us about how to live.
Unless we faithfully abide in him, that is, abide in our Lord Jesus Christ, we have no basis for confidence, and will be ashamed before Him at his coming.
We have no basis to know exactly when our Lord Jesus Christ will appear. We are commanded by Jesus Himself to watch (Mark 13:33, 34, 35, 37. Luke 21:36) and be ready. What we do know is that Jesus is coming again.
The fact of the imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is to be a strong motivation for us to always live in a manner that is pleasing to Him:
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1Jn 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
May these words of encouragement and instruction from God’s Word encourage us all to make wise choices about how we live, remembering to ask ourselves, “Is this pleasing to Him?” Are my life-choices reflecting obedience to God’s command that we pursue holiness?
Hebrews 12:14
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
King James Version