1 John 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.
Context: 1 John 2:27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
1 John 2:29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
From the lexicon: Abide: continue, await. Shall appear=be made visible. Have confidence=be fearless. Ashamed=shrink.
Pulling it together: 1 John 1:28 reminds us that Jesus is coming-a reference to His coming to judge the earth. However, those who abide in Him, i.e., continue in Him, need not fear, nor will we shy away at his coming. The world will be shaken. Unbelief will be revealed as the rebellion that it is, but those who are in Christ will stand having overcome the world (Revelation 2:11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’) through our faith in Jesus (1 John 1:5 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.) “Even so,” says the believer, “Lord Jesus, come.” The present world groans, current events indicate the Lord’s return is soon.
Lord, I pray for grace to abide-stick with it-to keep on looking to You and trusting Your goodness so I might overcome the temptations of the world.