Faithful in God's calling
So now, little children, remain in him so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know this as well: Everyone who does what is right has been born of him. 1 John 2:28-29 CSB
These verses provide a bridge between two chapters. Verse 28 provides a brief summary of Chapter 2 while verse 29 introduces our next section in chapter 3, seen with John’s shifting phrase, “so now, little children,” which can be the equivalent of “therefore.” In light of becoming a believer, the next steps are to “remain in Him so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” John keeps on repeating the phrase “remain in him” for our fellowship with God is imperative for every believer. The Day of the Lord will come, when Jesus returns, and believers should be readily and boldly speaking of their Lord and Savior. This readiness is important for everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Now, because believers are saved through Jesus Christ, they “will not be ashamed” for their sin has been forgiven. But not so with those who are pretenders. At this time, everything that we have done, both good and bad, will be brought forth. We see this in 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, “Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”, but, because everything will be exposed in the end, according to this passage in John, believers should remain pursuing righteous living. In verse 29, “Everyone who does what is right has been born of Him.” God who is righteous will bring forth children who are righteous. They will reflect in their lives that they belong to the Righteous One, their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They love God, they do His will, and obey His commands, such as in John 13:34-35, “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Believers are transformed by God, therefore, they must consciously put aside their past sinful behavior and pursue godliness (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). When Jesus returns, the question that will be asked, “will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8). Will He find believers faithful in their calling? Believers are not passively waiting for the return of Christ for they will actively promote the Kingdom of God and will reflect Him through their actions.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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