1 John 2:24-28 - Exposition

Duty annexed to privilege.

Connecting link: The apostle had just said that wherever the Christly chrism was bestowed, it would prove so effective a guard against antichrist that he who received it would abide in Christ, since, being taught of God, he would not be deceived by any pretences of antichrist, however plausible. He now guards that thought from abuse by balancing his statement concerning the believer's privilege with another, which reminds him of his responsibility and duty, saying, "Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning.… And now, little children, abide in him; that when he shall be manifested, we may have freedom of speech, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." Hence our topic— The duty of abiding in Christ. There are six or seven lines of thought which are here put before us.

I. THE EXPECTATION OF THE BELIEVER IS THE SECOND COMING OF THE SON OF GOD . The Apostle John was not alone in the assertion of this. He joins, indeed, with the rest (cf. verse 28; John 3:2 ; Revelation 1:7 ; Revelation 22:20 ). Paul gives his testimony thereto ( 2 Corinthians 5:10 ; Philippians 1:6 , Philippians 1:10 ; Colossians 3:4 ; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 :19, 20; 1 Thessalonians 3:13 ; 2 Thessalonians 1:10 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:1 ; 2 Timothy 1:12 ; 2 Timothy 4:8 ). Peter also ( 1 Peter 1:13 ; 1 Peter 5:4 ). There are in our day two widely divergent views as to the place the second coming of Christ holds in the Divine plan. But there is no difference among believers as to that coming being "the blessed hope," and as to its being the great event for which all should be "ready" ( 2 Peter 3:12-14 ). This, this, is indeed the Christian's greatest ambition, to be ready for that day. For—

II. AT HIS SECOND COMING THE LORD JESUS WILL BE MANIFESTED . The deep meaning of the Saviour's "manifestation" is concealed in the word "appear" (Authorized Version). The Revised Version brings it out to clear light. When he was on earth "a weary Man and full of woes" there was a veil over his true glory, through which only a few could see. When he comes a second time, he will be seen as he is, "in his glory" ( Matthew 25:1-46 ; Matthew 3:2 ; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 ; 1 Timothy 6:14 , 1 Timothy 6:15 ; Hebrews 9:28 ).

III. BEFORE HIM AN ACCOUNT WILL HAVE TO BE RENDERED . The word παῤῥησία is literally "liberty of speech to speak out all that we think." £ It denotes "the entire freedom with which we unburden, in the presence of an intimate friend, all which can weigh upon our heart." So Neander. But such a word thus used obviously suggests, as Westcott remarks, such passages as 2 Corinthians 5:10 ; Romans 14:10-12 ; and also, we would add, Hebrews 4:13 (Greek); Hebrews 13:17 (see Romans 8:19 ; Colossians 3:4 ; Luke 12:2 ; Matthew 12:36 ).

IV. THERE IS A SOLEMN ALTERNATIVE BEFORE EVERY MAN . Either "to have confidence" or "to be ashamed." In the former case, how blessed the freedom! In the latter, how dire the distress! The original reads not merely "ashamed before him," but "ashamed from him," as if conscious guilt would itself act as a repellent force to bar men from their Lord. What if the Saviour's word "depart" should be a terrified shrinking from the presence of the Lord (cf. Genesis 4:16 ; Genesis 3:8 )? Who would not labour and strive and pray, that at his Saviour's appearing he may be ready to meet him with a holy joy, and lovingly to unburden his whole soul, as one who, though indeed "looking for mercy," yet shrinks not back with shame?

V. TO ENSURE THE RESULT WE MUST MOST DESIRE , WE MUST ABIDE IN CHRIST . There are two expressions in the text, "Let that [Word] abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning." "Abide in him." Our Lord had joined these two together in the hearing of John, long years before ( John 15:7 ). The two go together. Faith receives the Word, and it lives in us. Faith clings to Christ, and we live in him. This, this is to be our daily life, and then, let the Lord come when he will, we shall not be ashamed. Note: It is not the imperfections of a loyal soul that will make him ashamed when Christ comes, but the faithlessness of an apostate soul who has to confront a deserted Lord! £

VI. To THE LIFE OF FAITHFUL ABIDING IN CHRIST WE ARE MOST TENDERLY URGED . "And now, little children," etc.

1 . This is the gospel tone ( Romans 12:1 ). Sinai thunders. Calvary pleads.

2 . This is the spirit in which the true ambassador for Christ must and will speak ( 2 Corinthians 5:20 ).

3 . This is the tone which tells most powerfully. The cords of love do more than the whips of the taskmaster. God "draws" us with loving-kindness. Let us, then, hear the voice of the Saviour tenderly calling, "Hold fast to me, whatever others do."