In 1 John 2:25, 28 God has made a promise, this could be translated as “an announcement with the special sense of promise”. This promise is to all those who receive Jesus as both Savior and Lord, and it is the promise of eternal life. Verse 28 gives us three words that guarantee who will be recipients of this promise, they that “abide in Him.” This is a key factor, for at the moment of salvation He clothes us with the garments of Christ’s righteousness, Isaiah 61:10; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:27 and only by abiding (i.e. staying) in this position will we “have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” This comes in direct contrast to Genesis 3:1-10 where those created in God’s image and likeness by disobedience and yielding to the enemy they were to keep out, Genesis 2:15 (keep is to guard) [they failed to abide in Him] and suddenly they lost the covering God had provided for them, becoming ashamed they try to cover themselves with fig leaves (their own works,) and fearful trying to hide from God’s presence. But now everything that was lost in Eden is regained in Christ as we are clothed in His righteousness, our “nakedness” (sin and shame) is covered, we are given the confidence of restored relationship, and the hope (with assurance) of eternal life, as we abide in Him.
Stand Fast
-By Rose Hill
In overcoming evil we’ll be strong at last,
If in God’s word we remain and stand fast.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James version copyright by Thomas Nelson Co. and are used by permission.