Verse 28.— And now, little children. The exhortation is earnest. Abide in him— that is, in Christ, in his teaching, doctrine, and precepts, for he shall appear once again to judge the world. At that time, if we abide in him, do his bidding, building up thereby characters fitted for companionship with God, and the Son, and the holy angels, and the good of all ages, we shall have con­fidence of our acceptance of him, and will not appear before him in fear, doubt, or shame.