1 John 4:17-19

E. Having Boldness at Christ’s Judgment Seat 4:17-19

John drew a conclusion from what he had written about the importance of believers abiding in God. It is the conclusion that he introduced in the theme verse of the body of the epistle: "And now, little children, abide in Him, so that whenever He should appear, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming" (1 John 2:28).

"How can a believer know that his love for the Father is being perfected? This paragraph of 1 John [1 John 4:17 to 1 John 5:5] suggests four evidences [namely, confidence (1 John 4:17-19), honesty (1 John 4:20-21), joyful obedience (1 John 5:1-3), and victory (1 John 5:4-5)]." [Note: Ibid., p. 521.]