I John 2:28-29
And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
These verse in 1 John reveal the apostle speaking directly to the community of believers, calling them "little children," a term of endearment that highlights the close, intimate relationship between G-d and His people. It carries the tone of a father encouraging his children to remain steadfast in their faith and to live with a deep, abiding connection to Yeshua, the Mashiach.
John begins by urging the believers to "abide in Him"—to remain rooted in Yeshua. This call to "abide" goes beyond a passive belief; it requires active, continuous communion with Mashiach. It means to live in alignment with Yeshua’s teachings, to let His life shape and mold our daily walk. The idea here is that by staying connected to Yeshua, we will be prepared for the moment when He appears. This future appearance points to the Second Coming of Mashiach, when He will return to judge the living and the dead.
Chen (חֵן) As a Catalyst for Our Confidence Before G-d
The central message in this passage is about confidence. As believers, it can often be challenging to stand confidently before G-d, especially as we constantly wrestle with the sinfulness of our flesh. Rav Shaul openly struggled with this, describing himself as a “filthy rag” before G-d, while Isaiah confessed to being “a man of unclean lips”, feeling unworthy of the L-rd’s calling on his life. Therefore, when we consider the confidence we are called to have on the day of judgment (Yom Kippur), it becomes clear that this assurance does not come from our own works or righteousness, but from our relationship with Yeshua. John makes it clear that if we are abiding in Yeshua, if our lives are connected to His life, we will be able to stand before Him without shame. This "confidence" (Greek: παρρησία, parrēsia) implies a boldness or freedom to speak openly, a courage that allows us to stand in His presence without fear.
In understanding the confidence to stand before G-d on Judgment Day, the Jewish concept of "Chen" (חֵן)—often translated as "grace" or "favor"—reveals a significant truth. This divine grace is not simply about leniency, or a free pass, but speaks to a deeper favor bestowed by G-d that transforms, elevates, and renews those who seek Him. Exploring Chen can uncover the heart of G-d’s “Chesed” (חֶסֶד, loving kindness) toward us, a foundation on which our confidence rests, even as we consider our flaws and the judgment to come.
In Hebrew, the word Chen is often associated with divine favor, as seen in the stories of Noach and Moshe. The Hebrew name Noach (נֹחַ) is spelled with the letters nun (נ) and chet (ח). Interestingly, when these letters are reversed, they spell chen (חֵן), which means “grace” or “favor.” These unique parallel’s capture the deep spiritual connection between Noach and the concept of grace in the TaNaK. Genesis 6:8 notes that “Noach found Chen in the eyes of the L-rd,” showing how G-d's favor brought not only protection but a renewed purpose and calling. This line highlights that Noach, amidst a world filled with corruption, stood out by receiving God’s unmerited favor. The reversal between Noach and Chen reflects the idea that Noach's character and actions embodied a response to divine grace, and through him, G-d extended mercy to the world. This favor flows freely from G-d, coming before any acts of righteousness by Noach, emphasizing that Chen is a gift. This resonates throughout the Torah, where G-d’s gracious favor toward His people is not merely about their deeds but His character of mercy and His covenantal love.
Jewish teachings, within the Talmud, further expand on Chen by presenting it as a gift that enables a person to achieve something beyond their own merit, as reflected in Berakhot 20b. This gift allows for growth, for change, and for closeness to G-d that might seem otherwise unattainable. Thus, Chen is not a passive grace, but one that empowers. This brings hope that, despite human fallibility, G-d’s mercy elevates and renews His people.
Parrēsia – Boldness Before the Throne of Grace
In 1 John 2:28-29, John draws upon a similar idea but uses a powerful Greek term, parrēsia (παρρησία), translated as “confidence” or “boldness.” In Greek, parrēsia carries a sense of uninhibited openness and freedom, often used to describe the ability to speak candidly without fear of retribution. In the biblical context, it denotes the confidence that believers can have in standing before G-d. This isn’t a confidence born from pride or personal accomplishment, but a courage gifted by G-d’s own grace—a boldness to approach the throne of grace because of Yeshua’s atoning sacrifice.
In Hebrew thought, parrēsia might align with the inner assurance granted by Chen. The believer is given the Chen (grace) to stand before G-d, not out of arrogance, but with a humble yet bold faith in G-d’s unchanging love and mercy. Just as the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) in the Temple had to rely on G-d’s grace to enter the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies) in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), we too rely on Chen—that divine favor and gift of grace—to approach G-d with full confidence.
Confidence Through Abiding in G-d’s Grace
In the Jewish tradition, there is a notion of Teshuvah (תְּשׁוּבָה, repentance) that returns us to our truest self, and this is closely connected to the confidence discussed in 1 John. By abiding in Yeshua, we experience a transformation that empowers us to live in righteousness, as John encourages. Our ability to “abide” is made possible by the Chen granted by G-d. Through Yeshua’s sacrifice, G-d offers us an eternal Yom Kippur—a covering for sins that allows us to come before Him in peace, knowing our place is secure because of His favor.
John writes,
“If you know that He is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.”
This righteousness is not self-made but is the fruit of abiding in G-d’s grace. Just as G-d’s Chen empowered biblical figures to rise to their calling, His Chen in Yeshua empowers us to walk righteously, transforming our lives as we await His return.
The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is a moment when G-d’s people stand collectively before Him, seeking forgiveness and purity. This “Yom Kippur” spirit in Yeshua brings a renewed confidence. Just as the high priest entered the Kodesh HaKodashim on Yom Kippur to make atonement for Israel, Yeshua has entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf, securing an eternal covering for our sins. This is evidenced in Hebrews 9:11-12, which says,
“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.”
This act becomes our greatest assurance and the very heart of Chen—G-d’s gracious act that renews and redeems us beyond what we could earn.
Chen and Parrēsia in the Final Judgment
The boldness we possess in Yeshua at the final judgment is not based on flawless adherence to the law but in reliance on G-d’s grace. The concept of Chen reminds us that G-d’s favor is not earned but received, and parrēsia assures us we can stand before Him without shame because of this favor. Yeshua’s atoning work takes our place, fulfilling what Yom Kippur symbolizes and securing our entry into the Sefer HaChaim (the Book of Life).
John’s exhortation in 1 John is a call to abide in this truth—to remain anchored in the Chen of G-d and the confidence of Yeshua’s sacrifice. Those who abide in Him will not shrink back but will stand with boldness and joy, knowing they are covered by His Chen. As we look toward that day, we find comfort, strength, and courage in the Chen G-d has shown us, realizing that this gift of grace grants us the confidence to face any judgment and look forward to His triumphant return as Mashiach Ben David with hopeful anticipation. Abiding in Yeshua and in confidence through Him we realize the assurance of our place in the Sefer HaChaim. Through Chen, we are not only forgiven but are transformed, empowered, and made righteous, finding that G-d’s grace is indeed sufficient, not only for today but for eternity.
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