Now, little children, remain in him, that when he appears, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming: The "coming of Christ" is equivalent to "when he shall appear." "Coming" is parousia, the word that is used to designate the second coming of our Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; James 5:7-8; 2 Peter 3:4). It is the expression that was used to refer to the visit of a king or emperor in ancient times. The word literally means presence. When this word is used together with "appear" above, it implies that Jesus’ return will consist of the personal presence of One now absent and the visible appearing of One now unseen. There will be two reactions to the visible, personal return of our Lord: confidence on the part of the prepared ones and shame on the part of those who are unprepared. John urges his readers to so "abide" in the fellowship of the Lord that they will face His coming with confidence. "Confidence" is parresia and signifies "freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech, free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance" (Wuest, I John 139). The closeness of the Christian in a daily walk with God fills him with an attitude of courage and confidence as he anticipates the second coming of Christ. Jesus urges, "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36). To "stand before" the Lord is to stand approved in His sight. The person who watches and prays and maintains intimate fellowship with God will stand before the Lord at His coming with complete confidence.