1st John 2:28-29 NOT ASHAMED Children of God have a new nature given to them by the Holy Spirit when we personally accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. We believe that our Lord Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth found in fashion as a man, sent by the Father, to save us from our sins. We believe He died on the cross for our sins and rose again. We believe He has ascended into heaven and is coming again to receive us unto Himself. This relationship has been established by the anointing of the Holy Spirit [v.20], and we adhere to its claims on us [v.24-25]. There is a permanent union with divine Persons that affects life now and forever because it is eternal life. This union was originated by our Father in heaven because we have been born of Him. The visible proof of a person being a real Christian, not one in name only, is the behavior they exhibit. A righteous life is evidence of the new nature received when one is born again. There are many people who live a good respectable life but have never put their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Other people claim to be Christians but there is little evidence of that in their lives. The one does good works but does not have faith. The other claims faith but no good works are evident. A child of God by virtue of the new birth and new nature has both faith and good works. Good works do not produce salvation but testifies to salvation in a child of God.
There are seven references to the new birth in first John. The subject of the new birth is introduced in the Gospel of John, and Peter wrote that one who is born again is born of "incorruptible seed that liveth and abideth forever" [1Pe.1:23]. The doctrine of the new birth is explained in the epistle of first John. The first mention of the new birth is in verse 29, pointing to the actual practice of the new birth that affects our conduct as children of God. The characteristics of God should be seen in His children. In view of His coming for us at the rapture of the church, we should be motivated to holy living so we will not be ashamed when we see Him. The judgment seat of Christ will follow that where we will "receive the things done in the body --- good or bad." So we will not be ashamed and speechless before our Lord when our lives are reviewed, we should guide our daily conduct now in a way that pleases Him.
The principle of the new birth that relates to our character [1Jn.3:9], teaches us that this new life came from God. It is His seed in us that gave us eternal life. This does not come from self-effort or from any other person declaring it to be so on their authority. The principle of life comes from God alone. All life has its source in Him. He has given us eternal life by virtue of that which Jesus Christ our Lord has accomplished for us. The Father and the Spirit are the Persons involved in giving us this life. We do not read of being born of Christ. The Holy Spirit was involved in Him being "found in fashion as a man" and He is the same Spirit that is involved in us being born of "incorruptible seed."
The power of the new birth is evident in the concern of a child of God [IJn.4:7]. Love for others is a natural result of spiritual regeneration. "God is love." That is one description of who He is. That love should be evident in His children. Other people are important to a child of God. Actually, their well-being should be more important than our own so that they too can come to faith in Christ. Divine love that is "shed abroad in our hearts" is characterized by what can be done for the benefit of others. The love of God sent His "only begotten Son" into this world that we might live through Him. Others need our love shown toward them that they also might live for Him.
The proof of the new birth is the confidence we have in the word of God [1Jn.5:1]. This statement of fact is not an emotional proof but a biblical truth that needs no qualifications to be understood. We are not just assenting to something written down, but accept this stated fact as a guarantee from God. The word "if," is not a question or a doubt, but a principle of divine life. "Since" is a word that better says this to be true because our Father has given life to us and this life is in His Son. "He that hath the Son, hath life." When we see Him we want to be free from any ties to this world system that would be inconsistent with the life we have been given.
Fellowship with those who deny basic doctrines of the scriptures and the fundamentals of the faith, would embarrass us if we were linked with them when He comes. Some in John's day were in danger of yielding to the false teaching they listened to in the same way as some believers today pay attention to false arguments that are raised. We must commit ourselves to hold true to that which we received and learned at the beginning of our walk in the light with the Father and the Son. There will be growth in discernment and a willingness to maintain the truth of God when we follow the word of God and the Spirit of God which brought life to us at the beginning.
By walking with the Lord and not grieving or quenching the Holy Spirit, we will find the strength and guidance we need to live as our Lord intends. Not only will we be kept from that which is wrong, but we will be enabled and empowered to do that which is right. Our relationship with our Lord is based on the life we have received from Him. It is personal and real. It remains in us even when we step out of the path of His leading which we should follow. That is what makes us ashamed. By whole-heartedly trusting Him and yielding to His revealed will, we can live daily with confidence and joy. The proof of the new birth and the new nature we have been given, is a vital faith in Him and produces conduct that represents Him well.