1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.  Let’s examine this verse that we might have genuine confidence in our Lord… First,  are you confident that by faith you are his child?  Many will never have confidence because they just are not sure they are IN THE FATIH.
2 Corinthians 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  When we go to the Dr there are several things involved in the examination. Spiritually, we must know there was a time when we turned from sin, and trusted the Savior.   We will never be perfect down here, but we will be different!  Not only do we look for FAITH in the examination,  we must look for FAITHFULNESS.  Here the verse says abide in Him!
Many doubt because they just are not faithful!  Faithful to pray, to read the Bible,  to attend church, to share the good news of the Gospel.  Abiding in Him will produce a great confidence.  Confidence not only involves faith and faithfulness,  but also involves the FUTURE. When He shall appear!  He’s coming!  Many lack confidence because the really are not looking for Him to appear.  I like what an old preacher said… I’m not looking for a hole in the ground, I’m looking for a hole in the sky!  He shall appear!  The question is are you looking for him?  The answer to that question will determine whether you stand ashamed, or with confidence, at His appearing.  To look for Him is to live for Him. To live for Him is to long for Him.  John said… Even so come, Lord Jesus!  Amen.  Pastor