1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
12 Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.
13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death.
15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
16 Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Overview of 1 John Chapter 3
1 John Chapter 3 presents a profound exploration of the themes of love, sin, and the identity of believers as children of God. It emphasizes the transformative power of God’s love and the moral implications of being part of His family. The chapter is structured around key theological concepts that highlight the relationship between God, believers, and their ethical responsibilities.
The Love of God and the Identity of Believers
The chapter opens with a declaration of the incredible love that God has for humanity, particularly for those who believe in Him.
- Verse 1: The chapter begins by affirming that believers are called children of God, which establishes a profound identity and relationship with the Divine.
- Verse 2: It emphasizes that while believers are currently children of God, their full identity will be revealed in the future, suggesting an eschatological hope.
The Call to Righteousness
Following the affirmation of identity, the chapter shifts to the ethical implications of being a child of God.
- Verse 3: The necessity of purity is emphasized, indicating that those who hope in God should strive for holiness.
- Verses 4-6: The text discusses sin, stating that sin is lawlessness and that those who abide in Christ do not continue to sin. This introduces the concept of the moral obligation of believers to live righteously.
The Contrast Between Children of God and Children of the Devil
The chapter further elaborates on the distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil.
- Verses 7-10: Believers are urged not to be deceived, as righteousness is the hallmark of being a child of God, while persistent sin is indicative of belonging to the devil.
- Verse 10: This verse serves as a clear demarcation, reinforcing the idea that one’s actions reveal their spiritual lineage.
The Command to Love One Another
Central to the chapter is the commandment to love one another, which is a recurring theme in John’s writings.
- Verses 11-15: The text references the message that believers have heard from the beginning: to love one another, contrasting this with the example of Cain, who acted out of hatred.
- Verse 14: It asserts that love is a sign of life, while hatred is indicative of spiritual death, reinforcing the ethical imperative of love in the Christian community.
The Assurance of Salvation
The chapter also addresses the assurance of salvation and the confidence believers can have before God.
- Verses 16-18: The sacrificial love of Christ is highlighted as the ultimate example, calling believers to demonstrate love through actions rather than mere words.
- Verses 19-21: Believers are encouraged to have confidence in their relationship with God, emphasizing that love and obedience are intertwined.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The chapter concludes with a focus on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.
- Verses 23-24: The importance of believing in the name of Jesus Christ and loving one another is reiterated, along with the assurance that the Spirit of God dwells in those who keep His commandments.
- Verse 24: This verse encapsulates the relationship between obedience, love, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, affirming the believer’s connection to God.
Theological Implications
1 John Chapter 3 presents several critical theological implications:
- The identity of believers as children of God shapes their moral and ethical conduct.
- The transformative power of God’s love necessitates a response in the form of love for others.
- The distinction between righteousness and sin serves as a litmus test for spiritual identity.
- The assurance of salvation is rooted in the believer’s relationship with Christ and the active presence of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
In summary, 1 John Chapter 3 serves as a profound reminder of the implications of God’s love, the call to righteousness, the importance of love within the community, and the assurance believers can have in their faith. It challenges readers to reflect on their identity as children of God and to live out that identity through love and righteous living.
