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.
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.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
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.
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.
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.
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
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.
Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
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.
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?
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
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.
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.
This chapter of I John 3, building upon the themes introduced in the previous chapters, delves deeper into the profound implications of being a child of God. It contrasts those who live in fellowship with Christ with those who remain in darkness, highlighting love as the defining characteristic of a life transformed by God's grace. This chapter serves as a vital bridge, connecting the descriptions of life lived in darkness or light to the confidence that God's faithfulness provides to believers.
The Unfathomable Love of the Father (I John 3:1-3)
I John 3:1 opens with a breathtaking declaration: "See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children! And that is what we are!" Few verses capture the immensity of God's love as powerfully as this. It is not mere religious rhetoric, but a profound reality that transforms our identity. As Christians, we have a perfect, heavenly Father whose love surpasses any earthly comparison. He is the King of creation, making us royalty in His eyes.
However, John cautions us not to be surprised when the world rejects us, just as it rejected God's Son (I John 3:1). In fact, if the world embraces us too readily, it might be a cause for concern. Our allegiance lies with a different kingdom, a different set of values.
While we are already God's children (I John 3:2), the fullness of what we will be has not yet been revealed. Our new spiritual life remains largely invisible to the world. But at Christ's return, a miraculous transformation awaits us. We will be changed, and our resurrected bodies will be manifest to all. This hope should inspire us to purify ourselves inwardly as we eagerly await our outward renewal (I John 3:3).
Sin, Lawlessness, and the Purpose of Christ (I John 3:4-10)
I John 3:4 states, "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness." When we sin, we rebel against God's law. The good news is that the Son of God came to take away sins (I John 3:5). He alone is qualified because there is no sin in Him.
Verses 6-10 are often misunderstood. John is not suggesting that Christians never sin. Rather, he's communicating how to maintain intimacy with God. I John 3:6 says, "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him." To "remain" or "abide" in Christ is crucial (I John 2:6; John 15:5-7). When we sin, it's because we've strayed from that close connection with Christ.
I John 3:9 further states, "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God." When we place our faith in Jesus, God gives us new life, a "seed" of divine nature. Paul describes this new creation in 2 Corinthians 5:17.
So why do we still sin? Because the "flesh," our unredeemed humanity, remains tainted by sin. As Paul wrestles with in Romans 7:13-25, the new life is planted in us in seed form, but we still bear the damage of sin in our souls. Until Christ returns and eradicates the flesh, we must continually repent, submit to God's Word, and walk with the Spirit, allowing the new divine nature to grow (1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:4).
Don't be deceived (I John 3:7). Righteousness is demonstrated through righteous actions. Those who commit sin are "of the devil" (I John 3:8). Throughout each day, our actions will be influenced by either God or the devil. Satan cannot force us to sin, but he can tempt us. We must choose to whom we will listen. Christ came to render the devil's works powerless in our lives (I John 3:8). Living a life pleasing to God requires more than mere religious observance; it requires actively doing what is right and loving fellow believers in submission to the Holy Spirit (I John 3:10).
Loving One Another: The Hallmark of a Child of God (I John 3:11-24)
A major implication of being a child of God is that we are to love one another (I John 3:11). John emphasizes that love is not merely an emotion, but a tangible demonstration of selfless concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is the decision to compassionately, righteously, and responsibly seek the well-being of another.
John uses the example of Cain and Abel (I John 3:12) to illustrate the contrast between hatred and love. Cain murdered his brother because his own deeds were evil and his brother's were righteous. We should not be surprised if the world hates us for living righteously and loving others (I John 3:13).
I John 3:14 states, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death." John is writing to Christians, saved believers. It's possible for a believer to operate in the realm of death, not in terms of salvation, but in terms of experiencing the fullness of Christian life and intimacy with God. If a believer hates his brother, he is not remaining in Christ but remaining in death. To hate is to murder in your heart, and no murderer has eternal life "residing" or "abiding" in him (I John 3:15).
John then points to the ultimate expression of love: Jesus laid down his life for us (I John 3:16). His love was voluntary and vicarious. He sacrificed in our place. What are the implications for us? We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters (I John 3:16). While few of us will face a situation where we must give up our lives, we can demonstrate love by meeting the needs of fellow Christians—whether physical, emotional, or financial (I John 3:17).
Beware of merely declaring love with your mouth (I John 3:18). Our actions must support our words. If we love in action and truth, we will reassure our hearts whenever our hearts condemn us (I John 3:19-20). God gives us peace and assurance, inner tranquility regardless of external circumstances, when we serve other believers in love.
When we keep God's commands (I John 3:22)—to believe in Jesus Christ and love one another (I John 3:23)—we will have confidence before God and receive whatever we ask from him (I John 3:21-22). Lack of confidence is a significant obstacle to prayer. But when we love others and act as an answer to their prayers, we can be confident that our Father will answer our prayers. As I John 3:24 concludes, "And whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us." This is true intimacy with God.
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.
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.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
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.
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.
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.
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
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.
Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
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.
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?
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
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.
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.
This chapter of I John 3, building upon the themes introduced in the previous chapters, delves deeper into the profound implications of being a child of God. It contrasts those who live in fellowship with Christ with those who remain in darkness, highlighting love as the defining characteristic of a life transformed by God's grace. This chapter serves as a vital bridge, connecting the descriptions of life lived in darkness or light to the confidence that God's faithfulness provides to believers.
The Unfathomable Love of the Father (I John 3:1-3)
I John 3:1 opens with a breathtaking declaration: "See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children! And that is what we are!" Few verses capture the immensity of God's love as powerfully as this. It is not mere religious rhetoric, but a profound reality that transforms our identity. As Christians, we have a perfect, heavenly Father whose love surpasses any earthly comparison. He is the King of creation, making us royalty in His eyes.
However, John cautions us not to be surprised when the world rejects us, just as it rejected God's Son (I John 3:1). In fact, if the world embraces us too readily, it might be a cause for concern. Our allegiance lies with a different kingdom, a different set of values.
While we are already God's children (I John 3:2), the fullness of what we will be has not yet been revealed. Our new spiritual life remains largely invisible to the world. But at Christ's return, a miraculous transformation awaits us. We will be changed, and our resurrected bodies will be manifest to all. This hope should inspire us to purify ourselves inwardly as we eagerly await our outward renewal (I John 3:3).
Sin, Lawlessness, and the Purpose of Christ (I John 3:4-10)
I John 3:4 states, "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness." When we sin, we rebel against God's law. The good news is that the Son of God came to take away sins (I John 3:5). He alone is qualified because there is no sin in Him.
Verses 6-10 are often misunderstood. John is not suggesting that Christians never sin. Rather, he's communicating how to maintain intimacy with God. I John 3:6 says, "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him." To "remain" or "abide" in Christ is crucial (I John 2:6; John 15:5-7). When we sin, it's because we've strayed from that close connection with Christ.
I John 3:9 further states, "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God." When we place our faith in Jesus, God gives us new life, a "seed" of divine nature. Paul describes this new creation in 2 Corinthians 5:17.
So why do we still sin? Because the "flesh," our unredeemed humanity, remains tainted by sin. As Paul wrestles with in Romans 7:13-25, the new life is planted in us in seed form, but we still bear the damage of sin in our souls. Until Christ returns and eradicates the flesh, we must continually repent, submit to God's Word, and walk with the Spirit, allowing the new divine nature to grow (1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:4).
Don't be deceived (I John 3:7). Righteousness is demonstrated through righteous actions. Those who commit sin are "of the devil" (I John 3:8). Throughout each day, our actions will be influenced by either God or the devil. Satan cannot force us to sin, but he can tempt us. We must choose to whom we will listen. Christ came to render the devil's works powerless in our lives (I John 3:8). Living a life pleasing to God requires more than mere religious observance; it requires actively doing what is right and loving fellow believers in submission to the Holy Spirit (I John 3:10).
Loving One Another: The Hallmark of a Child of God (I John 3:11-24)
A major implication of being a child of God is that we are to love one another (I John 3:11). John emphasizes that love is not merely an emotion, but a tangible demonstration of selfless concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is the decision to compassionately, righteously, and responsibly seek the well-being of another.
John uses the example of Cain and Abel (I John 3:12) to illustrate the contrast between hatred and love. Cain murdered his brother because his own deeds were evil and his brother's were righteous. We should not be surprised if the world hates us for living righteously and loving others (I John 3:13).
I John 3:14 states, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death." John is writing to Christians, saved believers. It's possible for a believer to operate in the realm of death, not in terms of salvation, but in terms of experiencing the fullness of Christian life and intimacy with God. If a believer hates his brother, he is not remaining in Christ but remaining in death. To hate is to murder in your heart, and no murderer has eternal life "residing" or "abiding" in him (I John 3:15).
John then points to the ultimate expression of love: Jesus laid down his life for us (I John 3:16). His love was voluntary and vicarious. He sacrificed in our place. What are the implications for us? We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters (I John 3:16). While few of us will face a situation where we must give up our lives, we can demonstrate love by meeting the needs of fellow Christians—whether physical, emotional, or financial (I John 3:17).
Beware of merely declaring love with your mouth (I John 3:18). Our actions must support our words. If we love in action and truth, we will reassure our hearts whenever our hearts condemn us (I John 3:19-20). God gives us peace and assurance, inner tranquility regardless of external circumstances, when we serve other believers in love.
When we keep God's commands (I John 3:22)—to believe in Jesus Christ and love one another (I John 3:23)—we will have confidence before God and receive whatever we ask from him (I John 3:21-22). Lack of confidence is a significant obstacle to prayer. But when we love others and act as an answer to their prayers, we can be confident that our Father will answer our prayers. As I John 3:24 concludes, "And whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us." This is true intimacy with God.