Homilist 1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. I. THE DESCRIPTION OF SPIRITUAL ATTAINMENT. "Herein is our love made perfect." None can doubt that being as the Son of God is in this world is the only possible perfection, and the only ground of "boldness in the day of judgment." The text shows — First. An attainment of affection to God. God wins our hearts by His love; we then love Him more and more. Secondly. An attainment of complete affection to God. In this asserted perfection of our love there is clearly a recognition of the supremacy of our affection. II. THE ADDUCED EVIDENCE OF THAT ATTAINMENT. "Because," etc. This clause seems to belong both to our being made perfect in love and our having boldness in the day of judgment. First. The meekness of Christ is reproduced in His followers. Secondly. The endurance of Christ characterises Christians. "Who endureth such contradiction of sinners against Himself." Thirdly. The truth witnessing of Christ is seen in His disciples. "I am the truth." III. THE DIVINE DESIGN IN OUR EVIDENCED ATTAINMENT IN CHRIST-LIKE LOVE. "That we may have boldness," etc. First: This is not an evil boldness, or a boldness in evil (Ecclesiastes 8:1). It is not — (1) the boldness of ignorance; (2) the boldness of self-sufficiency; (3) the boldness of iniquity; (4) the boldness of presumption.Secondly. This is a holy boldness (Hebrews 10:19). It is — (1) The boldness of fearlessness. "Perfect love casteth out fear." (2) The boldness of approving conscience. "It is God that justifieth." St. Paul was bold in chains, because the Divine Judge approved him. (3) The boldness of perfect sympathy and unity with the Judge. "He that confesseth Me," etc. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. |
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