1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
Beloved
This term of endearment, "Beloved," is translated from the Greek word "ἀγαπητοί" (agapetoi), which signifies those who are dearly loved. In the context of 1 John, it reflects the deep affection and spiritual bond that exists within the Christian community. The use of "Beloved" underscores the intimate relationship believers have with God and with each other, rooted in divine love.

we are now children of God
The phrase "we are now children of God" emphasizes the present reality of believers' identity. The Greek word for "children" is "τέκνα" (tekna), which implies a familial relationship, not just a legal status. This identity is not something to be achieved in the future but is a current reality for those who have faith in Christ. It reflects the transformative power of God's love and grace, which adopts believers into His family.

and what we will be has not yet been revealed
This phrase speaks to the mystery of the future state of believers. The Greek word "φανερωθῇ" (phanerōthē) means "revealed" or "made manifest." While believers are assured of their identity as God's children, the full extent of what this entails in the eschatological sense remains unknown. This points to the hope and anticipation of the Christian faith, trusting in God's promises for the future.

We know that when Christ appears
The certainty expressed in "We know" (Greek "οἴδαμεν," oidamen) reflects the confidence believers have in the promises of God. The phrase "when Christ appears" refers to the second coming of Jesus, a central tenet of Christian eschatology. The Greek word "φανερωθῇ" (phanerōthē) is used again, emphasizing the future revelation of Christ in glory.

we will be like Him
The promise "we will be like Him" offers profound hope and assurance. The Greek word "ὅμοιοι" (homoioi) means "like" or "similar," indicating that believers will share in the glorified nature of Christ. This transformation is not just physical but also moral and spiritual, reflecting the ultimate goal of sanctification and union with Christ.

for we will see Him as He is
The phrase "for we will see Him as He is" highlights the culmination of the believer's hope. The Greek word "ὀψόμεθα" (opsometha) means "we will see," indicating a direct and personal encounter with Christ. This vision of Christ in His true essence will be transformative, as seeing Him "as He is" implies a complete and unmediated understanding of His divine nature. This promise encourages believers to live in anticipation of this glorious future, motivating them to pursue holiness and faithfulness in their present lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of the epistle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth.

2. Children of God
Refers to believers who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and are adopted into God's family.

3. Christ's Appearing
The future event when Jesus Christ will return, also known as the Second Coming, where believers will see Him in His glorified state.
Teaching Points
Identity in Christ
As believers, our identity is rooted in being children of God. This status is not just a future promise but a present reality that should shape our daily lives.

Hope in Transformation
The promise of becoming like Christ when He appears gives us hope and motivation to pursue holiness and spiritual growth.

Eager Expectation
Living with the expectation of Christ's return encourages us to live righteously and with purpose, knowing that our ultimate transformation is assured.

Vision of Christ
The promise of seeing Christ "as He is" should inspire us to seek a deeper relationship with Him now, through prayer, study, and obedience.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding our identity as "children of God" impact the way we live our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for the transformation that will occur when Christ appears?

3. How does the promise of seeing Christ "as He is" influence our current relationship with Him?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to live with the eager expectation of Christ's return?

5. How do the connections to Romans 8:16-17 and Philippians 3:20-21 deepen our understanding of 1 John 3:2?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 8:16-17
This passage speaks about believers being children of God and heirs with Christ, emphasizing the familial relationship and future glory.

Philippians 3:20-21
Discusses the transformation of our lowly bodies to be like Christ's glorious body, connecting to the idea of being like Him when He appears.

1 Corinthians 13:12
Relates to seeing Christ "as He is," highlighting the transition from partial understanding to full knowledge.
A Present ReligionC. H. Spurgeon.1 John 3:2
By and ByC. H. Spurgeon.1 John 3:2
Future BlessednessT. Manton, D. D.1 John 3:2
Future LifeJ. A. Alexander, D. D.1 John 3:2
Future State of ChristiansN. Emmons, D. D.1 John 3:2
HeavenA. P. Peabody.1 John 3:2
Life and Character in GodA. R. Cocke, D. D.1 John 3:2
Love's Ultimate IntentionsC. Clemance, D. D.1 John 3:2
Man's Capability of Future Glory and BlessednessJ. Hawes, D. D.1 John 3:2
Now Sons, Though SufferersS. Martin.1 John 3:2
Of the Happiness of Good Men in the Future StateAbp. Tillotson.1 John 3:2
Our Ignorance and Our Knowledge of the Future StateH. Melvill, B. D.1 John 3:2
Our Imperfect Knowledge of the FutureH. W. Beecher.1 John 3:2
Our Knowledge of Heaven SmallG. Payson.1 John 3:2
Progress of ManhoodJ. Parker, D. D.1 John 3:2
Sonship the Foreshadowing of HeavenM. R. Vincent, D. D.1 John 3:2
The Beatific VisionC. H. Spurgeon.1 John 3:2
The Blessed Vision of ChristQuoted by Dr. Hanford.1 John 3:2
The Eternal Future Clear Only in ChristJohn Ker, D. D.1 John 3:2
The Final TransgurationR. W. Hamilton, LL. D.1 John 3:2
The Glory of Divine SonshipJ. H. Hill.1 John 3:2
The Manifestations of ChristG. Calthrop, M. A.1 John 3:2
The Possessions and Prospects of BelieversW. M. Statham, M. A.1 John 3:2
The Present and the Future of Christian LifeD. E. Ford.1 John 3:2
The Present Condition and Future Prospects of BelieversW. Welsh.1 John 3:2
The Purifying HopeCharles Kingsley1 John 3:2
The Spirituality of the Beatific VisionW. Reeves, M. A.1 John 3:2
The Transforming Power of the Revelation of GodT. T. Munger.1 John 3:2
The Two TransfigurationsT. G. Selby.1 John 3:2
The Unrevealed Future of the Sons of GodA. Maclaren, D. D.1 John 3:2
Transfiguration by Sight of Christ1 John 3:2
Transformations1 John 3:2
What We Shall BeCanon Scott Holland.1 John 3:2
A Christian's High Condition and HopeJ. N. Pearson, M. A.1 John 3:1-6
Adopting Love of the FatherJohn Eadie, D. D.1 John 3:1-6
Children of GodNewman Smyth.1 John 3:1-6
Children of GodD. Wilcox.1 John 3:1-6
Christians UnknownW. H. Lewis, D. D.1 John 3:1-6
God's Adoptive LoveJ. Morgan, D. D.1 John 3:1-6
Slighted by the WorldScraggs.1 John 3:1-6
Sons of GodS. E. Pierce.1 John 3:1-6
The Dignity of Human Nature and its Consequent ObligationsCharles Lowell.1 John 3:1-6
The Divine Birth -- the Family LikenessR. S. Candlish, D. D.1 John 3:1-6
The FatherJ. J. Eastmead.1 John 3:1-6
The Father's Love and the Children's BlessednessM. G. Pearce.1 John 3:1-6
The Hidden LifeC. H. Spurgeon.1 John 3:1-6
The Love that Calls Us SonsA. Maclaren, D. D.1 John 3:1-6
The Manner of Love Bestowed Upon UsW. Mudge, B. A.1 John 3:1-6
The Present Relationship and Future Prospects of the FaithfulH. P. Bower.1 John 3:1-6
The Privileges of the GoodSamuel Roberts, M. A.1 John 3:1-6
The Sons of GodT. Manton, D. D.1 John 3:1-6
The Spiritual Sonship1 John 3:1-6
The Wonderful Love of God as Displayed in Human RedemptionW. Lloyd.1 John 3:1-6
The World Does not Know ChristC. Stanford, D. D.1 John 3:1-6
The World Knoweth Us NotT. Manton, D. D.1 John 3:1-6
What Manner of LoveA. H. M. H. Aitken.1 John 3:1-6
Righteousness and Sin in Relation to Children of GodR. Finlayson 1 John 3:1-12
The Present and the Future of the GoodW. Jones 1 John 3:2, 3
People
Cain, John
Places
Ephesus
Topics
Appear, Appeared, Appears, Beloved, Christ, Clear, Dear, Friends, Fully, Future, God's, Loved, Manifest, Manifested, Ones, Present, Reappears, Revealed, Revelation, Sons, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 John 3:2

     1145   God, transcendent
     1194   glory, divine and human
     1445   revelation, responses
     1466   vision
     5013   heart, divine
     5023   image of God
     5149   eyes
     5195   veil
     5977   waiting
     6201   imperfection, and God's purposes
     6609   adoption
     7950   mission, of Christ
     8117   discipleship, benefits
     8441   goals
     8738   evil, victory over
     9105   last things
     9110   after-life
     9130   future, the
     9413   heaven, inheritance
     9414   heaven, community of redeemed
     9615   hope, results of

1 John 3:1-2

     6610   adoption, descriptions
     6717   reconciliation, world to God

1 John 3:1-3

     2565   Christ, second coming
     8106   assurance, nature of
     9613   hope, as confidence

1 John 3:1-6

     1065   God, holiness of

1 John 3:2-3

     1620   beatitudes, the
     6611   adoption, privileges and duties
     6746   sanctification, means and results
     8115   discipleship, nature of
     8164   spirituality
     8206   Christlikeness
     8244   ethics, and grace
     8271   holiness, purpose
     8348   spiritual growth, nature of
     8349   spiritual growth, means of
     9315   resurrection, of believers

Library
The Purifying Hope
Eversley, 1869. Windsor Castle, 1869. 1 John iii. 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. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Let us consider this noble text, and see something, at least, of what it has to tell us. It is, like all God's messages, all God's laws, ay, like God's world in which we live and breathe,
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love.
Text: 1 John 3, 13-18. 13 Marvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not 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 know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Growth and Power of Sin
'And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering: But unto Cain, and to his offering, he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Love that Calls us Sons
'Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God....'--1 John iii. 1. One or two points of an expository character will serve to introduce what else I have to say on these words. The text is, I suppose, generally understood as if it pointed to the fact that we are called the sons of God as the great exemplification of the wonderfulness of His love. That is a perfectly possible view of the connection and meaning of the text. But if we are to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Unrevealed Future of the Sons of God
'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.'--1 John iii. 2. I have hesitated, as you may well believe, whether I should take these words for a text. They seem so far to surpass anything that can be said concerning them, and they cover such immense fields of dim thought, that one may well be afraid lest one should spoil them by even attempting to dilate on them. And
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Purifying Influence of Hope
'And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.'--1 John iii. 3. That is a very remarkable 'and' with which this verse begins. The Apostle has just been touching the very heights of devout contemplation, soaring away up into dim regions where it is very hard to follow,--'We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.' And now, without a pause, and linking his thoughts together by a simple 'and,' he passes from the unimaginable splendours of the Beatific Vision
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Practical Righteousness
Little children, let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.'--1 John iii. 7. The popular idea of the Apostle John is strangely unlike the real man. He is supposed to be the gentle Apostle of Love, the mystic amongst the Twelve. He is that, but he was the 'son of thunder' before he was the Apostle of Love, and he did not drop the first character when he attained the second. No doubt his central thought was, 'God is Love'; no doubt that thought had
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Meaning of Sin, and the Revelation of the True Self
"In this we have come to know what love is, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."--1 JOHN III. 16. It is important that we should arrive at some clearer understanding of the nature of sin. Let us approach the question from the side of the Divine Indwelling. The doctrine of the Divine Immanence, in things and in persons, that doctrine which we are to-day slowly recovering, is rescued from pantheism by holding fast at the same time to the Christian
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

How to Fertilize Love
Love is the greatest thing in earth or heaven. Out of it flows most of the things that are worth while in life. Love of relatives, love of friends, and love of the brethren (1 John 3: 14) make life worth living. There is no heart so empty as the heart that is without love. There is no life so joyful as the love-filled life. Love puts a song in the heart, a sparkle in the eye, a smile on the lips, and makes the whole being glad. And God's love is greater than all else. He who has God's love has a
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks

Vanity of Human Glory.
"The world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not."--1 John iii. 1 Of St. Simon and St. Jude, the Saints whom we this day commemorate, little is known[1]. St. Jude, indeed, still lives in the Church in his Catholic epistle; but of his history we only know that he was brother to St. James the Less, and nearly related to our Lord and that, like St. Peter, he had been a married man. Besides his name of Jude or Judas, he is also called Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus in the Gospels. Of St. Simon we only
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The First Fruits of the Spirit
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:1 1. By "them which are in Christ Jesus," St. Paul evidently means, those who truly believe in him; those who, "being justified by faith, have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." They who thus believe do no longer "walk after the flesh," no longer follow the motions of corrupt nature, but "after the Spirit"; both their thoughts, words, and works are under
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The End of Christ's Coming
"For this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8. 1. Many eminent writers, heathen as well as Christian, both in earlier and later ages, have employed their utmost labour and art in painting the beauty of virtue. And the same pains they have taken to describe, in the liveliest colours, the deformity of vice; both of vice in general, and of those particular vices which were most prevalent in their respective ages and countries. With equal care
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin." 1 John 3:9. 1. It has been frequently supposed, that the being born of God was all one with the being justified; that the new birth and justification were only different expressions, denoting the same thing: It being certain, on the one hand, that whoever is justified is also born of God; and, on the other, that whoever is born of God is also justified; yea, that both these gifts of God are given to every believer in one and the same moment. In one
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Beatific vision
"Millions of years my wondering eyes Shall o'er thy beauties rove; And endless ages I'll adore The glories of thy love." We are rejoiced to find such a verse as this, for it tells us that our curiosity shall be satisfied, our desire consummated, our bliss perfected. "WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS." Heaven shall be ours, and all we ever dreamed of him shall be more than in our possession. By the help of God's mighty Spirit, who alone can put words in our mouths, let us speak first of all concerning the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

A Present Religion
It is astonishing how distance blunts the keen edge of anything that is disagreeable. War is at all times a most fearful scourge. The thought of slain bodies and of murdered men must always harrow up the soul; but because we hear of these things in the distance, there are few Englishmen who can truly enter into their horrors. If we should hear the booming of cannon on the deep which girdles this island; if we should see at our doors the marks of carnage and bloodshed; then should we more thoroughly
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Death of Christ for his People
"He laid down his life for us."--1 John 3:16. COME, believer and contemplate this sublime truth, thus proclaimed to thee in simple monosyllables: "He laid down his life for us." There is not one long word in the sentence; it is all as simple as it can be; and it is simple because it is sublime. Sublimity in thought always needs simplicity in words to express itself. Little thoughts require great words to explain them; little preachers need Latin words to convey their feeble ideas, but great thoughts
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 46: 1900

The Warrant of Faith
We sing, and sing rightly too-- "My soul, no more attempt to draw Thy life and comfort from the law," for from the law death cometh and not life, misery and not comfort. "To convince and to condemn is all the law can do." O, when will all professors, and especially all professed ministers of Christ, learn the difference between the law and the gospel? Most of them make a mingle-mangle, and serve out deadly potions to the people, often containing but one ounce of gospel to a pound of law, whereas,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 9: 1863

The Way of Life.
(Second Sunday after Trinity.) 1 JOHN iii. 14. "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." The writings of S. John the Evangelist breathe forth love as a flower garden does sweetness. Here lies the secret of S. John's title, "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Love begets love, and the disciple was so near to the heart of his Master because he loved much. When the text was written he was a very old man, and Bishop of Ephesus. It was in that fair and famous
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

"But Ye have Received the Spirit of Adoption, Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. "
Rom. viii. 15.--"But ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God," 1 John iii. 1. It is a wonderful expression of love to advance his own creatures, not only infinitely below himself, but far below other creatures, to such a dignity. Lord, what is man that thou so magnified him! But it surpasseth wonder, that rebellious creatures, his enemies, should have, not only
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. "
Rom. viii. 15.--"Whereby we cry, Abba, Father." As there is a light of grace in bestowing such incomparably high dignities and excellent gifts on poor sinners, such as, to make them the sons of God who were the children of the devil, and heirs of a kingdom who were heirs of wrath; so there is a depth of wisdom in the Lord's allowance and manner of dispensing his love and grace in this life. For though the love be wonderful, that we should be called the sons of God; yet, as that apostle speaks,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"And for Sin Condemned Sin in the Flesh. "
Rom. viii. 3.--"And for sin condemned sin in the flesh." The great and wonderful actions of great and excellent persons must needs have some great ends answerable to them. Wisdom will teach them not to do strange things, but for some rare purposes, for it were a folly and madness to do great things to compass some small and petty end, as unsuitable as that a mountain should travail to bring forth a mouse. Truly we must conceive, that it must needs be some honourable and high business, that brought
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

What is Sanctification?
Scripturally, the word sanctification has three meanings: First, separation; second, dedication; third, spirit-filling. Webster's definition of it is as follows: "1. Sanctification is the act of God's grace by which the affections of man are purified, or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme love of God; also, the state of being thus purified or sanctified. 2. The act of consecrating, or setting apart for a sacred purpose." "Sanctifier. One who sanctifies or makes holy; specifically,
J. W. Byers—Sanctification

The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
1. Conviction of guilt necessary.--2. A charge of rebellion against God advanced.--3. Where it is shown--that all men are born under God's law.--4. That no man hath perfectly kept it.--5. An appeal to the reader's conscience on this head, that he hath not.--6. That to have broken it, is an evil inexpressibly great.--7. Illustrated by a more particular view of the aggravations of this guilt, arising--from knowledge.--8. From divine favors received.--9. From convictions of conscience overborne.--10.
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Solidarity of the Human Family
Every man has worth and sacredness as a man. We fixed on that as the simplest and most fundamental social principle of Jesus. The second question is, What relation do men bear to each other? DAILY READINGS First Day: The Social Impulse and the Law of Christ And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, trying him: Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

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