John’s First Epistle

1 Jno. 3:1-3

Love, Hope & God’s Children

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ² Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.³ And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

– 1 Jno. 3:1-3

On a very simple level, John wants us to see something; appreciate it and hold to it: See what kind of love the Father has given to us. This love the Father has bestowed finds expression in our relationship and identity: that we should be called children of God, and so we are!

If there were nothing else to see and appreciate, this would be sufficient ground for us to sing, praise God, be content and continue our obedience to Christ, even though the world does not know us. God knows us. Christ died for us.

While we do not have an exact description of what we will be in heaven, we have assurance that we will be like Him.

So these opening verses in 1 Jno. 3 contain love, bestowed by God to enable us to be in His family. Hope, that we will be like Christ eternally.

And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure. Those who really appreciate what John has written here, and who cherish this hope purify themselves through the blood of Christ. Remember what is stated back in chapter one? If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.