1 John 3:1-7: The Assurance of God's Love
The Marvel of God's Love
In 1 John 3:1-7, the apostle John writes about the incredible love of God towards us, His children. This passage is a beautifully crafted expression of the depth of God's affection for us, and the confidence we can have in His love.
God's Love: A Marvel Beyond Comprehension
1 John 3:1-2
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." (NIV)
John begins by highlighting the extraordinary nature of God's love. The phrase "what great love" (potapēn agapēn) emphasizes the magnitude of God's affection towards us. The Father's love is not just a gentle fondness, but a lavish, extravagant, and unrestrained love.
The World's Incomprehension
The world, lacking understanding of God's love, is unable to comprehend our true identity as children of God. This lack of understanding is not due to any fault of our own, but rather because the world did not know Jesus Christ, the ultimate expression of God's love.
The Hope of Being Like Christ
1 John 3:2-3
"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." (NIV)
As believers, we are currently children of God, but our future is shrouded in mystery. However, we do know that when Christ returns, we will be transformed to be like Him. This promise is not just a vague hope, but a certainty rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ.
Purifying Ourselves
1 John 3:3
"All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." (NIV)
In light of this glorious hope, we are motivated to purify ourselves, just as Christ is pure. This purification is not a means of earning salvation, but rather a natural response to the love and grace we have received.
Righteousness and Sin
1 John 3:4-7
"Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him there is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him." (NIV)
John contrasts the righteous life with the sinful one. Those who continue to sin demonstrate that they do not know God, whereas those who live in Christ do not continue to sin. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that reflects our true identity as children of God.
In conclusion, 1 John 3:1-7 is a powerful reminder of God's immense love for us, and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. As we respond to this love, we are motivated to purify ourselves and live righteous lives, reflecting the character of our heavenly Father.
