Summary: To establish that at Christ's second appearance; we shall see Him as He is, and be like Him: in righteousness, purity, and glory. This lesson stresses that we are sons of God, pure in heart, and made righteous: just as He is, "through the faith of Christ Jesus."

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Just as He is: Sons

2. Just as He is: Pure

3. Just as He is: Righteous

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: "Just as He is." John wrote: we shall see Him as He is, and be like Him, in glory and honor. This is solely possible because we are the sons of God. Christ's finished work of redemption: has made us sons through the Holy Spirit; and His work in the resurrection of Christ, 1 Peter 3:20-21. This fulfilled the promise God made unto Abraham; through, his seed, Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:6-9; Galatians 3:13-14; Galatians 4:4-7. This lesson stresses that we are the sons of God; pure in heart, and made righteous: just as He is, "through the faith of Christ; the righteousness of God by faith," Philippians 3:9. We have not earned this favor; but, it was given because of the love, mercy and, grace of God, through our faith and obedience to Christ.

2. First, we will consider, when He is revealed from heaven, we shall be just as He is, as “sons of God.” John wrote: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God...and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is," 1 John 3:1-2.

3. Second, we will discuss, he who maintains their hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. John continues: "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure," 1 John 3:3. The apostle speaks to the promise mentioned in the previous two verses. That is, we are children of God and, we shall see Him as He is and be like Him, when He returns for His saints.

4. Lastly, we will investigate he who practices righteousness; is righteous, just as He is righteous. John concluded: "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil," 1 John 3:7-8. Our righteousness is procured: "through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith," Philippians 3:9. With this brief introduction, let's consider the first point in this lesson, "Just as He is: Sons."

BODY OF LESSON

I JUST AS HE IS: SONS

A. John wrote: "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," 1 John 3:1-2. Let's consider these marvelous promises, revealed to us by John, the apostle of love.

B. Love of the Father. "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," 1 John 3:1. Observe--

1. First, the manner of love: "The Father hath bestowed upon us," 1 John 3:1a. John speaks much regarding the love of God; in his gospel and these three Letters. The world has been granted the love of God in the gift of His Son; and, the gift of eternal life. God has "bestowed upon us" His love. This word bestowed in Gr., is didomi or de'-do-me, which means to bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, minister... offer, shew, etc. It is as a result of the goodness of the giver; not, the goodness of those that receive it, John 3:16; Romans 5:8. I wish I had some help! He wrote of it as being:

a. God's gift: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son," John 3:16a. He gave His only Son, unto the world; because of His unspeakable love. This verse manifests unto all; through who God, has bestowed his love unto the world – that is Christ Jesus.

b. God's blessing: "That whosoever believeth on should not perish, but have everlasting life," John 3:16b.

1) The rest of the verse declares how the world should not perish and obtain "everlasting life;" and that is, belief in Jesus Christ. We should be careful here, not to infer that "faith" is all that is required, to inherit "everlasting life."

2) The verb "believeth" in the Gr., is pisteuo or pe-styü'-o, which means to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):—believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with. That is, to trust faithfully in Christ and His word. This kind of faith is active, and, not passive. This faith not only believes; but, it is obedient.

3) We will deal with this idea more fully, later in the lesson. But for now, let's notice God's purpose in bestowing or granting His love to all.

c. God's purpose:

1) First, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved," John 3:17; John 6:40; John 12:47-48.

2) Second, "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost," Matthew 18:11; Matthew 1:23; Luke 19:10.

3) Third, "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus: Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified (of) in due time," 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Matthew 20:28; Titus 1:1-3.

4) Fourth, "And we have seen and do testify, that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world," 1 John 4:14; 1 John 2:1-2.

5) Fifth, "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," 1 John 3:16; John 10:15-18. As Christ died for us; we should be willing to die for Him, and one another, if required. I wish I had some help! Amen, elder Doors!

2. Further, John continues: "That we should be called the sons of God," 1 John 3:1b. John now declares the certainty of our being sons of God. It is a beloved thing to be called the sons of God, but it comes with a great price. Consider--

a. Jesus said: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave (the) power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name," John 1:11-12. The word power here means: the right or privilege to become sons of God.

b. Sons of God. We cannot speak of any greater glory than to be acknowledged as sons and daughters of God.

c. Conclusion: "We love Him, because He first loved us," 1 John 4:19. He continues – that because of God's love for us; we shall be shunned and hated by the world because the world first hated the Son. Therefore, if the world does not know the Father, it will not know His children.

3. Next, Paul speaks of our becoming the sons of God. Notice--

a. First, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as having been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise," Galatians 3:26-29.

b. Second, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty," 2 Corinthians 6:17-18.

c. Third, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God," Romans 8:14.

d. Fourth, "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father," Galatians 4:6. To establish this point--

1) B. W. Johnson wrote: "For ye are all the children of God. Faith has come to all of you. You are all God's children by faith in Christ...He now shows how their faith acted to bring them into Christ. As Dr. Schaff says, "Faith always implies surrender." Faith leads to obedience. The believer is baptized into Christ, and being found in him has put on Christ. Being in Christ, a member of his body, and part of the Son... (He) becomes a child of God," Page 459. Johnson also wrote of this union with Christ in the Book of Romans. In Romans--

2) B. W. Johnson continued: "To be baptized into Christ means to enter into a vital union with him, to be found in him (Gal. 3:27). But this baptism into Christ implies death, for it is a baptism into the death of Christ. That the subjects of baptism are partakers of his death is shown by the form of baptism. It is a burial... We are buried...through baptism into death... As Christ died (for our) sin, we die to (our) sin; as the Crucified Christ was buried, we who have died to sin through the gospel are buried with him...That like as Christ was raised from the dead... So we, too, rise from the watery burial... to walk in newness of life."

3) B. W. Johnson concluded: "This passage cannot be understood unless it is borne in mind that the primitive baptism was by immersion."—Conybeare and Howson. "That the custom of baptism by immersion is alluded to is generally admitted, but the emersion is as significant as the immersion."—Dr. Philip Schaff. "It seems to us very probable that the apostle alludes to the external form of the baptismal rite in the primitive church."—Godet. (Finally), "The apostle alludes to the ancient manner of baptizing by immersion."—John Wesley," Page 360-361.

4) Conclusion: Paul was affirming that it was: "through the faith in Christ Jesus," we were: "buried with Him in baptism," that we might rise from the watery grave, into a new life in Christ, to walk in the righteousness of God, Romans 6:17-18; Romans 6:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Therefore, it was through "faith and baptism," we have become children of God: "through the faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:26-27. Our Sonship: is through faith and obedience to Christ!

NOTE: To fully understanding this phrase, review our lessons: "By Grace, ye are Saved," on SermonCentral.com.

4. Additionally, John affirms: "Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not," 1 John 3:1c. Jesus was not known to the world; because, He declared Himself to be the Son of God. We too; as sons, are not known by the world. I think this thought bears some more investigation. Notice--

a. First, "Therefore the world knoweth us not." John is stating that the world will have no fellowship with the children of light. And conversely, the children of light have no "fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness," Ephesians 5:6-12.

b. Second, "Because it knew Him not." Jesus said: "If the world hates you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you," John 15:18-19; John 15:23-25.

c. Third, John continued his message of loving the brotherhood. He wrote:

1) First, "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hates 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," 1 John 3:13-14.

2) Second, "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes," 1 John 2:8-11.

d. Third, Paul wrote: "Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware," Hebrews 13:1-2.

e. Genuine love for the brethren; is the true sign of discipleship, John 13:34-35. John affirms: “Anyone that doth not love his brother; is not a true ‘disciple of Christ.’” We will revisit this idea later in the lesson.

5. Finally, John declared, beloved now are we the sons of God. We are sons of God right now; but, then at His appearance, we shall be sons: "just as he is." He continues his message to his children.

C. When our change comes: "It doth not yet appear what we shall be." John affirms: "We have already inherited the greatest privilege: that is being the sons and daughters of God. It, however, "does not yet appear what we shall be" in our last and final change. Observe--

1. Our future state in form and glory; has not at this time been revealed fully unto us. Even we cannot imagine the blessedness of "the redemption of the body," Romans 8:23. Paul penned elsewhere:

a. First, to the Ephesians, he wrote: "In whom ye also trusted, after that, ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory," Ephesians 1:13-14. Also, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption," Ephesians 4:30.

b. Further, to the Philippians, he wrote: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself," Philippians 3:20-21. Considering our body, Paul continued our change with the Corinthians.

c. Next, to the Corinthians, "It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body... Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed...So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory," 1 Corinthians 15:43-54.

NOTE: Review our lesson "Christian Certainties" on SermonCentral.com.

d. Finally, to the Thessalonians, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Others have written on this change. Notice--

2. Job wrote: "If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come," Job 14:14.

a. His days are determined, Job 14:5.

b. There is an appointed time, Job 7:1.

3. David wrote: "I waited patiently for the LORD, and he inclined unto me and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings," Psalms 40:1-2.

4. Solomon wrote: A season and time for every purpose under heaven, Ecclesiastes 3:1-15. Paul confirms this truth. There is a time for life and for the judgment, Acts 17:26-28; Acts 17:30; Hebrews 9:27.

5. Daniel wrote: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever," Daniel 12:2-3.

6. Conclusion: The Apostle Paul and other writers have written on this important subject; that there shall be a change, that is the "redemption of the body," when the Lord is revealed from heaven. We shall be "like he is" having been adorned with a "glorified body" just like the Lord. This will occur at the resurrection which the Lord has promised, John 5:28-29. Death as we know it is not the end. To the saint, it is but asleep. A rest until our Lord is revealed at the "end," 1 Corinthians 15:20-27.

D. But we know that: "When he shall appear, we shall be like Him." We now have a better idea of what John means, "when he shall appear, we shall be like Him." We need to investigate it a little further. Observe--

1. First, "But we know that." John begins by affirming that we know that these things and they are true. The word "know" in the Gr., is eído, i'-do; is a primary verb; used as past tense, which means to see; by implication, to know:—be aware, too (have) know (-ledge), perceive, be sure, to understand.

a. These believers knew this truth from the preaching of John, and the understanding granted to them by the Holy Spirit, 1 John 3:24; 1 John 2:20.

b. This knowledge was provided, either from "hearing" or by "revelation" from John and the Holy Spirit, 1 John 2:27.

c. Perhaps revealed by prophets in the church, or the apostle John himself, 1 John 4:1-2; 1 John 4:13.

d. These children had: "experiential knowledge," of Jesus Christ, as being the Son of God. This knowledge was empirical, pragmatic, and firsthand. It was not theoretical; but, realistic, observed, and practical. Amen, sister Walls!

2. Further, "When he shall appear." He continues, when He that is Jesus shall appear; undoubtedly has reference to His second coming. The delay is not from knowing; but seeing. This will occur when He shall appear, from heaven at His second advent, Acts 1:9-11; John 14:1-3; 1 John 2:28.

a. The words “shall appear” in the Gr., is phaneróo, fan-er-o'-o; which means to render apparent:—appear, be manifest, manifestly declare, shew forth (self). John declares Jesus shall appear and be manifested at His second coming.

b. Christ was manifested in the flesh. Paul wrote: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory," 1 Timothy 3:16.

c. Christ was manifested to bring life. He continues: "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel," 2 Timothy 1:10.

d. He shall be manifested again in His glory. He concludes: "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory," Colossians 3:4; Titus 2:13-14.

e. Jesus promised: "For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my words, of him, shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his glory, and his Father's, and of the holy angels," Luke 9:26; Matthew 25:31-46.

3. Next, "We shall be." John moves us forward in writing: "we shall be" involves two things that bear mentioning at this time.

a. One, we shall be, in other words, we will be alive. Death is certain; but, life in Christ is promised. David wrote: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness," Psalms 17:15.

b. Two, this new life shall be with Him in glory.

1) David again: "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory," Psalms 73:24.

2) Paul wrote: "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words," 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Romans 8:14-18.

4. Finally, "Like Him." He concludes: "We shall be like him." John completes this thought by saying: when He shall appear; we shall see Him, and be "just like He is." Having ourselves, a glorified body fit for heavenly dwelling. Just as Paul reminds us: "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," 2 Corinthians 5:1. See also 2 Peter 1:13-14.

E. We shall see Him: "Just as He is." Won't it be wonderful then? This brings us to the question: At His return what shall Jesus be like? John mentioned as we began; it does not yet appear what we shall be; but when we see him, we shall be like Him. I might state now, John had viewed Jesus in His glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, with Peter and James. Consider--

1. Jesus' glory on the mount. Luke wrote: "And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in (their) glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory and the two men that stood with him (in their glory)," Luke 9:28-32; 2 Peter 1:16-18. Observe--

a. First, the word glory in Gr., is doxa or do'-ksä, which means glory (as very apparent), in a wide application:—dignity, glory (-ious), honor, praise, worship.

b. Further, Jesus countenance was altered. Luke wrote: "the appearance of Jesus was altered; or took on a glorious state: his raiment was white and glistering."

c. Next, two men Moses and Elias. Luke continued: "Appeared in glory, and spake of his decease." Moses and Elias appear with Jesus in their glory. You ain't listening! These had already passed into their glory. They were: “like Him.”

d. Finally, Peter and others. Luke concluded: "When they were awake, they saw His glory and the two men that stood with him." Peter, James, and John beheld on the mount: the glory of the Lord, Moses, and Elias. It is this glory we look forward unto, at His second appearance.

2. Peter, James, and John beheld the glory of Christ; as he spoke to Moses and Elias. They beheld the glory to which Jesus would be raised after His resurrection from the dead.

a. To better understand this glorious condition; we must return to Paul's Letter to the Philippians.

b. In chapter three, Paul describes the glorious body of Christ; its form and the saint's likeness: at Jesus return from heaven in His glory.

3. Paul wrote: "For our conversation (manner of life) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself," Philippians 3:20-21. Consider--

a. Fashioned like unto His glorious body. The word "glorious" in the Gr., is the same word Luke used; to describe the Lord's glory upon the Mount.

b. Paul refers to Christ's current glorified state, which occurred at His resurrection. Some early scholars have written of Christ's glorified body. Notice:

c. B. W. Johnson wrote: "At the coming of Christ we shall be like him. Then we shall be like him in our body... (Philippians 3:21). We shall also be found morally in his image... we shall see him as he is. To look upon him has the power to change us into his glory, (2 Corinthians 3:18)...Every man that hath this hope...To have a hope of being like Christ leads us to try to be like Christ; hence, to be pure as he is pure (in this life)," Page 605.

d. Matthew Henry wrote: "The sons of God will be known and be made manifest by their likeness to their head: They shall be like him—like him in honor, and power, and glory. Their vile bodies shall be made like his glorious body; they shall be filled with life, light, and bliss from him. When he, who is their life, shall appear, they also shall appear with him in glory, (Colossians) iii. 4," Page 1895.

e. W. E. Vine wrote: "Of the state of blessedness into which believers are to enter hereafter through being brought into the likeness of Christ, e.g., Rom. 8:18, 21; Phil. 3:21 (RV, "the body of His glory")," Page 153.

4. Conclusion: On the Mount of Transfiguration Jesus took on a glorious form, resembling His exalted state: and that of the Father in heaven. It was into this form the body of Christ was fashioned, at His resurrection from the dead. This is the glorious form that all the saints are promised and appointed too; and shall be granted when Jesus Christ our Savior returns from heaven, to judge the "living and the dead," 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5-6; Psalms 96:13; Matthew 16:27. It will be at His return, "we shall see Him" and, be "just as He is" at His appearance.

NOTE: To understand Jesus' resurrection further, see our lesson: "Passing through the Pieces," on SermonCentral.com. With this explanation, let's look at the next point in this lesson, "Just as He is: pure."

II JUST AS HE IS: PURE

A. John continued: "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure," 1 John 3:3. What hope does he refer too in this verse? Quickly summarizing the previous point, which describes the manner of love the Father hath given unto His children. Observe--

1. The manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us is that:

a. We are the sons of God. We are the children of God; He is our Father and we are his children.

b. When He shall appear, we shall be like Him.

c. We shall see "Him as He is." But we know wrote John, of this glorious revelation which we have from Him. This we know for certain, that at His return, we shall be like him.

1) We shall be fashioned liken unto His glorious body, Philippians 3:21.

a) This body shall be sown in corruption; but, raised in incorruption, 1 Corinthians 15:42.

b) This body shall be sown in dishonor; but, raised in glory, 1 Corinthians 15:43.

c) This body shall be sown a natural body; but, raised a spiritual body, 1 Corinthians 15:44.

d) In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.

2) This corruption must put on incorruption, 1 Corinthians 15:53a.

3) This mortality must put on immortality, 1 Corinthians 15:53b-56.

2. We shall be pure, "as He is pure." Every man, therefore, that hath this hope is led to follow in the steps of Christ, to be pure as he is pure. We must strive to live to be pure both in heart; and, as well as our walk of faith in Christ.

a. Jesus said: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God," Matthew 5:8.

b. David wrote:

1) First, "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O, when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart," Psalms 101:2.

2) Second, "With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward," Psalms 18:26; Titus 1:15.

3) Lastly, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands; and a pure heart, who hath not lifted his soul: unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation," Psalms 24:3-5; Psalms 15:1-5.

NOTE: Illustrate, David's life, Samuel wrote: "And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. Wherefore, when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him," 1 Samuel 18:14-15; 2 Samuel 8:15. When the saints behave wisely; the Lord is with them; and, the evil ones are afraid of them. Even the devil will flee from you, 1 Peter 5:8-9.

c. Peter wrote: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently," 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:22.

d. Paul wrote: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works," Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 2:9-12. Consider--

1) The grace of God teaches us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. As Christians, we must not just claim we are righteous because of our relationship to Christ; but, we must also live a life of righteousness before God and men. "That he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you," Titus 2:6-8; 1 Peter 3:15-16.

2) He is righteous: "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him," 1 John 2:29; 1 Peter 1:23.

3) The righteousness of God is through the faith in Christ Jesus.

a) First, "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference," Romans 3:21-22.

i) We become children of God: "through the faith (dia tes pistis) in Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:11-12.

ii) We receive the promise of the Spirit: "through the faith (dia tes pistis)" of Christ, Galatians 3:14; Galatians 3:2.

iii) We are made righteous: "through the faith of (dia tes pistis) Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith," Philippians 3:8-9; 2 Peter 1:1. I wish I had some help!

b) Second, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written: The just shall live by faith," Romans 1:16-17.

c) Third, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. For I, bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. They being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their righteousness, have not submitted them self-unto the righteousness of God. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth," Romans 10:1-4.

3. Conclusion: God has made us righteous through Christ; that we might live a righteous life before Him and men. This righteousness is through the faith (dia tes pistis), which is in Christ Jesus. Through which He might present to Himself a glorious church: "not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish," Ephesians 5:26-27. Amen, elder Ceilings! Now, John turns to those who willfully and consistently commit sin and liveth in unrighteousness.

B. Whosoever committeth sin: "Transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law," 1 John 3:4. John wrote: sin is the transgression of the law. Observe--

1. Whosoever committeth (continues in) sin. The word "committeth" in the Gr., is poieo or poi-e'-o, which means to do, cause, etc., sometimes signifies to commit, of any act; rightly has "doeth," i.e., of a continuous habit, equivalent to "prasso," to practice. John describes those who continually or consistently practice sin and ungodliness. This applies to both those who have not embraced Christ; as well as those, who have once obeyed, but now walks in unrighteousness. Consider--

a. Jesus spoke to the Jews:

1) One, "Answering them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin," John 8:34. Jesus used the same word "committeth," that John uses, in 1 John 3:4.

2) Two, "And this is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God," John 3:19-21.

3) Third, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity," Matthew 7:21-23.

b. Paul wrote: "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication: sinneth against his own body," 1 Corinthians 6:18.

1) Paul uses the Gr., word porneuo or por-nyü'-o, which means to act the harlot, i.e., indulge unlawful lust, or practice idolatry:—commit (fornication). See, also 1 Corinthians 10:8.

2). He speaks of a willing and continual practice of sin, the sin of fornication or adultery, even as did the Lord, Matthew 5:32-33; Matthew 19:9.

c. Conclusion: Jesus useth the same word as doth John in the text above; and Paul in his Letter to the Corinthians. Therefore, the words he that "committeth sin;" and, he that "doeth evil" are synonymous. Both are from the Gr., word "poi-e'-o." The meaning is he: who practices or continues in sin; walketh in darkness; and, cometh not into the light. However, he that "doeth the will of the Father;” and, “cometh into the light,” – Christ: “shall enter into the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 7:24-27. John explains, he that sinneth--

2. Transgresseth also the law. The word "transgression" in Gr., is anomia or ä-no-me'-ä, which means illegality, i.e., a violation of law or wickedness:—iniquity, transgress (-ion of) the law, unrighteousness.

3. Sin is the transgression of the law. John now mentions that sin is the transgression of the law of God. We find this truth, throughout the bible. Observe—

a. Moses wrote: "Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him," Numbers 15:31.

b. Samuel wrote: "And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice," 1 Samuel 15:24; 1 Samuel 15:22. The man of God must not do anything for the “fear of the people;” but, to fulfill the will of God.

c. Ezra wrote: "And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them: Thus saith God, Why transgress you the commandments of the LORD that ye cannot prosper? Because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you," 2 Chronicles 24:20.

d. Ezekiel wrote: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father; neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live," Ezekiel 18:20-22.

e. Paul wrote: "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," Romans 3:20-23; Job 14:4; Job 15:14; Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 17:9.

4. Conclusion: Sin is the transgression of the Law. Once committed, one could not be justified by it; all have sinned, and therefore cannot be justified by the Law or any moral standing. Justification is brought about by Christ: by His finished work at Calvary, to justify and redeem all that cometh unto Him through faith and obedience. Jesus came to take away our sins and to destroy the works of the evil one. John continued, and ye know that--

C. He was manifest: "To take away our sins; and in him is no sin," 1 John 3:5. John wrote: Christ was manifested to take away our sins. He came to forgive sins and to destroy the works of the devil. Observe--

1. And ye know that he was manifested. The word "manifest" in the Gr., is phaneróo or ä-ne-ro'-o, which means to render apparent (literally or figuratively):—appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self). The idea is to make manifest, or visible or known that which has been hidden or unknown.

2. God was manifested. He made manifest, by words, deeds, or in other ways; his will unto mankind. Recall: "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," Hebrews 1:1-3.

3. This also agrees with Paul: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory," 1 Timothy 3:16. Paul continued--

a. First, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for who are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings," Hebrews 2:9-10.

b. Further, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage," Hebrews 2:14-15.

c. Finally, "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him," Hebrews 5:7-9.

4. Conclusion: Jesus learned obedience experimentally. He was fitted in all points to be our High Priest by the things which He suffered: made Him, not a perfect man, for He was that already; but, now a perfect High Priest, He became. Through which, He is now the author of eternal salvation to all those (nations and peoples) that chose to obey Him. Paul said--

a. "Though he were a Son:"

1) "Yet He learned obedience – by the things which he suffered."

2) "Being made perfect (through His suffering)."

3) "He became: the author of eternal salvation."

4) "Unto all those that obey Him," Hebrews 5:8-9.

b. Christ was obedient to the Father; therefore, we must be obedient to God.

c. Every believer must have a heart of submission and willing obedience to God; if they desire to benefit from the redemptive sacrifice of Christ upon the cross. Salvation is possible only through our submission and obedience to the "will of God," Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21-23.

5. He was manifested to: "Take away our sins." He is the propitiation. Before we proceed further in this lesson, we need to: "dig a little deeper," into John's use of the word "propitiation." The word "propitiation" in Gr., is hilasmos or he-lä-smo's, which means, atonement, i.e., an expiator:—propitiation. Further, it means an appeasing, propitiation, or a mercy seat. Observe—

a. First, John wrote:

1) First, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments," 1 John 2:1-2.

2) Second, "And he (Christ) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also the sins of the whole world," 1 John 2:2.

3) Third, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins," 1 John 4:10; Psalms 129:4; Psalms 130:4.

b. Further, Paul wrote:

1) First, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of past sins, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus," Romans 3:24-26.

2) Second, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace," Ephesians 1:7.

3) Third, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins," Colossians 1:14.

c. Finally, the Hebrew writer inscribed: "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat (propitiation); of which we cannot now speak particularly," Hebrews 9:5. The earlier writers commented on the mercy seat. Notice--

1) B. W. Johnson wrote: "And over it the cherubim. These symbolic figures, made of gold, hovered over the lid of the ark, called the mercy seat. (He) cannot now speak particularly...or, to discuss the significance of each of these objects. The cherubim were angels, (Genesis 3:24)," Page 561.

2) Christ has become our mercy seat. As our High Priest, His blood continually covering our sins; as the mercy seat of God; that once existed in the Holy of Holies, under the Law of Moses; on the Day of Atonement.

NOTE: Illustrate, Propitiation – means of appeasing; mercy and sanctification.

d. Conclusion: The Lord hath become our "mercy seat" our "propitiation," for our sins; and, even the sins of the whole world. He is also our "Passover," 1 Corinthians 5:7. His life, suffering, death, and resurrection assure us of our "continual cleansing (forgiveness) from our sin"; under the covenant of Christ, Hebrews 10:15-22. The challenge before us is John's admonition to: "Continually walk in the light through the faith of Jesus Christ," 1 John 1:7-10; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 3:14.

6. And in Him is no sin. John concludes: "And in Him is no sin." John agrees with Paul and others regarding the life and purity of Christ. Observe—

a. Jesus said unto the Jews: "And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye, therefore, hear them not, because ye are not of God," John 8:45-47. Further--

b. John wrote: "And in Him is no sin." In Christ there dwelleth no sin. He is pure, righteous and the Son of God, 1 John 5:13; John 20:30-31. We will revisit this point later in the lesson.

c. Conclusion: The Lord declared that no one could convict Him of sin. John and other apostles wrote: In Him, there is no sin. He knew no sin. He did not sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. "The Lord was made to be sin for us; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," 2 Corinthians 5:21.

D. Abide in Him. "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not," 1 John 3:6a. We now are brought to a chilling conclusion. He that "abideth" in Him sinneth not. To better understand this dilemma, we need to define a few words. To see and understand them in the setting and times, in which John penned them. Observe—

1. The first word "abideth" in the Gr., is meno or me'-no, which means to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, endure, be present, remain, tarry (for), of thine own. The idea is of one being held, kept, or to continue in a present behavior or action. This behavior or action is: “sinneth not.”

2. The second word "sinneth not" in the Gr., is hamartano or hä-mär-tä'-no, which means to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., to err, especially (morally) to sin:—for your faults, offend, sin, trespass. Enjoined with the negative particle (not), it means not to give place, to abide, to tarry, or to practice such continually or habitually.

a. The believer once called: "out of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son;" doth not practice or abide, continually or habitually in sin, Colossians 1:12-13.

b. The saints are made: "Free from sin and hath become a servant of righteousness," Romans 6:17-18; John 8:31-32; John 8:36.

c. They now, therefore are no longer servants of sin: "But now being made free from sin, and become servants of God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life," Romans 6:20-23.

3. The saints no longer "abideth in sin" or practice unrighteousness; but, have become free from sin, to practice the righteousness of God: before Him and all men. In this, John did not say the "sons of God," doth not commit sin: but, doth not practice or habitually commit sin. They "abideth not" in sin; or "have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness," Ephesians 5:8-12.

4. If we announce fellowship with Him. John wrote: "If we say (announce) that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another; and, the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (and unrighteousness)," 1 John 1:6-7; 1 John 1:8-10. Consider—

a. "If we say (announce) we have fellowship with Him:"

1) "And walk in darkness."

2) "We lie, and do not the truth."

b. "But if we walk in the light:"

1) "As He is in the light."

2) "We have fellowship one with another."

3) "And, the blood of Jesus Christ His Son."

4) "Cleanseth us from all sin."

c. Conclusion: If we claim to have fellowship with Him (God); and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth. But, if we walk in the light; as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another. And the precious blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. Then truly, our fellowship is with the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and, also with one another (our brothers and sisters in Christ).

5. If we announce we have no sin. John continued: "If we say (announce) that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not (ever) sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us," 1 John 1:8-10.

Observe—

a. "If we say (announce) we have no sin:"

1) "We deceive ourselves."

2) "The truth is not in us."

b. "If we confess our sins:"

1) "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins."

2) "And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

c. "If we say we have not (ever) sinned:"

1) "We make Him a liar."

2) "His word is not in us."

d. Conclusion: If we claim to have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not (ever) sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."

6. We have an advocate. John penned further: "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also the sins of the whole world," 1 John 2:1-2. Notice his passion on the point of sin. Observe—

a. "I write to encourage you to sin not." Do not practice the sins of your past. You have been forgiven, live a life free from the practice of sin.

b. "And if any man sin." However, if you do err, stumble or fall, know this you have help in this time of trial and transgression.

c. "We have an advocate with the Father:"

1) "Jesus Christ the righteous."

2) "He is the propitiation for our sins." You have an advocate which sits alongside the Father; that is, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is there to plead for you in the hour of your need.

3) "And not for ours only." He knows about your struggle; he has been there also, yet, without sin. He is righteous; and asks of our Father, His mercy, kindness, grace, and forgiveness, on the behalf of "the children of God."

4) "But also for the sins of the whole world." He is there on your behalf, and not your sins only, but for the sins of the whole world.

d. Conclusion: I write to encourage you not to sin. If however, ye do, here is our help: "we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is our "seat or mercy" the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also the sins of the whole world." What a wonderful promise.

1) We need not be burden by our sin, notice John did not say: "when we sinneth," that is, to remain or abide continually in sin. But, "sin:" that is, we commit an offense, trespass or err, Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 8:12; James 5:13-16.

2) As sons of God, Jesus Christ the righteous: is our "propitiation;" as was the "mercy seat," within the Holy of holies, was for the children of Israel, under the Law on the Day of Atonement, Leviticus 16:12-16; Hebrews 9:3-7.

a) He continually cleanseth our sins; with His precious blood. Because the blood of "bulls and goats," could never remove the consciousness of sins, Hebrews 10:1-4; 1 Peter 1:18-21. There remaineth: "a remembrance of sins every year," Hebrews 10:3.

b) But Christ: "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him," 1 Peter 3:22; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 9:11-14.

c) By His atoning blood continually forgives our sins: "as we walk in the light, as He is in the light," 1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:1-2.

3) The promise of a good conscience. Peter wrote: "Which sometime were disobedient when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but (it is) the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ," 1 Peter 3:20-23. In summary--

a) Baptism, for the obedient believer, provides: "an answer of a good conscience towards God," when done: "for the remission of sins," Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16.

b) Baptism affords the obedient believer the forgiveness of all trespasses: "through the faith of the operations of God," Colossians 2:11-12.

c) As the obedient believer walks in the light, he is continually cleansed from all sins, "through the blood of Jesus Christ," 1 John 1:7-9.

d) Therefore, baptism and our continual walk in the light, "is the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ," 1 Peter 3:21. And the church said: Amen!

e. John now finishes his proposal with: "Whosoever sinneth (abideth in the practice of sin) hath not seen him, neither known him," 1 John 3:6. Both are in the past tenths. John continued--

E. Whosoever sinneth: "Hath not seen Him, neither known Him," 1 John 3:6b. Let's explore this idea a bit further. Those claiming to be born of God; that practice sin and unrighteousness; have not seen Him, neither has known Him. Those that willeth not to walk in the light; doth not have fellowship: with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ, nor with his brother. Observe--

1. John wrote: "Whosoever sinneth (practice unrighteousness); have not seen Him; neither known Him," 1 John 3:6b. Again, this is a willing, habitual, and continuous practice of sinning. Those who commit such sin liveth in unrighteousness and ungodliness. Their hands and hearts are filled with all ungodliness and unrighteousness. Consider--

a. First, these are they which have not: "been born of God," 1 John 3:9. If one is born of God; His (God's) seed remaineth in him, allowing him to walk in righteousness, avoiding the practice of sin. He is born of God.

1) He does not permit: "Sin to reign in his mortal body," Romans 6:12.

2) He that is dead with Christ: "Is freed from sin," Romans 6:7.

3) He is now alive unto God: "Through Jesus Christ our Lord," Romans 6:8-11.

b. Further, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith," 1 John 5:4.

c. Finally, "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not," 1 John 5:18; 1 Peter 5:8-9.

d. Peter wrote: "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious," 1 Peter 2:1-3; 1 Peter 1:22-23. John continues--

2. These have not seen Him. They have not seen Him, nor heard from Him. He makes mention of those that have not seen God; nor have they heard from Him, in their obedience to the Christ through the "new birth," John 3:3-5.

a. First, John wrote: "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God," 1 John 4:12-15. In summary—

1) John declared of his children:

a) "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."

b) "Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit."

c) "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."

d) "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God."

2) John infers that those who practice sin:

a) They do not love one another (their brother), God doth not dwell in them, nor have His love been made perfect in them.

b) They do not dwell in Him; nor have they been given His Holy Spirit.

c) They do not believe or testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

d) They have not confessed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

e) Therefore, they are yet in their sin; and continue their practice of sin and ungodliness.

b. Further, he continued: "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God; and, God in him. 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. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because such fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love," 1 John 4:16-18. But to the children of God he explains:

1) We have known and believed the love God hath for us.

2) He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God is in him.

3) We have been made perfect in love.

4) We have boldness in the Day of Judgment:

a) Because as he is.

b) So are we in this world.

5) There is no fear in love:

a) Perfect love casteth out fear.

b) Fear hath torment.

c) He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

c. Lastly, he concluded: "We love him because he first loved us. If any man says: I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment we have from him, that he who loveth God, loveth his brother also," 1 John 4:19-21. John concludes regarding such love:

1) We love God because He first loved us.

2) If any man say:

a) I love God and hateth his brother.

b) He is a liar.

3) For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen.

4) How can he love God whom he hath not seen?

5) This commandment we have from Him:

a) He that loveth God.

b) Loveth his brother also.

3. These neither have known Him. They neither have known Him. Nor have been born of God. Consider--

a. First, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak them of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error," 1 John 4:4-6.

b. Further, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another," 1 John 4:7-11.

c. Finally, John wrote: "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes," 1 John 2:9-11. Finally, let’s now investigate the last point in this lesson: "Just as he is: righteous."

III JUST AS HE IS: RIGHTEOUS

A. John concludes: "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that practice (doeth) righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil," 1 John 3:7-8. Observe--

B. Little children: John penned: "Let no man deceive you," 1 John 3:7. Do not be deceived by this: he that practices sin is of the devil.

1. He that committeth sin. We have discussed this practice earlier in the lesson. Our take away in this verse are these:

a. First, "He that committeth (continually practices) sin, is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning." Satan was a liar and murder from the beginning, Genesis 3:1-7; Genesis 3:14-15; John 8:44.

b. Second, "For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

c. Third, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit (continue the practice of) sin."

d. Fourth, "For His seed remaineth (abides) in him: and he cannot (continually practice) sin."

e. Fifth, "Because he is born of God," 1 John 3:8-9.

2. Deception is the work of the devil, 1 Timothy 2:13-14; Galatians 6:7-8; Ephesians 5:6.

3. His teachers are also deceptive in their word and works, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Jesus said: “Ye shall know them by their fruits,” Matthew 7:16-20.

4. John reminds his children, that they should not be deceived; like Eve, he that practice sin is of the devil.

5. But those born of God, doth not commit sin; because, His seed (the word of God) remaineth in him, and he cannot, therefore, practice sin. It is the word that repels the evil one, Matthew 4:6-11; Psalms 119:11; 1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7.

NOTE: Illustrate, Get the word in you; it will keep the hell out of you!

C. The practice of righteousness. John continued: "He that practice (doeth) righteousness is righteous." The born again Christians, practice righteousness through the faith in Christ: “That he may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” Romans 12:1-2.

1. First, he that: "doeth righteousness, is righteous, even as He is righteous," 1 John 3:6. Remember, he is discussing a willful practice of righteousness before God and men.

2. Further, he penned: "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," 1 John 3:9.

3. Finally, he concluded: "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," 1 John 3:10. We could then infer, he that doeth righteousness is of God, and he loveth his brother. Many of our ministers, preachers, evangelist, and church leaders speak about loving our brothers. But many are limiting this love to those that look like them. Now, here is where most of you will get mad at me in this lesson. I must stand for truth in this matter!

4. The love of the brethren. John, the beloved apostle of Christ, challenges us in this truth of God. No other writer has so carefully and truthfully, spoke to “the love of brethren,” as he did, in the Letter of 1st John. Fasten your seat belts; the rid is going to get bumpy! Observe--

a. First, he wrote: "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother is in darkness even until now (he abides in a total state of darkness)." The word "hateth" in Gr., is miseo or me-se'-o, which means to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less:—hate(-ful).

1) This is one who hates, is pursued with hatred, one who detests and despises others. (I know I'm not speaking to anyone like that here today?).

2) This kind of hatred destroys the container that carries it. It is like acid; it corrodes the container that was manufactured to safely carry it. Hatred eats at the heart and body as cancer; consuming the body, soul, and spirit.

But he continues--

b. Further, he penned: "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him (he walks without fault)." The word "loveth" in Gr., is agapáo or ä-gä-pä'-o, which means to love (in a social or moral sense):—(be-)love(-ed). This is one who welcomes, entertains, to be fond of, to love dearly. This is the love that God has for us; and requires us to have for Him, our neighbor, and ourselves. Observe the Master on loving your neighbor--

1) Jesus said: "Ye have heard that it hath been said: Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," Matthew 5:43-48. Hear Him again--

2) Jesus said: "Unto him (the lawyer), Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with thy entire mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like, unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets," Matthew 22:37-40. (I hope you are the person I speak of now?).

3) The parable of the Good Samaritan; is an example of one loving his neighbor as himself.

NOTE: Download our lesson on the Good Samaritan, a sermon entitled: "Go and Do Likewise," Luke 10:25-37, on SermonCentral.com.

c. Finally, he noted: "He that hateth his brother is in darkness:"

1) And walketh in darkness."

2) Knoweth not whither he goeth."

3) Because the darkness hath blinded his eyes."

a) The word "darkness" in the Gr., is scotia or sko-te'-ä, which means dimness, obscurity (literally or figuratively):—dark(-ness).

b) The word "blinded" in the Gr., is typhloo or tü-flo'-o, which means to make blind, i.e. (figuratively) to obscure:—blind. The word means to blunt ones mental discernment, to darken the mind.

c) The heart looms in darkness; with spiritual blindness, aided by the evil one: Satan himself, John 8:44-47.

d) Blindness is the work of the devil against truth and godliness, 2 Corinthians 4:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

5. Summary: To see the destructiveness of hatred; and, darkness, I have humbly attended unto these esteemed writers, for their wisdom of these verses. Keep in mind; these are their words, as they had perceived them at the time of their writings, on this text from John's Letter to his beloved children. Observe--

a. B. W. Johnson wrote: "He that saith he is the light. (But) hates his brother he demonstrates that he is in darkness... On the other hand, brotherly love shows that one abides in the light. None occasion of stumbling. Because he walks in the light and can see where he walks...But he that hateth...is not following Christ, the Light, and hence walks in the darkness, hence is blinded. He cannot see the dangers that beset him on account of the darkness," Page 604.

b. Matthew Henry wrote that: "Hatred is a sign of spiritual darkness...he that hateth his brother is in darkness, v.11. Spiritual light is instilled by the Spirit of grace, and one of the first-fruits of that Spirit is love; he then who is possessed with malignity towards a...brother must need be destitute of spiritual light; consequently, he walks in darkness (v.11); his life is agreeable to a dark mind and conscience, and he knows not whither he goes; he sees not whither this dark spirit carries him, and particularly that it will carry him to the world of utter darkness, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes, v.11," Page 1882.

c. A self-examination survey of our love for the brethren. I ask these questions for your consideration:

1) Have you ever asked yourself: "Do I hate my brother?"

2) If so, do you know why you hate him?

3) Has someone taught you to hate or detest another person?

4) If so, who was that person? I'm talking to members of the church!

5) Do you know to hate another person; for any reason is to commit murder?

6) Are you a murderer? In that, you hate or detest your brother? 1 John 3:14-15.

7) Do you think a murderer will enter the kingdom of heaven? Romans 1:28-32; Revelation 21:8; Revelations 22:13-15.

8) If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, 1 John 3:19-24.

6. Conclusion: John was establishing to his children; that they cannot claim to be walking in the light if they hate their brothers. They are in fact; walking in darkness and do not know where they are going. Those that truly walk in the light; love their brothers, and in them, there is no room for stumbling. Can one say he loves God; yet, hateth his brother? How can we claim to love God; whom we have not seen, while we hate our brother whom we see and walk with every day? The truth is: he that loveth God loveth his brother also! I appeal to all that have this evil in their hearts; to pray God for mercy, forgiveness, and help rid their lives of this sin. Hatred will only cause rejection; of the one having it, by the Lord at His second coming.

7. Application: We are living in “Perilous Times.” Paul wrote of them: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves...proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers...despisers of those that are good...Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away,” 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Observe--

a. First, there is a strong and egregious force at work in America today. It has been brought about by the Trump Administration. Some or all of these words of Paul, speak to the ills of this administration. And there are some that have aligned themselves with his work and hatred. I’m ashamed to mention these in this lesson of love.

b. Further, we have a corrupt and dishonest Republican Party in Congress, led by Mitch McConnell. He has contributed to this evil, by turning his head to the disgraceful behavior of this President. He has betrayed his “oath of office” before God and men. And so has his caucus, saving one, “Mitt Romney.”

c. Next, it has not escaped the courts either. Even the Supreme Court, which recently ruled unjustly; putting American lives in danger, just to be “in bed” with this Administration. The courts have been stacked by McConnell; to ensure this type of partisanship behavior becomes the norm, of these lower courts.

d. Finally, the Evangelicals have sided with this Administration, to obtain political favors from the President. They have abandoned their creed: “To do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God,” Micah 6:8. These religious leaders have disavowed their love of God, and His word; and have chosen rather to “hate their fellow man;” in stark contrast with the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom they claim to serve and represent.

e. Conclusion: These are perilous times; hundreds of thousands of Americans are dying in this country because of the hatred, detestation, and evil-mindedness of those surrounding the President; and, within those religious leaders who should be providing him “good counsel,” on how to govern the American People. They, however, have abandoned their duty to God and the people. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no healing for America? For this Administration, his Party, his appointed Jurists, and the Evangelical leadership and faith? Can democracy be saved? Can righteousness rain down on these people? Can the government for the people, be returned to the White House; the Congress, or the Courts? I pray God that it be so! I pray just one religious leader stand-up and say, this must be so!

D. The righteousness. He: "Is righteous." We have been made righteous, through Jesus Christ our Lord. John affirms we are righteous. Paul, however, explains the “why” and the “how,” of this blessed truth of God. Observe--

1. Paul wrote:

a. First, in the Hebrew Letter, he wrote: "For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," Hebrews 4:15-16; Matthew 4:1-11. Christ, our High Priest has made it possible for us to be righteous because of His sinless life; death, burial, and resurrection, to sit at the right hand of God as our “mediator” and “mercy seat” for our sins and transgressions.

b. Further, in the Letter to the Corinthians, he penned: "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself: not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him," 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. In summary--

1) God was reconciling the world to Himself.

2) Through the ministry of reconciliation.

3) We are ambassadors for Christ.

4) Preaching the word of reconciliation.

c. Finally, in the Corinthian Letter, he concluded: “The message of reconciliation is this, that God:

1) "Hath made Him (Christ) be sin for us, who knew no sin."

2) "That we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," 2 Corinthian 5:21.

2. Matthew Henry wrote: "The apostle subjoins what should be well known and duly considered by us...namely: The purity of the Mediator: He knew no sin...The sacrifice he offered: He was made sin; not a sinner, but sin, that is, a sin-offering, a sacrifice for sin...The end and design of all this: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," Page 1086. See 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Matthew 20:28.

3. Peter wrote: "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"

1) First, He, "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"

2) Second, He, "Who himself bare our sins in His own body on the tree.”

3) Third, that, "We, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed," 1 Peter 2:21-25. An esteemed brother, a convert and understudy of Alexander Campbell, provides his insight of this text for us.

4. B. W. Johnson wrote: "Who did no sin. He had no fault...When He was reviled. He resented neither insults nor the sufferings inflicted upon him...Who… bare our sins. Died for our sins, not His own. He took our burdens...On the tree...The wood of the cross...That we being dead to sins. "Crucified with Him," penitent, the repentant sinner is baptized into His death, and rising to a new life, lives unto righteousness," Page 589. See Galatians 3:13-14.

E. Jesus righteousness. Even: "As He (Jesus) is righteous. To better understand our promised righteousness; we must first understand the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Before I begin to unveil this thought; let me first acknowledge the holiness and righteousness of God. Consider—

1. Righteousness of Christ:

a. “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works. The Lord is night unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth,” Psalms 145:17-18.

b. “The Lord is upright: ... and there is no unrighteousness in Him,” Psalms 92:15.

2. The Holiness of Christ:

a. “But as he who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written: Be ye holy; for I am holy,” 1 Peter 1:15-16; Leviticus 20:7.

b. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,” Hebrews 12:14.

3. The Judgment of Christ:

a. “The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed,” Psalms 103:6.

b. “And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness,” Psalms 9:8.

c. “The time of this ignorance... Because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained, whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead,” Acts 17:30-31.

d. Conclusion: The Lord is holy, righteous, and upright in all his doings. We, on the other hand, are unrighteous because of our sins and iniquities. God has sent Jesus that we might be reconciled: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself ... we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. He hath made him be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him,” 2 Corinthians 5:19-21. This we have considered earlier in the lesson, so let’s hasten to a conclusion. That is--

4. Righteousness through Christ. Paul affirms this righteousness comes through the gospel which he desires to preach in Rome: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation ...For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, ‘the just shall live by faith,’” Romans 1:16-17. Consider--

a. First, I am not ashamed of the gospel -- The words, "of Christ," which follows here, are not found in the oldest and best manuscripts, some writers have suggested. However, it is clear, Paul is making mention of the “gospel of Christ” as the message he desired to preach in the city of Rome.

1) This language implies that it required some courage, to take the "message of Christ to the world."

2) Paul "despised not the shame" in preaching “Christ and Him crucified,” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

3) The gospel of salvation is here promised to be “the power of God unto salvation.”

b. Further, to everyone that believeth -- Here in verse 16 as well as in, Romans 1:17. The promise is to all that believeth – faith enjoined in sincere obedience.

c. Next, the apostle announces this great theme of his ensuing argument. The “gospel” presents how “the just shall live by faith.”

d. Finally, within the gospel, we find God's authority or “power unto salvation.” In the gospel message, we find the source, the terms, and the promise of salvation. The idea of "the power of God," in the Gr., is “dynamis theos,” that provides to all, in the gospel:

1) God's source of salvation – to the world;

2) God's terms for salvation – to the believers; and

3) God's promise of salvation – to the Jew first and also the Greek (Gentile) Romans 1:16; Galatians 1:6-12. This is possible because--

5. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. He wrote: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is …For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth,” Romans 10:1-4.

a. Christ then is the “end” of the law or the Gr: telos – the conclusion of an act or state, the termination, the end of the completion of a thing – that is “the righteousness of God” which is by faith.

b. When did this occur? When Christ came and “completed” or “fulfilled all the law and the prophets,” Matthew 5:17-18; John 19:30; Acts 13:38-39.

c. In His life, death, burial, and resurrection; He secured our salvation through His righteousness – in completing the righteousness which was promised by the Law, Galatians 3:11-12; Romans 3:21-22; Philippians 3:8-9.

d. Paul concluded: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” Romans 8:1-4. In summary--

1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus:

a) Who walk not after the flesh,

b) But after the Spirit, Romans 8:1.

2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus:

a) Hath made us free.

b) From the law of sin and death, Romans 8:2.

3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh:

a) God sending his own Son.

b) In the likeness of sinful flesh.

c) And for sin.

d) Condemned sin in the flesh, Romans 8:3.

5) That the righteousness of the law:

a) Might be fulfilled in us.

b) Who walk not after the flesh.

c) But after the Spirit, Romans 8:4. Amen, and amen! Therefore the--

6. Saints promised abundant life. Jesus promised true believers a life more abundant, as well as eternal life. Consider--

a. First, hear Jesus: “I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly,” John 10:10. First, in this world he promises an abundant life; and in the world to come life eternal. Notice Peters after mentioning the Christian graces.

b. Further, Peter: “For if these things are in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ ...Wherefore the rather, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:11-13.

c. Next, Paul writes: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life,” 1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 John 3:17-18. Before we conclude let me summarize what we have discussed.

d. Finally, John wrote: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son,” 1 John 5:11. Also: “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life,” 1 John 5:20. We have covered a lot of ground in this lesson. I needed to build it as a lesson-series. As I move to a conclusion, let review what has been presented--

CONCLUSION

Outline.

1. Just as He is: Sons

2. Just as He is: Pure

3. Just as He is: Righteous

B. Summarize main points.

1. First, we considered, when He is revealed from heaven, we shall be just as He is, sons of God. John wrote: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God...and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is," 1 John 3:1-2.

2. Second, we discussed, he who maintains their hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. John continued: "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure," 1 John 3:3. The apostle speaks to the promise mentioned in the previous two verses. That is, we are children of God, and we shall see Him as He is, and be like Him when He returns for the saints.

3. Lastly, we investigated we who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. John concludes: "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil," 1 John 3:7-8.

C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.

D. Exhortation.

E. Motivation.

References:

1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.

2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.

3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.

4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.

5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.

6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.

We thank these great writers for their insight into the scriptures. We have consulted their commentaries for the development of this lesson-series.