The Hope That Is Within Us Purifies Us – 1john 3:2-3 Series

THE HOPE THAT IS WITHIN US PURIFIES US – 1John 3:2-3

1John 3 v 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him because we shall see Him just as He is. 1John 3 v 3 Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

INTRODUCTION

At Billy Graham’s funeral, his daughter, Anne, made a very significant comment. She was pointing out the significance of the date of Billy Graham’s death which was the 21 February 2018. Her research led her to discover that it was the same day as the death of Moses. Now I looked into this and I did not realise just how difficult the Jewish calendar really is. Moses was born and died on the 7th of Adar. The Jews have this well recorded, but we can’t give an exact date in our western, Gregorian calendar for this date, the 7th of Adar. Every year it is a different date but mainly it falls in February. The site dealing with Jewish Torah dates, gives the 2018 equivalent of the 7th of Adar as the 22nd of February. Anne Graham stated it was the 21st February. The dates of the Jewish calendar are so difficult. Why am I telling you this?

It is because we stand in very momentous times and God’s plan is being worked out. Prophecy relating to the last days of this Church age is being spotlighted before our eyes such as in the passages, “In the last days” found in 2 Timothy chapter 3 where Paul lists the signs of the times. We are in those times. Anne Graham went on to explain that the next event that happened after Moses died, was Joshua leading the chosen people into the promised land of Canaan. As Moses was instrumental in leading millions into victory and release from Pharaoh’s slavery in Egypt, then Billy Graham was instrumental in leading millions into freedom from the world’s slavery of sin, and Egypt is a type of the world in Scripture.

Both men were highly purposed for their generations. With Moses’ passing, we see the man Joshua leading the people into the promised land. Billy Graham is now in heaven and the next Joshua will be leading His people into the promised abode of heaven. Joshua in Hebrew, is Jesus in the Greek. I do not think it is unrealistic to mark the very importance of the death of Billy Graham. This year (2018) is 70 years since the formation of the Jewish nation, and it was after the 70 years of captivity, the Jews were led out of their Babylonian captivity by Zerubabbel and Ezra. I believe the Rapture is on the doorstep. The election of Donald Trump is also significant in God’s plan but that is not for this message. I just want you to be aware that the time for Christ’s coming for His Church is very near.

OUR HEAVENLY FUTURE

It is because of that fact that I want to concentrate of this next message from John’s first letter, chapter 3 verses 2 and 3. That will be our consideration for today. Let us think about the opening to verse 2 – “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet, what we shall be.” John has been speaking about being the children of God, and he continues with this certain fact in the statement that we are God’s children. If there is any doubt in the mind of any that they might not be saved, or if they are members of the Household of God, then it is important that you open this dialogue with God to see if you be in the faith.

John is so definite many times of our assurance and heritage as Christians. We must not go through life wondering if in the end, we might be accepted. That false gospel is based on works, not on faith. The Apostle Paul likewise is strong on his salvation – {{2Timothy 1 v 12 “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”}} That day is the day of His coming for the Church. Are you a child of God? it is essential you know that answer.

The next little section of that verse is full of hope. John writes, {{“and it has not appeared as yet, what we shall be”}}. The future is glorious, but we can’t enter into that in our earthly bodies with our earthly eyes and limited brains. God has withheld it from us, and I believe he has withheld it from everyone except for one occasion when the Apostle Paul was caught up to glory to see and hear things that were unspeakable; and Stephen got a glimpse of heaven before he was murdered; and John in the book of Revelation was allowed through inspiration, to see the things ahead that he might write of them. It is as if it is unlawful for us to know what glories lie ahead, and for that privilege, Paul was given a thorn in the flesh. I shall quote Paul exactly - 2Corinthians 12 v 4 was caught up into Paradise, and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 2Cor 12 v 7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me - to keep me from exalting myself!