1 John 3

1 JOHN 3 - Children of God

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** As a father lavishes love on his children, so Christ lavishes love on His children

1 John 3:1 NIV

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.

** Beloved, we have a heavenly Father.

• He has adopted us into His family

• He not only wears a father's name but he has a father's heart

• He loves every believer with a father's love.

He watches over each of His children with a father's care

• Yes, we have a Father, and He is always near us

• His heart is ever disposed to do us good

• He will not withdraw His eye from us!

He bids us…

• to cast every care upon Him,

• to expect every blessing from Him, and

• to carry everything that troubles us, to Him.

Does providence frown on us, perplex, and trouble us? Let us not fret, complain, or forebode — but go and tell Father!

Does Satan tempt, suggest evil thoughts, or endeavor to mislead us? Let us not parley with him, be alarmed at him, or yield to him — but go at once and tell Father!

Everything, whether painful or pleasant, should lead us to our Father in heaven. He loves to listen to our broken prayers. He loves to sympathize with us. He never chides us for coming too often, or refuses to listen to us.

Happy child, who has such a Father! And wise is that child, who carries everything to his Father, who tells Him all, keeping nothing from Him. When we carry our cares or our troubles to Him, He says, "Leave them with Me. I will manage them. I will settle them."

Christian, run to your Father from every foe, and from every danger!

• Tell your Father everything that vexes, grieves, or troubles you

• Trust your Father to manage all your affairs.

Honor your Father…

• by consulting Him on all matters

• by confiding to Him all your secrets, and

• by making His written Word your daily rule on all points.

"The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." With childlike simplicity, filial confidence, and honest hearts — they go and tell their Father! <S183>

1 John 3:1 NIV

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.

Matthew 6:9 NIV

[9] “This, then, is how you should pray: “ 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

** We rejoice to know that "God is love!" Love is an attribute of His holy Being, without which He would not be God. We know that God is love, because His love is revealed and made known by His deeds. Love is active. It is never dormant. Like fire, it must break out. It cannot be contained. It is known only when it is experienced--not by words, but by deeds. We know the love of God is that love that "surpasses knowledge." Yet, God's love is revealed and made known by these six deeds of indescribable love:

The first act of God's love was our ELECTION in Christ (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). Election is not a hard doctrine. It is a delightful doctrine. Were it not for God's electing love toward sinners, there would be no salvation (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). We would never have come to know and love Christ, had He not first loved us (John 15:16; 1 John 4:19).

The second act of God's love was our REDEMPTION by Christ (Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10). Because He loved us, the Son of God assumed our nature, assumed our sin, assumed our guilt and died under the wrath of God as our Substitute, to put away our sins. "The Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me!"

The third act by which God reveals His love to sinners is His EFFECTUAL SAVING GRACE (Jeremiah 31:3).

• Those whom the triune God loved--the Father chose to save.

• Those whom the Father chose to save--the Son redeemed.

• And those whom the Son redeemed--the Holy Spirit will effectually call by His irresistible grace to life and faith in Christ.

The love of God is revealed fourthly in the absolute PRESERVATION of His elect in a state of grace (John 10:28; Romans 8:39). Can you imagine one who is loved of God--falling from a state of grace, perishing and suffering the wrath of God forever in Hell? Such a notion is worse than nonsense, it is utter blasphemy! The love of God is…

• without cause

• without beginning

• without condition

• without change

• and without end

• It is free

• It is sovereign

• It is indestructible

• It is everlasting

Fifthly, God's love for His elect is seen in our Savior's TENDER, PROVIDENTIAL CARE for us (John 11:35-36). Our Savior really is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. We really are the apple of His eye.

But there is one act of love that goes beyond election, redemption, effectual calling, preservation, and providential care. As great and marvelous as those things are, there is one act of God that goes beyond them all. If the climax of God's love is our redemption by Christ, then the apex of God's love is our ADOPTION into the family of God! <F67>

1 John 3:1-3 NIV

[1] 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. [2] 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. [3] All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

** In giving Christ to die for poor sinners, God gave the richest jewel in His cabinet; a mercy of the greatest worth, and most inestimable value.

Heaven itself is not so valuable and precious as Christ is! Ten thousand thousand worlds — as many worlds as angels can number — would not outweigh Christ's love, excellency and sweetness! O what a lovely One! What an excellent, beautiful, ravishing One is Christ!

Put the beauty of ten thousand paradises, like the garden of Eden, into one. Put all flowers, all fragrances, all colors, all tastes, all joys, all sweetness, all loveliness into one — O what a lovely and excellent thing would that be!

And yet it should be less to that loveliest and dearest well-beloved Christ than one drop of rain compared to all the seas, rivers, lakes, and fountains of ten thousand earths!

Now, for God to bestow the mercy of mercies, the most precious thing in heaven or earth, upon poor sinners; and, as great, as lovely, as excellent as His Son was. What kind of love is this! <S1997>

Romans 5:8 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 3:1a NIV

[1] See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

** Here is one of the sweetest privileges of the Christian life. The Christian is God's beloved child, and shares all the love and tenderness of the Father's heart!

This one thought is a fountain of unfailing happiness!

"I am at home with God!

• Once I was far off--but now I am near.

• Once I was a stranger--but now His beloved child!

• Once the thought of His presence was fear and dread--but now it is life, and joy, and peace.

• He is my Father, and in this Name all heart-joys meet.

• He knows me by name, and cares for me in all my cares.

• He pities me, and in tender compassion marks each tear I shed, and each sorrow that weighs upon my heart.

• He opens His hand, and each day gives me all that I need.

• He bows down His ear and hearkens to each prayer I offer.

• I have boldness and liberty to go at all times into His presence-chamber, and may tell Him every desire and ask of Him whatever is for my good." <E53>

1 John 3:1a NIV

[1] See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Ephesians 1:5 NIV

[5] he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will---

Galatians 3:26-27 NIV

[26] So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

** Christians should constantly analyze themselves in their current generation, considering the basic realities of who they are and how they are to navigate the present age <M130>

1. WHERE we are

• As those living in the pagan city of Philippi in the Roman era, so Christians today live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation

• We should not be surprised by suffering and false teaching when following Christ

Philippians 2:15 NIV

[15] so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

Isaiah 59:7-8 NIV

[7] Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. [8] The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.

2. WHO we are

• Followers of Christ are children of God

• We are commissioned to radiate God's light (the gospel) to others wherever He places us

John 1:12-13 NIV

[12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--- [13] children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

1 John 3:1 NIV

[1] 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.

Isaiah 49:6b NIV

[6] I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Proverbs 4:18 NIV

[18] The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

3. HOW we are to live

• Those who believe in Christ have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness

• Christians are to live according to Christ's kingdom and not of the world, until the end of the age when we enter His presence

• We are to work out our salvation by pursuing holiness and obedience to Christ

• Follow Christ's example by living in love and humility, relying on God's provision of strength and ability

• Rejoice as we focus on Christ in our suffering; don't complain to God but be thankful He is working through us!

John 18:36 NIV

[36] Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

[3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Colossians 1:10-13 NIV

[10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, [12] and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. [13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

Philippians 2:14-15,18 NIV

** There are verses referencing two different times of Jesus' return <H91>

• The Luke and Revelation verses are about Jesus returning to the earth at the end of the tribulation

• The John verse is a reference to our being taken up to meet the Savior in the air to be kept from the wrath of God; this is also found in 1 Thess 1:10, 1 Thess 5:9-10 and Rev 3:10

Luke 21:25-28 NIV

[25] “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. [26] People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. [27] At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Revelation 1:7 NIV

[7] “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.

1 John 3:2 NIV

[2] 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.

** Followers of Christ won’t arrive at sinless perfection in this life, but the recognition that Jesus might come for us at any moment keeps us close to the Savior and quickly brings us back to Him when we stray from Him. <B26>

1 John 3:2-3 NIV

[2] 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. [3] All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

** It is utterly impossible to know Christ and not become inspired to:

• Love Him supremely

• Serve Him devotedly

• Resemble Him closely

• Glorify Him faithfully here, and

• Enjoy Him fully hereafter! <W211>

Ephesians 4:13 NIV

[13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

1 John 3:2-3 NIV

Philippians 3:8-11 NIV

[8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. [10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

** Those who believe in Jesus Christ will never be left alone because they will be in His presence after being taken from this world

• When a person dies, they exit their mortal body and their soul goes to be with the Lord

• There they will wait for the day when believers receive their new resurrected bodies <R171>

• If there is a natural body, then there is a spiritual body <A12>

• There will be a temporary separation until all believers, known as the family of God, are united in the future <H992>

• Believers will know exactly what's going on in this supernatural realm <A21>

1 John 3:2 NIV

[2] 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.

2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV

[8] We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:51-55 NIV

[51] Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--- [52] in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. [53] For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. [54] When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” [55] “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

** Believers in Christ will obtain new immortal bodies when Christ returns for all New Testament believers; those still alive will be caught up after Christ resurrects those who had fallen asleep (died) <G70>

• True Christians are already the children of God (members of the body of Christ), and we do not yet know what we shall be in the future

• We do know, however, that when Jesus comes to resurrect and/or rapture us, we will be like Him with a new glorified body like the glorified, resurrected body of Jesus <D41>

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NIV

[16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

1 John 3:2 NIV

[2] 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.

1 Corinthians 15:40,42-44 NIV

[40] There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. [42] So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; [43] it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; [44] it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

• Old Testament believers will be joined to their resurrected bodies at the end of the tribulation period when Jesus returns to earth to set up His millennial kingdom <G72>

Isaiah 26:19 NIV

[19] But your dead will live, Lord; their bodies will rise---let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy---your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.

Hosea 13:14a NIV

[14] “I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction? “

** Followers of Christ will be like Jesus when He appears for us; we will be like Him! <S1993>

• God has predestined us for this union

• God’s goal for His believers will be fulfilled

• Our being like Him will be a supreme tribute to Jesus, as the Chief among many

• We will see Christ as He truly is!

Colossians 3:4 NIV

[4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

[18] And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

1 John 3:2-3 NIV

** What we will be is not known until Christ appears; in the meantime, we can keep ourselves pure as we remain in Him

1 John 3:2-3 NIV

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. [3] All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

** John told us we can examine the resurrected body of Jesus to get a glimpse of what our resurrected glorified bodies will look and function like one day <E60>

1 John 3:2 NIV

[2] 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.

1. Our new bodies will not have limitations in the natural — Jesus who now has a resurrected body was able to walk through walls and was not confined to physical barriers; the doors were shut but he was able to go through the walls and stand in the midst of His disciples

Luke 24:36-37 NIV

[36] While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” [37] They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.

2. Every pain and sorrow will be wiped away — the Lord will allow us to remember the good things in our lives on earth, the things that brought us joy, the birth of our children, our marriages, those moments in our lives that brought joy and laughter, but a passage in Revelation tells us that God will not permit us to remember those things that brought pain and sorrow

Revelation 21:3-4 NIV

[3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. [4] 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

3. We will have full knowledge and understanding of mysteries — the limitations and partial knowledge we experience in this earthly life will be replaced by a comprehensive understanding of heaven

Think about all of the questions we have had over the years.

• Why did God allow this tragedy or that person to die so young?

• Why did my spouse leave me?

• Why did I have a miscarriage?

All of these questions will be answered and the mysteries unlocked!

1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV

[12] For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

4. We will look similar to what we looked like on earth — this part can get a little complicated because when Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection they initially did not recognize him, which raises speculation that we may look much different when we receive our new bodies

Other aspects to consider, however:

• The disciple’s eyes may have been intentionally veiled for a period of time to conceal who Christ was

• When Jesus appeared, he showed Thomas the wounds on his hands and his side that he endured at the crucifixion

John 20:26-27 NIV

[26] A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

5. We will not be given in marriage like on earth — as explained when Jesus was approached with a scenario involving seven brothers

• The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother

• Likewise, the second also, and the third, even to the seventh

• Last of all the woman died also

• Jesus was asked whose wife of the seven will she be in the resurrection, to which He replied ‘no one’

Matthew 22:29-30 NIV

[29] Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. [30] At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

6. We will still be eating and drinking — the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead, Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish

John 21:12-14 NIV

[12] Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. [13] Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. [14] This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

7. We will no longer need to sleep — as long as we remain in these physical bodies sleep is a necessity so our brains do not literally stop working; however, It appears that in the new heaven and earth, we will no longer need to sleep as we will be in our new spiritual heavenly bodies

Revelation 22:5 NIV

[5] There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

8. If we lost a child before the age of accountability then we will see them again — the age of 13 is the most commonly suggested age of accountability based on the Jewish custom that a child becomes an adult at the age of 13; there most likely is not a hard-set age limit since the Lord truly knows the physical development and mindset of each individual child and some will develop faster than others

2 Samuel 12:21-23 NIV

[21] His attendants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!” [22] He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.' [23] But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”

** We can have complete peace in any situation for we know our life here on earth is temporary

• Christ will return and take us to a better place before the Great Tribulation

• How will we get to this new place but via the Rapture!

John 14:2-3 NIV

[2] My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

1 Thessalonians 4:16,18 NIV

[16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [18] Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NIV

• The last trumpet gathers the Church while the first trumpet gathers the Israelites (1 Cor 15)

• Mention of the 'last trumpet' does not refer to the trumpets in the Tribulation but at the Rapture <H84>

Romans 8:10-11 NIV

[10] But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. [11] And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

1 John 3:2-3 NIV

Revelation 22:7 NIV

[7] “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

Revelation 3:10-11 NIV

[10] Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. [11] I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

** From the instant of conversion, we will never again be subject to the sin nature that all humans were endowed with through the first sin in the Garden of Eden <H91>

1 John 3:2 NIV

[2] 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.

** I don't know about you, but every time I read this passage in Revelation (Rev 1:12-18), I get chills. In fact, whenever I read this passage aloud, I get choked up because of how powerfully descriptive it is of our Lord's true nature. When God became the man Christ Jesus in the incarnation, He had to dim (or tone down) His true nature so that He could even walk among us without causing everyone He met to fall over as dead.

We think about the Apostle John, who physically knew Jesus as a man. He was there at the Mt. of Transfiguration. He was there at the cross. He was there after His resurrection. And John still couldn't physically take it when he saw Jesus' true unfiltered nature...it was too much. God told Moses that no man could see Him and live (Exod 33:20, Deut 4:12), to which John the Baptist would later reiterate (John 1:18). Although Daniel only saw some kind of unnamed, yet high-ranking angel, he became physically weakened and had to be restored (Dan 10:8-11). The same thing happened to Isaiah, who saw the throne room and God in a vision. Even then, he was immediately overcome by his own sinfulness and inadequacies and had to be physically restored (Isa 6).

When we become born again (John 3:3-6), we are not just changed from bad to good, we are changed from spiritually dead, to spiritually alive. Our new spiritual life comes about by our being justified before God the Father as Holy, not because of any of our own works (as if God needed our works), but through the shed blood of His Son (Eph 2:8-9, Col 1:13-14). At the moment of belief, we are indwelt and sealed by God the Holy Spirit, who not only transformatively gives us a new nature, but we become a new creation altogether (Eph. 1:11-14, 2 Cor 5:17-21). This is why in the Old Testament, only Adam and the angels could be called "sons of God," (as they were direct creations of God), but in the New Testament, all born-again believers can also claim this title. True born-again believers are direct creations of God (Rom 8:14).

As such, when the Rapture happens, we will be changed from new spiritual creations dwelling in our yet mortal and temporary bodies to new spiritual creations indwelling in our new glorified and eternal bodies. This is why the Rapture is an absolute necessity for the Church. We must shed these mortal frames, in order to exist where God dwells. Furthermore, this necessary transition from mortal to immortal must happen prior to the Tribulation (70th Week of Daniel), because we must be judged first (1 Cor 3:9-17, 2 Cor 5:1-11, 1 Peter 4:17) before God judges the world who rejected His Son (Jer 30:7-11).

1 John 3:2-3 NIV

Nevertheless, when Christ appears (at the Rapture), we will see Him as He is, for we will be like Him. We know that after His resurrection, Christ could change His appearance at will (John 20:14-17), He could appear and disappear at will (Luke 24:31), could walk through walls (Luke 24:36-37), but could also be felt (John 20:27) and eat (Acts 10:40-41). Somehow and someway, we will be like this. To paraphrase my good friend Lee Brainard with regards to our glorified bodies, we will still be able to manipulate the physical domain, but will no longer be constrained by it.

One final thing I will say is that if my faith and hope were only in humanity and our ability to save ourselves through technological evolution, I would be terribly depressed. What good would it be if I were as capable as Captain America, but faded into nothingness when my enhanced body finally died? What good would it be if I had all the technological advances of an Iron Man suit, but couldn't save my own soul? What a bleak and absolutely hopeless future it is for those who think cybernetically modifying our bodies is somehow redemptive. How utterly short-sighted and boring this view is when compared to eternity and the wonders God has in store for those who are His (Eph 2:4-7). One day very soon, you and I, and all those (alive and dead) who are in Christ, will move beyond human. We will become, the fully manifested sons and daughters of God, co-heirs reigning with our Creator for all of eternity (Rom 8:16-18). <G70>

1 Corinthians 15:51-57 NIV

Revelation 1:12-18 NIV

[12] I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, [13] and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. [14] The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. [15] His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. [16] In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. [17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. [18] I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

** This poor world is full of sin, sorrow, pain, and death. If we had this life only, we would be most miserable. But the Christian has an unfailing hope of a holier, happier, sublimer, and more durable world than this! This hope supports him in every scene of earthly conflict and distress.

Believers shall enjoy eternal life in Heaven as the:

• Residence of the ever blessed God

• Palace of splendor

• Habitation of His holiness

• Place where His honor dwells

• Dwelling-place of angels and perfected spirits

1. Heaven is a place of inexpressible felicity, as it appears from its names, the:

• Paradise of God

• Building from God

• Mansion of God

• Heavenly city

• Better country

• Priceless inheritance

• Eternal kingdom

• Unfading crown of glory

• Peace, rest, and joy of the Lord!

2. Heaven will be a life of complete purity. Sin, in this world, is the great source of estrangement from God — it is that which constantly vexes and distresses the soul. But in Heaven sin can never enter to defile!

Revelation 21:27 NIV

[27] Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Ephesians 5:26-27 NIV

[26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, [27] and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

1 John 3:2 NIV

[2] 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.

Psalm 17:15 NIV

[15] As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

3. Heaven will be a life of perfect happiness. There is no perfect happiness in this poor world. Life here is like the fluctuations of the sea, or weather--calms and storms, sunshine and clouds.

Sorrow is frequently the lot of God's people. Some are afflicted under the hand of God--or mourning the loss of relatives or friends--or sunk into deep adversity. Some are weeping over the sins of others: parents over their children, pastors over their flocks, and Christians over the wickedness of the world.

But all the causes of evil will be annihilated in Heaven:

• Sin shall distress no more

• Satan shall tempt no more

• Sickness shall pain no more

• Tyrant shall oppress no more

• Death shall bereave and destroy no more

Revelation 7:16-17 NIV

[16] 'Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,' nor any scorching heat. [17] For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; 'he will lead them to springs of living water.' 'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.' ”

4. Heaven will be a life of the greatest honor.

4A. They will be raised to a kingdom! "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom!" Luke 12:32. What can be received, more than a kingdom? It is the highest dignity known on earth. Who can be higher than a king?

4B. It will be a life of honor which conquerors obtain. Crowns of victory are in reserve! "Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads!" Here on earth, they wear a crown of thorns; but there they will wear a diadem of glory!

• It will be an incorruptible crown, not a fading laurel, etc – no length of time will terminate the dominion of the saints, or tarnish the luster of their crowns, for they shall reign forever and ever! (1 Cor 9:25)

• It is called a crown of righteousness – it was purchased by the righteousness of Christ and is given wholly for His sake to His redeemed people (2 Tim 4:7)

• It is a crown of life given to those who love Him, meaning they shall never die! (James 1:12, Rev 2:10)

• It is a crown of gold to denote the priceless and lasting honor to which they will be advanced, and the superlative wealth of the kingdom which they will possess (Rev 4:4)

4C. They shall sit upon a throne--the throne of Christ! "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne!" Revelation 3:21; that lofty throne, that expansive throne, in which He will make room for all His faithful soldiers.

5. Heaven will be a life of rich enjoyment.

5A. Heaven is represented as a feast, "Many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast!" Matthew 8:11.

5B. Heaven is represented as a marriage supper, "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" Revelation 19:9.

5C. Heaven is represented as a life of enjoyment in the best society: God Himself, angels, and glorified saints!

5D. Heaven is represented as enjoyment of the beatific vision of God, when we shall see Him face to face, and understand the mysteries of creation, providence and grace. Then the enraptured soul will exclaim, "You have done all things well!"

6. To crown all, Heaven is called eternal life! Most of the Scriptural representations of Heaven are combined with adjectives expressive of endless perpetuity. Hence Heaven is called the:

• Everlasting kingdom

• Incorruptible inheritance

• Exceeding and eternal weight of glory, etc

If a miser could insure his wealth for eternity, that alone would be Heaven enough for him. But it is his misery when he dies, that he can carry none of his riches away with him. But he who lays up treasure in Heaven need not fear moth or rust or thief — all is eternally secure! <N153>

1 John 2:25 NIV

[25] And this is what he promised us---eternal life.

** Paul wrote to Pastor Titus to encourage and instruct him regarding the blessed hope of the Rapture, knowing others aimed to despise and reject his message

Titus 2:11-15 NIV

[11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed hope---the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. [15] These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

1 John 3:2-3 NIV

** If we here love the Savior whom we have never seen, and whom we can only approach by faith — then how strong will our love be when we shall see Him face to face and find ourselves not only in His actual presence but forever enclosed in His loving embrace!

Here our love to the Savior is feeble, on account of the dimness of our faith, and often interrupted by dark clouds and earthly affections which draw us away from the contemplation of the matchless character of our Redeemer. But in Heaven there will be no interposing obstacles to veil His glory, or counteracting affections to enfeeble or interrupt our perfect love for Him.

Happy, happy condition of those who love a Savior whom they never saw when they shall see Him as He is and be like Him. They will never be weary of gazing on His lovely face! They will never cease to give Him thanks and praise for His unparalleled, unspeakable love, to which they will forever acknowledge their indebtedness for salvation! <A17>

1 John 3:2 NIV

[2] 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.

1 Peter 1:8 NIV

[8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy

** We are born for higher things than this poor world can afford us.

We know by sad experience what pain and sorrow mean; and frequent are the occasions on which tears flow down our cheeks. Death too, that king of terrors, warns us of the pains which we shall speedily endure in our conflicts with him.

This whole world is little else than a valley of tears. At best it is a checkered scene, and sorrows are continually intermingled with our joys.

But in Heaven there will be no more pain, or sorrow, or crying; our happiness will be uninterrupted and without mixture.

Nor will there be any termination of our Heavenly bliss; for "there will be no more death." Whatever tears bedewed our cheeks in our departing hours, they will all be wiped away by God Himself; who will, from the instant of our entrance into His presence, seat us on His throne, put an unfading crown of glory upon our head, and invest us with all the glory and felicity of His kingdom.

When joy and gladness have thus taken possession of our souls, not only will sorrow and sighing flee away--but all occasion for them, all scope for the exercise of them, will vanish forever!

The crowning jewel of that blissful state is that the Lord Jesus Christ, in all the glory of His person, and in all the wonders of His love, will be made clear to us as the sun at noon-day.

1 John 3:2 NIV

[2] 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.

O that we were able to speak of it as we ought! But we feel the subject is far too great for our feeble grasp. <S179>

Revelation 21:4 NIV

[4] 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Philippians 3:20-21 NIV

[20] But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

** We live by faith and knowledge of God’s truth, not by sight

• Faith is believing in God, to receive His righteousness with an open hand

• Faith is not a blind thing, for faith begins with knowledge. It is not a speculative thing, for faith believes facts of which it is sure. It is not an unpractical, dreamy thing, for faith trusts and stakes its destiny upon the truth of revelation. Faith is the EYE which looks, the HAND which grasps, the MOUTH which feeds upon Christ <S185>

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV

[7] For we live by faith, not by sight.

2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV

[5] For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 3:3 NIV

[3] All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

** Song chapter 7 is a beautiful intense picture of the love the bridegroom has for his bride, and a beautiful picture of how God sees us — with the love God has for His bride

Isaiah 62:5 NIV

[5] As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.

God does not see our sin but He sees His Son; we become pure and sinless in God’s eyes when we look to Him as our salvation <F60>

Romans 6:6-7 NIV

[6] For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--- [7] because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

Colossians 2:10,13 NIV

[10] and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. [13] When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins

1 John 3:5 NIV

[5] But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.

Hebrews 10:22 NIV

[22] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

** The Bible declares that a true follower of Christ will not live a state of continual, unrepentant sin

• What's the difference between both who believe in God -- one who calls themselves a Christian yet does not actively follow Him from demons who also claim to believe in God?

• The Christian faith is not just something a person "sprinkles on top", asking God to bless the way of life they’ve decided to live

• No, the genuine Christian life allows Christ to govern at the heart of every decision, utterance and action — and accept the results regardless if they meet personal life expectations

• Deliberately include God and depend on Him for both major and seemingly insignificant decisions

• Make sure the world observes how God is prioritized (baked into) all aspects of our daily life so we can be known by our fruit and be a shining light in dark places

• Let's live an overt life dedicated to Christ that is assured of reward in the end

1 John 3:6 NIV

[6] No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 NIV

[11] For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, [13] their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. [14] If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. [15] If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved---even though only as one escaping through the flames.

** We cannot know when the Holy Spirit moves but we can observe the results; we discern how the Holy Spirit moved previously to avoid following false teaching <M130>

• A person can't feel the Spirit move as many claim when they look for the supernatural to justify a decision/action -- like saying "the Holy Spirit told me to" decide/act a certain way

• We can see how the Spirit moved when observing a situation later on

• Enemies of God will try to convince people not to discern because they know that sound doctrine destroys them -- hence the effort to dismiss God's Word

• Do not believe every spirit because many false prophets have gone out into the world

1 John 4:1 NIV

[1] Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 John 3:24 NIV

[24] The one who keeps God's commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

John 3:8 NIV

[8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

DISCERN what is truly of the Holy Spirit:

1. The true work of the Holy Spirit exalts the Lord Jesus Christ

• The true spirit confesses that the incarnate Jesus in the flesh is from God; in other words, Jesus is fully God and fully man

• It is important the person who died on the cross be a man to take the punishment of other men

• All cults have an aberrant view of Christ (twisting, confusing, suppressing and misrepresenting the glories of the Son of God) while the Holy Spirit only speaks truth

• For instance, those who adhere to Modalism believe that Father/Son/Holy Spirit cannot exist all at the same time but exist one at a time depending on the situation; this theory attacks the very nature of God and possibly cuts people off from salvation

• Believers must know all three, including Christ and His person, His work, His gospel

• All Christ-filled pastors and believers will lead others to CHRIST and not to the Holy Spirit; worshiping the Spirit takes the focus off Christ

Ephesians 3:14-19 NIV

[14] For this reason I kneel before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. [16] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

2. False spirits speak as though they are from the world

• They are often accompanied by heightened emotional experience through music

• They offer people in the world what they already want such as health, wealth, prosperity, liberation, freedom from boredom, etc

• False messages appeal to people's desire for self-fulfillment and self-satisfaction; it satisfies their narcissism

• The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, brings humility, brokenness, repentance and produces love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control

1 John 4:5-6 NIV

[5] They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. [6] We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

3. The true work of the Holy Spirit points people to the Bible

• False teaching advocates that Sola Scriptura is demonic because people need to hear His voice and not just read His Word

• Believers are not to entertain any false teaching that denies Christ or goes against His teaching

2 John 1:9-11 NIV

[9] Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. [11] Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.

** It is not enough to reply, "I belong to the church; I suppose I am a Christian." Thousands of nominal Christians show none of the signs of being born again which the Scriptures have given us in the First Epistle of John.

A person who has been born again, or regenerated, does not habitually commit sin. He no longer sins with his heart and will and whole inclination. There was probably a time when he did not think about whether his actions were sinful or not, and he did not always feel grieved after doing evil. There was no quarrel between him and sin; they were friends.

But the true Christian…

• hates sin,

• flees from sin,

• fights against sin,

• considers sin his greatest plague,

• resents the burden of sin's presence,

• mourns when he falls under sin's influence, and

• longs to be completely delivered from sin.

1 John 3:9 NIV

[9] No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.

1 John 5:18 NIV

[18] We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.

Sin no longer pleases him, nor is it even a matter of indifference to him; it has become the horrible thing which he hates. However, he cannot eliminate its presence within him.

If he said that he had no sin, he would be lying, 1 John 1:8. But he can say that he hates sin, and that the great desire of his soul is not to commit sin at all. He cannot prevent bad thoughts from entering his mind, or shortcomings, omissions, and defects from appearing in both his words and his actions. But he can truly say in the sight of God, that these things cause him grief and sorrow, and that his whole nature does not consent to them. What would the apostle say about you? Are you born again? <R170>

James 3:2 NIV

[2] We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

1 John 3:6-7 NIV

[6] No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. [7] Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.

** The 'mystery of lawlessness' was active in Paul’s day, as it is in our world today, and will expand significantly as we approach the return of King Jesus <P169>

• Today, many who profess Christ do not even seek to keep the commandments

• Although a person can’t be saved by the commandments, those who are saved strive to keep the commandments

• The true church of these last days stands in stark contrast with the false apostate ‘church’ by its passion to live for and honor Christ

1 John 3:6 NIV

[6] No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 NIV

[7] For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. [8] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.

Titus 2:14 NIV

[14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

** Two common objections to the belief that a Christian cannot lose salvation concern these experiential issues: 1) What about Christians who live in a sinful, unrepentant lifestyle? 2) What about Christians who reject the faith and deny Christ? The problem with these objections is the assumption that everyone who calls himself a “Christian” has actually been born again.

• The Bible declares that a true Christian will not live a state of continual, unrepentant sin

1 John 3:6 NIV

[6] No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

• The Bible also says that anyone who departs the faith is demonstrating that he was never truly a Christian

1 John 2:19 NIV

[19] They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

• He may have been religious, he may have put on a good show, but he was never born again by the power of God. “By their fruit you will recognize them”; the redeemed of God belong “to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God” <G72>

Matthew 7:16 NIV

[16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

Romans 7:4 NIV

[4] So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.

** Unwholesome talk is unsubstantiated talk

• While it is not sin to discuss what others are doing against God’s law as long as it can be substantiated

• Talk that is malicious against another — designed to tear another down — is unwholesome and must be avoided

• There is remedy when we grieve the Holy Spirit: abstain from committing the known sin and confess sin that has been committed <H86>

Ephesians 4:25-29 NIV

[25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold. [28] Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

1 John 3:7-10 NIV

[7] Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. [8] The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. [9] No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. [10] This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

1 John 1:9 NIV

[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

** We who are God's children and have experienced genuine saving faith follow God's example, aiming to please God by doing what is right, as anyone would do for the person they love

1 John 3:3 NIV

[3] All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

1 John 3:7 NIV

Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.

1 John 3:6 NIV

No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

1 John 3:9-10 NIV

No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. [10] This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

1 John 4:20-21 NIV

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. [21] And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

** Although there are many different interpretations of the coming of our Lord, when and where it will happen, there is one doctrine that a true Christian believes and we can all agree on. It is that we are all saved by Grace through Faith in the shed Blood and bodily resurrection of our Lord to become a glorified spirit being of flesh and bone. Jesus became what we will be in the “sweet by and by” a glorified man, immortal, and we will be in the same image as our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 3:1-3 NIV

That is the ONLY doctrine, in the final analysis, which really and truly bears eternal consequences. Preterists that trust Jesus for their salvation through faith, will meet up with futurists who also trust Jesus, who will fellowship with Pre-Tribbers, and post Tribbers that will fellowship with other protestants and Catholics who actually believe that only Jesus saves.

Because in the final analysis, if you trust Jesus, and in Him alone for your hopes of salvation, then you will go to that blessed place of eternal existence, we call “heaven”.

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Except taken from article re: differing views on rapture <T201> (Mar 2021)

** Christ came to take away our sin

1 John 3:4-5 NIV

Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. [5] But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.

1 John 3:8 NIV

The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.

** In return, we are to love one another in the way Christ loves us

1 John 3:11,14-15 NIV

For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. [14] We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. [15] Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

1 John 3:16 NIV

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

1 John 4:18 NIV

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 3:17-18 NIV

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

1 John 4:9-11 NIV

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. [10] This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. [11] Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

** People in Old Testament had to offer sacrifices in atonement for their sin; they came as a nation and individually

Hebrews 11:2-4 NIV

[2] This is what the ancients were commended for. [3] By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. [4] By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

In Genesis, we learn that God was not pleased with Cain's sacrifice

• Abel brought the firstborn from His flock

• Cain also gave from his first fruits but God may have wanted the blood of an animal (?)

• More importantly, Cain was wicked and his heart was unregenerate thus removing himself from the presence of the Lord

• Cain was jealous and ended up killing his brother

1 John 3:11-12 NIV

[11] For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. [12] Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous.

The Hebrew people prided themselves on sticking to Old Testament law

• When Christianity began to grow, the question arose of how to be saved

• They were told something foreign that they were to "live by faith"

• Jesus’ one-time sacrifice was better than the Old Testament model, and the New Testament reveals how people can be saved today <C31>

Hebrews 10:39 NIV

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

** Let us not love with only words and speech, but with actions and in truth <D502>

James 2:17 NIV

[17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

1 John 3:18 NIV

[18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

** God will receive ANYONE who comes to Him in repentance, including the person who has gone against God's design for them because they are confused about their identity <B187>

• God paid for the privilege of our salvation when suffering on the cross

• Those who accept Christ not only receive God's help in this life but are allowed to stand before His holy presence in the next life

• God requires that whoever comes to Him: a) believe in Him, b) acknowledge their sin and Jesus' payment for it by dying on the cross, c) deny themselves the option of living however they want, and d) follow His commands as outlined in His Word

• God designed us from the beginning of time and predestined us to become conformed to His image

• Accepting Christ as Savior means we leave our 'old self' that is comfortable living in sin, and recognize we are a 'new creation' who aims to be the person God calls us to be

No matter what mistakes or bad choices we make, Jesus never turns away from those who repent and truly accept His free gift of salvation. He will see you through the storms in life. That doesn’t mean it’s ok to keep making the same mistakes. Repenting means to change your mind and turn away from sin. Whatever happens in this life, faith in Jesus will bring eternal salvation. <G73>

Ephesians 1:6-7 NIV

[6] to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Luke 9:23-24 NIV

[23] Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

Romans 8:29 NIV

[29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

1 John 3:9-10 NIV

[9] No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. [10] This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

** We are undoubtedly living in a crooked and perverse generation, similar to the Philippians living in northern Greece when Paul wrote to them

• We see that every generation has known its evil — so what can we learn from Paul’s challenge to them?

Philippians 3:2,18-19 NIV

[2] Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. [18] For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

Philippians 1:27-28 NIV

[27] Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel [28] without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved---and that by God.

Proverbs 21:8 NIV

[8] The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

Isaiah 59:7-8 NIV

• When the first church was planted in Philippi, a city swarming with brutal evil-wielding Roman soldiers, it was assaulted and attacked

• Paul tells them not to be surprised by persecution for Christ-followers are expected to suffer for Christ

Matthew 5:11-12 NIV

[11] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

• The book of Philippians, an “epistle of joy”, was written by Paul while he was in prison for 4 years waiting for a verdict from Nero on his life

• It is recorded that Paul and Barnabas were singing in prison as an example of the JOY believers are to exhibit while in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation

Philippians 2:14-18 NIV

[14] Do everything without grumbling or arguing, [15] so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky [16] as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. [17] But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. [18] So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

• Seek truth, discernment, wisdom and follow Christ’s example when living among unbelievers

• Do not beg to be taken from this world

• This is where God wants us to be, asking for protection from the world as we are to be light reaching a very dark world

Proverbs 2:11-15 NIV

[11] Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. [12] Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, [13] who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, [14] who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, [15] whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.

John 17:15 NIV

[15] My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

1 John 3:10 NIV

[10] This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Proverbs 4:18 NIV

[18] The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV

[8] Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

• Finally, remember that our kingdom is in Christ and not of this world

• Followers of Christ have been delivered FROM the kingdom of this world — we do not derive our purpose, power, success, reality, rights, or anything from this world — for we know one day God’s kingdom will reign forever and we will be with Him in His new heaven and earth! <M130>

Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Revelation 11:15 NIV

[15] The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”

Isaiah 65:17-18 NIV

[17] “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. [18] But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.

** Those living in sin and following evil will hate genuine believers for doing what is right because they do not know or understand Him; don't expect others to welcome you

1 John 3:13 NIV

Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

1 John 5:4 NIV

[4] for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

1 John 5:20 NIV

[20] We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

** Genuine Christians have never been favorites of the world — and while it continues what it is, they never can be. Nor can the pure and simple gospel be pleasant to the world, because it lays the sinner in the dust and exalts God as supreme and sovereign. Let us not be surprised then, if we hear worldlings speak against the gospel, and traduce the Lord's people. For what the Romans told Paul, is in a good measure true in the present day,

Acts 28:22 NIV

[22] But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”

This 'sect' originated with Jesus, the hated Nazarene who came into the world for its good, and to save His people from their sins. He gathered around Him many, but they were principally the poor and unlearned. There was nothing in them, or about them to recommend them to the proud and sensual world.

• They were begotten of God, and made new creatures in Christ

• They embraced the truth that He taught

• They observed the precepts that He gave

• They copied the example that He set

Their creed consisted pretty much in these facts, that:

• Man is a lost sinner

• Salvation by works is impossible

• It must be all of grace, or not at all

• The Lord Jesus came into the world to take the sinner's place, fulfill the law in the sinner's stead, and die as the sinner's substitute

By such hopes, they were animated; by such rules, they walked; and at such objects, they aimed. And yet, they were spoken against and despised, because they poured contempt on the luxuries, pride, and honors of this world. They were treated as the off-scouring of all things — unfit for society, unfit to live.

1 John 3:13 NIV

[13] Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

…But at length they were courted by royalty, loaded with wealth, became intoxicated with worldly honors, and then their glory departed! The 'sect' that had been spoken against everywhere, with the exception of a few was swallowed up in a worldly church!

There are still some, who, like the ancient sect of the Nazarenes, are spoken against everywhere. They will not swim with the stream. They will not compromise their Master's honor, or give up their Master's truth. According to the light they have, they walk; and they rejoice to exalt the Savior, humble the sinner, and proclaim salvation, all of grace. They rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer shame, for His dear name.

Reader! Do you belong to this sect? Is there anything in your religion that is distasteful to the world, anything that draws forth its opposition, or excites its contempt? The carnal mind is still enmity against God and if we are godlike that enmity will manifest itself against us!

If we copy Christ's example, as set before us in the gospel; if we testify against the world, that its works are evil, and call upon it to repent as Christ did — we shall soon be hated by the world! <S183>

John 15:18-19 NIV

[18] “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. [19] If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

** The professing Church has boasted that it would convert the world. To accomplish this aim, it has sought to "popularize" religion. Innumerable devices have been employed to attract the ungodly — many of which even a sense of propriety should have suppressed! The result has been that the world has converted the professing Church!

But notwithstanding this, it still remains true that the world hates the true followers of the Lamb. And nowhere is this more plainly evident, than in those who belong to what we may term the religious world!

If you resolve that by Divine grace you will live godly in Christ Jesus, then know that persecution must be your portion. And that persecution will come upon you not from atheists and infidels but from those bearing the name of Christians. It will issue from those who still keep up a form (or semblance) of godliness but who are strangers to its living power. It will come to you from empty professors whose compromising ways are condemned by your refusal to conform thereto; whose worldliness and carnality is rebuked by your spirituality.

Remember, it was the religious leaders who hounded the Savior to His death! <P161>

2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

[12] In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

John 15:18-19 NIV

1 John 3:13 NIV

[13] Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

** God, who came to earth as a man, didn’t come to lay down His life for social justice or climate change or a political movement or a Christian denomination

• Christ's primary purpose was to lay down His life to deal with sin and then give people the way forward to have relationship with Him <D40>

• Likewise, followers of Christ are to value God and others above all else, including those who are lost because their story is not done yet

• Remember the transforming power God had over Paul’s life, and virtually everyone in Scripture

John 10:11 NIV

[11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 15:12-14 NIV

[12] My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. [14] You are my friends if you do what I command.

1 John 3:16 NIV

[16] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

[37] Jesus replied: “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

** Jesus issued a new command for His disciples to love one another

• Now that Jesus is leaving them, they were to shift their focus off Jesus and onto one another to show they are continuing to follow and obey Christ

John 13:34-35 NIV

[34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Mark 12:31 NIV

[31] The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

• Love brings joy...

John 15:10-11 NIV

[10] If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. [11] I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

• There is no room for hate in love...

1 John 2:9 NIV

[9] Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.

• Our actions demonstrate our love...

1 John 3:18 NIV

[18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

** How do we know if we belong to Him or are continuing to live in sin?

1 John 3:19-20 NIV

This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: [20] If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

1 John 3:24 NIV

The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

1 John 4:13,15 NIV

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. [15] If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.

** Believers can take comfort knowing God knows us perfectly -- our heart, our motive, our aims

• When He makes His final decision about us on Judgment Day, there will be no questioning whether His judgment is accurate

• God knows our thoughts so He knows WHY we did something, not just that we did something <P168>

• That is a good place for us to rest and to place our hope

• This should also be a challenge for us to continue living for Him as best possible!

Luke 16:15 NIV

[15] He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight.

1 John 3:19-21 NIV

[19] This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: [20] If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. [21] Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God

** Christ's knowledge is as limitless as His power, for He knows what will take place and what His people will need a thousand years to come. Nothing can surprise, or baffle, or disappoint Him <T204>

• At a single glance, He looks through immensity and eternity, and takes in at one view all beings and events

• His understanding is boundless

• He knows the end from the beginning

• He knows all things in their origin, connections, tendencies, and consequences

• Everything that has occurred in the universe

• Everything that is now taking place, and

• Everything that will take place – is mapped out before His omniscient eye in perfect transparency

1 John 3:20 NIV

[20] If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

Psalm 147:5 NIV

[5] Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

Isaiah 40:28 NIV

[28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

Hebrews 4:13 NIV

[13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

** We have access to God's promises and power when we live in Him

1 John 3:21-23 NIV

Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God [22] and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. [23] And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

1 John 3.

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