1 John 3:2
Verse
Context
Children of God
1Behold what manner of love the Father has given to 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. 2Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. 3And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now are we the sons of God - He speaks of those who are begotten of God, and who work righteousness. See the preceding chapter. And it doth not yet appear what we shall be - Ουπω εφανερωθη· It is not yet manifest; though we know that we are the children of God, we do not know that state of glorious excellence to which, as such, we shall be raised. When he shall appear - Εαν φανερωθη· When he shall be manifested; i.e., when he comes the second time, and shall be manifested in his glorified human nature to judge the world. We shall be like him - For our vile bodies shall be made like unto his glorious body; we shall see him as he is, in all the glory and majesty both of the Divine and human nature. See Phi 3:21; and Joh 17:24 : Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory. John had seen his glory on the mount when he was transfigured; and this we find was ineffably grand; but even this must have been partially obscured, in order to enable the disciples to bear the sight, for they were not then like him. But when they shall be like him, they shall see him as he is - in all the splendor of his infinite majesty.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Beloved--by the Father, and therefore by me. now--in contrast to "not yet." We now already are really sons, though not recognized as such by the world, and (as the consequence) we look for the visible manifestation of our sonship, which not yet has taken place. doth not yet appear--Greek, "it hath not yet ('at any time,' Greek aorist) been visibly manifested what we shall be"--what further glory we shall attain by virtue of this our sonship. The "what" suggests a something inconceivably glorious. but--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Its insertion in English Version gives a wrong antithesis. It is not, "We do not yet know manifestly what . . . but we know," &c. Believers have some degree of the manifestation already, though the world has not. The connection is, The manifestation to the world of what we shall be, has not yet taken place; we know (in general; as a matter of well-assured knowledge; so the Greek) that when (literally, "if"; expressing no doubt as to the fact, but only as to the time; also implying the coming preliminary fact, on which the consequence follows, Mal 1:6; Joh 14:3) He (not "it," namely, that which is not yet manifested [ALFORD]) shall be manifested (Jo1 3:5; Jo1 2:28), we shall be like Him (Christ; all sons have a substantial resemblance to their father, and Christ, whom we shall be like, is "the express image of the Father's person," so that in resembling Christ, we shall resemble the Father). We wait for the manifestation (literally, the "apocalypse"; the same term as is applied to Christ's own manifestation) of the sons of God. After our natural birth, the new birth into the life of grace is needed, which is to be followed by the new birth into the life of glory; the two latter alike are termed "the regeneration" (Mat 19:28). The resurrection of our bodies is a kind of coming out of the womb of the earth, and being born into another life. Our first temptation was that we should be like God in knowledge, and by that we fell; but being raised by Christ, we become truly like Him, by knowing Him as we are known, and by seeing Him as He is [PEARSON, Exposition of the Creed]. As the first immortality which Adam lost was to be able not to die, so the last shall be not to be able to die. As man's first free choice or will was to be able not to sin, so our last shall be not to be able to sin [AUGUSTINE, The City of God, 22.30]. The devil fell by aspiring to God's power; man, by aspiring to his knowledge; but aspiring after God's goodness, we shall ever grow in His likeness. The transition from God the Father to "He," "Him," referring to Christ (who alone is ever said in Scripture to be manifested; not the Father, Joh 1:18), implies the entire unity of the Father and the Son. for, &c.--Continual beholding generates likeness (Co2 3:18); as the face of the moon being always turned towards the sun, reflects its light and glory. see him--not in His innermost Godhead, but as manifested in Christ. None but the pure can see the infinitely Pure One. In all these passages the Greek is the same verb opsomai; not denoting the action of seeing, but the state of him to whose eye or mind the object is presented; hence the Greek verb is always in the middle or reflexive voice, to perceive and inwardly appreciate [TITTMANN]. Our spiritual bodies will appreciate and recognize spiritual beings hereafter, as our natural bodies now do natural objects.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Beloved, now are we the sons of God,.... By adoption, secretly in God's predestination, and in the covenant of grace; and openly in regeneration, through faith in Christ, and by the testimony of the Spirit: and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; though they are sons, they do not appear now as such, as they will do, when they shall be introduced into their Father's house, and into the many mansions there prepared for them; when Christ shall publicly own them as the children given unto him, and when they shall be put into the possession of the inheritance they are heirs of; besides, they will appear then not only to be kings' sons, but kings themselves, as they now are; they will then inherit the kingdom prepared for them, and will sit down on a throne of glory, and have a crown of righteousness, life, and glory, put upon them; and will appear not only perfectly justified, their sins being not to be found; and the sentence of justification afresh pronounced, and they placed out of the reach of all condemnation; but they will be perfectly holy and free from all sin, and perfectly knowing and glorious; they have a right to glory now, and glory is preparing for them, and they for that: and they are now representatively glorified in Christ, but then they will be personally glorified: now, though all this shall certainly be, yet it does not now manifestly appear; it appears to God, who calls things that are not as though they were and to Christ, whose delights were with the sons men, these children of God, before the world was, and saw them in all the glory they were to be brought to; but not even to angels, until they are owned and confessed before them; much less to the world, who do not know what they are now, and still less what they will be, seeing them now in poverty, meanness, under many reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions; and even this does not appear to the saints themselves, whose life is a hidden life; and that by reason of darkness, desertion, and diffidence, for want of more knowledge, and from the nature of the happiness itself, which is at present unseen: but we know that when he shall appear; that is, Jesus Christ, who is now in heaven, and out of sight, but will appear a second time: the time when is not known, but the thing itself is certain: we shall be like him; in body, fashioned like to his glorious body, in immortality and incorruption, in power, in glory, and spirituality, in a freedom from all imperfections, sorrows, afflictions, and death; and in soul, which likeness will lie in perfect knowledge of divine things, and in complete holiness; for we shall see him as he is; in his human nature, with the eyes of the body, and in his glorious person, with the eyes of the understanding; not by faith, as now, but by sight; not through ordinances, as in the present state, but through those beams of light and glory darting from him, with which the saints will be irradiated; and this sight, as it is now exceeding desirable, will be unspeakably glorious, delightful, and ravishing, soul satisfying, free from all darkness and error, and interruption; will assimilate and transform into his image and likeness, and be for ever. Philo the Jew observes (k), that Israel may be interpreted one that sees God; but adds, , "not what God is", for this is impossible: it is indeed impossible to see him essentially as he is, or so as to comprehend his nature, being, and perfections; but then the saints in heaven will see God and Christ as they are, and as much as they are to be seen by creatures; God will be seen as he is in Christ; and Christ will be seen as he is in himself, both in his divine and human natures, as much as can be, or can be desired to be seen and known of him. (k) De Praemiis. & Paenis, p. 917.
1 John 3:2
Children of God
1Behold what manner of love the Father has given to 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. 2Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. 3And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 7): The Appearing of Jesus Christ
By A.W. Tozer11K43:36Second Coming Of ChristMAT 6:331CO 15:521TH 4:161TI 4:12TI 4:81PE 1:71JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of appearance and manifestation. He uses the example of a soldier returning home to his wife and children, emphasizing the anticipation and expectation of his appearance. The preacher then relates this to the reading of Scriptures, highlighting the importance of not trying too hard or being tense when approaching the Word of God. He emphasizes the need to relax and trust in the Lord. The sermon also touches on the idea of the trial of faith and the preciousness of faith compared to material possessions, with a focus on the appearing of Jesus Christ.
If I Perish I Perish-03 Ministry From Esther
By Major Ian Thomas4.4K42:00EstherPSA 7:3PSA 46:1JHN 7:38EPH 5:191JN 3:2REV 22:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the struggle between the flesh and the spirit in the life of a believer. He emphasizes that when the flesh dominates, it leads to moral defeat and separation from God. However, through the death of Jesus Christ, believers are freed from the power of sin and the old sinful nature. The preacher uses the story of Esther to illustrate the concept of dying to self and surrendering to God's purpose. He concludes by highlighting the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers to live according to God's will.
(John - Part 42): Life After Death - the Death and Raising of Lazarus
By A.W. Tozer4.0K53:36ExpositionalPSA 90:12ECC 12:7ISA 65:17LUK 16:9ROM 8:181TI 6:191JN 3:2The video is a summary of a sermon by a German theologian named von Hügel. He emphasizes that the only things that seem to move people's emotions in this world are worldly things like business, sports, travel, and pleasure. However, von Hügel argues that the only things worthy of moving our emotions are those related to the world to come, to eternity. He encourages the audience to use their money wisely, knowing that even small acts of generosity can have eternal significance. Lastly, von Hügel reminds the listeners that the knowledge of life after death can help us endure difficult times.
The Second Coming of Christ
By Keith Daniel3.6K1:51:48Second Coming Of ChristMAT 22:1MAT 23:29MAT 24:34MAT 24:42MAT 25:11JN 2:281JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being ready for the coming of Jesus Christ. He uses the analogy of two men on a hill, where one disappears and the other is left standing still, to illustrate the suddenness of Christ's return. The preacher urges the audience, both believers and non-believers, to speak to God in their hearts and make a personal connection with Jesus. He quotes several passages from the Bible, including the parable of the faithful and wise servant, to emphasize the need for readiness and the consequences of being unprepared for Christ's return. The sermon concludes with a reference to the parable of the vineyard, highlighting the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus by the Jewish leaders.
Timothy, Ii #2 Ch. 3-4
By Chuck Missler3.2K1:02:46Timothy2TI 3:21JN 3:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of recognizing the signs of a society that is drifting away from godliness. He emphasizes the need to turn away from those who have a form of godliness but deny its power. The speaker then goes on to list 19 indicators of a society that is becoming increasingly self-centered and disobedient. He urges listeners to examine their own lives and strive for spiritual growth, reminding them of the importance of a personal relationship with God. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer for a grassroots revival in order to save the country and secure a better future for the next generation.
The Faces of Jesus
By J. Oswald Sanders2.8K55:11JesusPSA 27:8ISA 52:14MAT 25:342CO 3:182CO 4:61JN 3:2REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of catching a vision of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. This vision will ignite a lifelong zeal to make Jesus known. The speaker encourages the audience to turn their eyes upon Jesus and focus on his wonderful face, as this will cause the things of earth to fade away in comparison to his glory and grace. The sermon also highlights the patience and love of God, as well as the significance of Jesus' marred face and scarred body in revealing the love and glory of God to humanity.
Apostasy in Last Days
By Martin Geehan2.6K37:06Apostasy1JN 3:2In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to preach the gospel and acknowledges his own unworthiness. He mentions that in some foreign countries, such as Russia, church services can last for several hours with multiple preachers delivering messages due to the hunger for the Word of God. The speaker reflects on how prosperity has not necessarily benefited the Church and suggests that persecution can actually deepen people's reliance on the Word of God. He emphasizes the importance of believing in prophecy and understanding one's purpose and destiny as revealed in the Bible, as opposed to relying on science for answers about the end of the world.
Be Ye Holy (Alternate 3)
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K57:48HolinessMAT 16:18ACT 26:18HEB 4:91PE 1:41PE 2:221JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the ministry, which is to turn people from darkness to life and from the power of Satan to God. He references Paul's testimony before King Agrippa in Acts 26 and encourages preachers and missionaries to read this chapter regularly. The preacher also discusses the story of Joseph and how he was falsely accused but had evidence of his innocence. He highlights the difficulty of judging others and the importance of not misjudging. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the believers' inheritance in heaven, which is incorruptible and reserved for them, and the power of God that keeps them. The preacher also mentions a miniature Bible carried by the Apollo 15 astronauts and reflects on the wonder of the earth hanging in space. He challenges the idea that sin is necessary and encourages believers to live without sin.
The Candlestick - Smyrna
By Carter Conlon2.2K47:32SmyrnaISA 40:1ISA 40:28ROM 6:5ROM 8:15ROM 8:181JN 3:2REV 22:7In this sermon, the preacher addresses the fear and suffering that believers may face. He emphasizes that the devil may try to imprison and test them, but assures them that it will only be for a short season. He reminds them of the fleeting nature of life and the warning against placing too much value on earthly riches. The preacher encourages the congregation not to believe the lies of the devil, who wants to drive them into despair and convince them that God has forsaken them. Instead, he urges them to turn to God wholeheartedly and find the richness of Jesus in their trials.
Christmas Talk
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.1K14:18ChristmasPSA 34:6ISA 53:2LUK 2:7LUK 11:13JHN 1:12ROM 8:321JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of receiving Jesus into one's heart. He compares it to the busy Christmas season, where people are focused on material things. The preacher highlights that Jesus came to earth in a humble manner, in a manger, which was unexpected. The sermon also mentions the presence of angels and Satan during gatherings, emphasizing the importance of accepting Jesus and not turning him aside. The preacher encourages the audience to realize their worth as God's creation and to seek understanding of their purpose in life.
(Texas 2009) Question Answers Part 1
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:04:31Question AnswerPRO 4:18MAT 6:33ACT 3:2ACT 4:4ACT 4:222TI 2:201JN 3:2In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of a man who was lame and begged for alms at the beautiful gate of the temple. Peter and John encounter him and instead of giving him money, they heal him in the name of Jesus. This miraculous healing leads to the salvation of many who heard the message, with the number of believers reaching about 5,000. The speaker emphasizes the responsibility of Christians to reflect Jesus in their lives and to go about doing good, just as Jesus did.
(Second Coming of Christ) 01 the King Is Coming
By Aeron Morgan1.5K45:01Second Coming1TH 1:31TH 4:161TH 5:22TH 2:142PE 3:101JN 3:2REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the hope of the coming of Christ as presented in the book of 1 Thessalonians. The early Christians are commended for their patience and assurance in this hope. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus Christ is coming again to consummate our blessed hope, and encourages believers to be on fire for Jesus and to actively share the gospel. The sermon concludes with a story of a blind woman who experienced a life-changing encounter with God through Jesus Christ.
The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded #3
By John Owen1.5K1:31:11Audio BooksGEN 24:53MAT 19:211CO 13:92CO 4:182CO 8:1HEB 6:91JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher provides special directions on how to discharge the duty of looking at things above and the state of future glory. He emphasizes the importance of possessing right notions and apprehensions of these spiritual realities. The preacher highlights that faith is necessary to have a prospect of these unseen things and that due consideration of the nature of God and man is required. He also addresses the various thoughts and apprehensions people have about the positive aspects of the future state, cautioning against being too attached to earthly things and encouraging a focus on spiritual growth.
Resurrection Reality
By Walter A. Maier1.5K22:03JHN 14:3JHN 20:9ACT 2:241CO 6:141CO 15:201JN 3:2REV 1:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of life after death and the belief in the resurrection. He emphasizes that our lives are incomplete and unfinished, suggesting that there must be a continuation after death. The preacher also mentions the idea of reward or retribution in the next world to address the injustices and unfairness of life. He uses various examples, such as the homing pigeon and the migration of birds, to illustrate the instinctive desire for immortality. Ultimately, the preacher encourages the audience to trust in God's promises and the love of Jesus, assuring them that through repentance and faith, they will be blessed and able to see God as he is.
The Sacrifice of Praise
By Ed Mohr1.5K23:04PraiseGEN 50:20MAT 6:33MAT 16:25ACT 20:352CO 9:6HEB 13:151JN 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of releasing our burdens and difficulties to God. He uses the story of Joseph and his brothers as an example of how God can turn our hardships into blessings when we surrender them to Him. The speaker encourages the audience to seek first the kingdom of God and trust that He will provide for their needs. He suggests a practical exercise of making two lists - one for past disappointments and hurts, and another for present difficulties - and giving thanks to God for each item on the lists.
Roman Catholic's View of Man's Primitive Condition
By John Murray1.3K51:20Roman CatholicGEN 1:26ROM 8:291CO 15:49EPH 4:24COL 3:102PE 1:41JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the fall of man and the loss of his free-to-natural and supernatural gifts. The fall resulted in man reverting to a state of pure nature, losing his connection to the divine. The preacher also explores the idea of when man was endowed with these gifts, suggesting that man naturally consists of both flesh and spirit, with affinity to both beasts and angels. The sermon also criticizes the idea that the Bible offers a twofold action for man's origin, instead emphasizing that man was created in God's image with qualities intended to address the defects in his nature.
The Bible College of Wales, 1979
By Norman Grubb1.3K1:38:15Bible CollegeJHN 13:15JHN 14:17ROM 8:91CO 2:12GAL 2:201JN 3:21JN 4:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of spiritual growth and maturity. He emphasizes the importance of moving from being a child to becoming a young man and eventually a father in the faith. The speaker highlights that this progression requires a change in perspective and a willingness to be sent out and commissioned by God. He also mentions that settling into a higher level of spiritual maturity brings about a sense of fulfillment and purpose. The speaker draws examples from the Bible to illustrate these concepts and encourages the audience to strive for personal competence in their spiritual journey.
Peters Insight/godhead
By Charles Anderson1.2K30:17GodheadMAT 6:331PE 1:12PE 1:212PE 3:11JN 3:2In this video, the speaker shares various anecdotes and experiences to convey important messages to the audience. He begins by recounting a summer where children interacted with hippies and were promised to be featured in a movie. The speaker then transitions to discussing the letter of Peter in the Bible, emphasizing that believers are exactly where God wants them to be. He also mentions the importance of having a global perspective and reaching out to those who have not heard the gospel. Lastly, the speaker shares a personal testimony of his assurance of salvation and emphasizes his certainty of going to heaven.
Have You a Desire to Be Like Jesus?
By Roy Daniel1.2K28:29Christ LikenessROM 8:181CO 15:51PHP 3:201TH 4:171JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians doing what they can for God, just like a girl who gave her two fish and loads of bread. He references the story of the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6, where the disciples felt helpless in the face of the large crowd's hunger. However, a little boy's small offering shamed them and demonstrated the power of giving what one can. The preacher encourages Christians to give their all to God, even if they are not great preachers or amazing individuals, and to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly possessions.
Featured Audio Sermon: The Triumph of God's Glory
By Festo Kivengere1.2K44:02ISA 43:7JHN 14:3JHN 17:22ROM 8:371CO 15:54PHP 3:20COL 2:101JN 3:2REV 21:4This sermon focuses on the triumphant glory of God, highlighting the journey from daily experiences to the ultimate return of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the radiant character of God's love, the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection, and the hope of believers being part of the glorious kingdom. The speaker urges listeners to embrace the triumphant King of Glory, overcome fear and hesitation, and boldly share the message of redemption with the world.
Birthmarks of the Family of God
By Al Whittinghill96059:11Family Of GodJHN 13:35TIT 1:16HEB 12:141JN 2:31JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the sower and the different types of ground that receive the word of God. He emphasizes that only the good ground, which represents those with an open and receptive heart, will bear fruit and be saved. The preacher also highlights the dangers of a watered-down gospel that caters to worldly desires and promises material wealth and happiness. He challenges the listeners to examine their current lives and asks them to consider if they are truly living according to the teachings of Jesus.
Our One Message
By Hans R. Waldvogel94118:14MessageEXO 33:13EXO 33:16PSA 37:4JHN 14:6ROM 5:20PHP 1:61JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus Christ as the way to truth, holiness, righteousness, and health. The message centers around the idea that we need Jesus above all else, not just knowledge about heaven, power, or spirituality. The preacher uses the analogy of a woman searching for her beloved to illustrate the pursuit of a deep relationship with Jesus. The sermon also highlights the concept of surrendering to God and allowing Him to work in our lives, using the example of the preacher's experience in the jewelry business. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus and the need to fully rely on Him.
Mid South Conference 1981-03 the People of Israel
By Aldy Fam Fanous93938:32IsraelMAT 11:28JHN 1:231CO 15:552CO 3:18EPH 1:142TH 2:131JN 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that believers are called to obtain the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. He compares the temporary joy people experience when winning money to the eternal glory that believers are called to obtain. The speaker also mentions the positive reception of their broadcast throughout the Arab world, with millions of people listening to each program. He highlights the importance of spending time in fellowship with the Lord to show His glory both in the present and in the future. The speaker also briefly discusses the concept of being created in God's image, using the analogy of looking at oneself in a mirror.
Week of Meetings 02 Return of the Lord
By Benard Fell87645:30Second ComingMAT 6:33JHN 20:25PHP 3:201TH 4:131TH 4:161JN 3:2In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the limitations of human understanding and the vastness of God's truths. He uses the analogy of a watermelon to illustrate that even the wisest person cannot fully explain it, but anyone can enjoy it. The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding comfort in the fact that although we may not fully comprehend God's truths, we can still enjoy them. He then quotes from the Bible, specifically 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, which speaks about the transformation of believers at the last trumpet and the victory over death through Christ. The speaker also mentions William Jennings Bryan, a Christian advocate who stood against evolution, as an example of someone who championed God's truth.
Each One Must Examine His/her Task
By Sydney TM Mbatha7271:15:25JOB 20:4PSA 119:105MAT 25:1JHN 7:38JHN 10:33JHN 11:251JN 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. He uses the parable of the ten virgins to illustrate his point. The virgins all had the same goal of waiting for the bridegroom, but five of them lacked oil for their lamps. The speaker urges the audience to examine themselves and ensure that their lamps are burning when Jesus returns. He also highlights the need for unity among Christians, emphasizing that faith in Jesus is the only way to enter heaven.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now are we the sons of God - He speaks of those who are begotten of God, and who work righteousness. See the preceding chapter. And it doth not yet appear what we shall be - Ουπω εφανερωθη· It is not yet manifest; though we know that we are the children of God, we do not know that state of glorious excellence to which, as such, we shall be raised. When he shall appear - Εαν φανερωθη· When he shall be manifested; i.e., when he comes the second time, and shall be manifested in his glorified human nature to judge the world. We shall be like him - For our vile bodies shall be made like unto his glorious body; we shall see him as he is, in all the glory and majesty both of the Divine and human nature. See Phi 3:21; and Joh 17:24 : Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory. John had seen his glory on the mount when he was transfigured; and this we find was ineffably grand; but even this must have been partially obscured, in order to enable the disciples to bear the sight, for they were not then like him. But when they shall be like him, they shall see him as he is - in all the splendor of his infinite majesty.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Beloved--by the Father, and therefore by me. now--in contrast to "not yet." We now already are really sons, though not recognized as such by the world, and (as the consequence) we look for the visible manifestation of our sonship, which not yet has taken place. doth not yet appear--Greek, "it hath not yet ('at any time,' Greek aorist) been visibly manifested what we shall be"--what further glory we shall attain by virtue of this our sonship. The "what" suggests a something inconceivably glorious. but--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Its insertion in English Version gives a wrong antithesis. It is not, "We do not yet know manifestly what . . . but we know," &c. Believers have some degree of the manifestation already, though the world has not. The connection is, The manifestation to the world of what we shall be, has not yet taken place; we know (in general; as a matter of well-assured knowledge; so the Greek) that when (literally, "if"; expressing no doubt as to the fact, but only as to the time; also implying the coming preliminary fact, on which the consequence follows, Mal 1:6; Joh 14:3) He (not "it," namely, that which is not yet manifested [ALFORD]) shall be manifested (Jo1 3:5; Jo1 2:28), we shall be like Him (Christ; all sons have a substantial resemblance to their father, and Christ, whom we shall be like, is "the express image of the Father's person," so that in resembling Christ, we shall resemble the Father). We wait for the manifestation (literally, the "apocalypse"; the same term as is applied to Christ's own manifestation) of the sons of God. After our natural birth, the new birth into the life of grace is needed, which is to be followed by the new birth into the life of glory; the two latter alike are termed "the regeneration" (Mat 19:28). The resurrection of our bodies is a kind of coming out of the womb of the earth, and being born into another life. Our first temptation was that we should be like God in knowledge, and by that we fell; but being raised by Christ, we become truly like Him, by knowing Him as we are known, and by seeing Him as He is [PEARSON, Exposition of the Creed]. As the first immortality which Adam lost was to be able not to die, so the last shall be not to be able to die. As man's first free choice or will was to be able not to sin, so our last shall be not to be able to sin [AUGUSTINE, The City of God, 22.30]. The devil fell by aspiring to God's power; man, by aspiring to his knowledge; but aspiring after God's goodness, we shall ever grow in His likeness. The transition from God the Father to "He," "Him," referring to Christ (who alone is ever said in Scripture to be manifested; not the Father, Joh 1:18), implies the entire unity of the Father and the Son. for, &c.--Continual beholding generates likeness (Co2 3:18); as the face of the moon being always turned towards the sun, reflects its light and glory. see him--not in His innermost Godhead, but as manifested in Christ. None but the pure can see the infinitely Pure One. In all these passages the Greek is the same verb opsomai; not denoting the action of seeing, but the state of him to whose eye or mind the object is presented; hence the Greek verb is always in the middle or reflexive voice, to perceive and inwardly appreciate [TITTMANN]. Our spiritual bodies will appreciate and recognize spiritual beings hereafter, as our natural bodies now do natural objects.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Beloved, now are we the sons of God,.... By adoption, secretly in God's predestination, and in the covenant of grace; and openly in regeneration, through faith in Christ, and by the testimony of the Spirit: and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; though they are sons, they do not appear now as such, as they will do, when they shall be introduced into their Father's house, and into the many mansions there prepared for them; when Christ shall publicly own them as the children given unto him, and when they shall be put into the possession of the inheritance they are heirs of; besides, they will appear then not only to be kings' sons, but kings themselves, as they now are; they will then inherit the kingdom prepared for them, and will sit down on a throne of glory, and have a crown of righteousness, life, and glory, put upon them; and will appear not only perfectly justified, their sins being not to be found; and the sentence of justification afresh pronounced, and they placed out of the reach of all condemnation; but they will be perfectly holy and free from all sin, and perfectly knowing and glorious; they have a right to glory now, and glory is preparing for them, and they for that: and they are now representatively glorified in Christ, but then they will be personally glorified: now, though all this shall certainly be, yet it does not now manifestly appear; it appears to God, who calls things that are not as though they were and to Christ, whose delights were with the sons men, these children of God, before the world was, and saw them in all the glory they were to be brought to; but not even to angels, until they are owned and confessed before them; much less to the world, who do not know what they are now, and still less what they will be, seeing them now in poverty, meanness, under many reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions; and even this does not appear to the saints themselves, whose life is a hidden life; and that by reason of darkness, desertion, and diffidence, for want of more knowledge, and from the nature of the happiness itself, which is at present unseen: but we know that when he shall appear; that is, Jesus Christ, who is now in heaven, and out of sight, but will appear a second time: the time when is not known, but the thing itself is certain: we shall be like him; in body, fashioned like to his glorious body, in immortality and incorruption, in power, in glory, and spirituality, in a freedom from all imperfections, sorrows, afflictions, and death; and in soul, which likeness will lie in perfect knowledge of divine things, and in complete holiness; for we shall see him as he is; in his human nature, with the eyes of the body, and in his glorious person, with the eyes of the understanding; not by faith, as now, but by sight; not through ordinances, as in the present state, but through those beams of light and glory darting from him, with which the saints will be irradiated; and this sight, as it is now exceeding desirable, will be unspeakably glorious, delightful, and ravishing, soul satisfying, free from all darkness and error, and interruption; will assimilate and transform into his image and likeness, and be for ever. Philo the Jew observes (k), that Israel may be interpreted one that sees God; but adds, , "not what God is", for this is impossible: it is indeed impossible to see him essentially as he is, or so as to comprehend his nature, being, and perfections; but then the saints in heaven will see God and Christ as they are, and as much as they are to be seen by creatures; God will be seen as he is in Christ; and Christ will be seen as he is in himself, both in his divine and human natures, as much as can be, or can be desired to be seen and known of him. (k) De Praemiis. & Paenis, p. 917.