1 John 3:2 is a powerful verse in the New Testament that speaks to the core identity of believers and their future hope. This verse is rich with theological significance, offering comfort and direction for Christians today. Let’s delve into the meaning of 1 John 3:2 and explore its profound implications for our lives.
The verse reads: “Beloved, 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.” Each phrase in this verse unpacks a vital truth about the Christian faith.
“Beloved, we are now children of God”
This opening declaration is filled with warmth and assurance. The term “beloved” (Ἀγαπητοί – Agapētoi in Greek) immediately sets a tone of deep affection. It’s a term of endearment, highlighting the immense love God has for those who believe in Him. This echoes similar expressions of divine love found in the Gospels, such as when God calls Jesus His “beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17).
Crucially, the verse states, “we are now children of God.” This isn’t a future aspiration, but a present reality. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are adopted into God’s family. This concept of being “children of God” is fundamental throughout the New Testament (John 1:12, Romans 8:16-17). It signifies a radical transformation in status and relationship. Before Christ, individuals were considered “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3), alienated from God. But through Christ, this changes dramatically. We are not merely servants or acquaintances, but children, inheriting all the privileges and intimacy that come with family. This status is entirely grace-based, a gift “now” bestowed upon believers, not earned through any merit of our own.
“and what we will be has not yet been revealed”
Following the affirmation of our present status, 1 John 3:2 introduces an element of mystery: “what we will be has not yet been revealed.” While we are currently children of God, the full scope of what this means in our future, glorified state remains undisclosed. This phrase acknowledges the limits of our current understanding and the vastness of God’s plan.
This “not yet” aspect is a common theme in Christian eschatology, the study of end times and future things. It speaks to the tension between the “already” and the “not yet” in the Christian experience. We “already” possess the Holy Spirit and the status of children of God, but we “not yet” experience the fullness of our inheritance and the complete transformation that awaits us. The Apostle Paul also touches upon this future transformation, describing the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, where a profound change will occur. This element of the unknown encourages believers to live by faith, trusting in God’s promises even when the details of the future are not fully clear.
“We know that when Christ appears”
Despite the mystery surrounding our future state, 1 John 3:2 offers a point of certainty: “We know that when Christ appears.” This phrase directs our attention to the second coming of Christ, a cornerstone of Christian hope. The certainty of Christ’s return is repeatedly affirmed in Scripture (Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16). This is not presented as a mere possibility, but as a definite event that believers can confidently anticipate.
The term “appears” (φανερωθῇ – phanerōthē in Greek) suggests a visible and undeniable manifestation of Christ’s glory. This is in stark contrast to His first coming, which was marked by humility and relative obscurity. The second appearing will be public, powerful, and transformative for all creation. This expectation of Christ’s appearing is meant to be a motivating force in the lives of believers, shaping how we live in the present as we look forward to this future reality.
“we will be like Him”
This is the glorious promise at the heart of 1 John 3:2: “we will be like Him.” This speaks to the ultimate transformation that awaits believers. Being “like Him” signifies a moral, spiritual, and even physical likeness to Christ in His glorified state. This transformation is not merely superficial; it’s a deep and comprehensive change that aligns us with the very character of Christ.
This promise is linked to the ongoing process of sanctification in a believer’s life. Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ, which begins at conversion and continues throughout our earthly lives. However, this process will reach its completion at Christ’s return (Philippians 3:21). Being like Christ includes sharing in His glory and righteousness, being freed from the presence and effects of sin (Romans 8:29-30). This is a future hope that fuels our present pursuit of holiness and spiritual growth.
“for we will see Him as He is”
The reason for this transformative likeness is unveiled in the final clause: “for we will see Him as He is.” This phrase points to the beatific vision, the direct and unobstructed sight of God in His glory. This is not a physical seeing in a limited sense, but a profound and intimate encounter with the divine nature of Christ. Paul alludes to this in 1 Corinthians 13:12, contrasting our current partial understanding with a future “face to face” encounter.
Seeing Christ “as He is” implies a deep, personal, and transformative communion with Him. Currently, we see God through a glass darkly, through imperfect reflections. But in the future, believers will have a direct vision of Christ in His unveiled glory. This vision is not merely observational; it is transformative. It is because we will see Him in His true nature that we will become like Him. The radiant glory of Christ will illuminate us and conform us to His image, completing our sanctification and glorification.
Conclusion
1 John 3:2 is a verse packed with encouragement and hope for believers. It affirms our present identity as beloved children of God, acknowledges the mystery of our future inheritance, and assures us of a glorious transformation at Christ’s return. This verse invites us to live in the light of this future hope, drawing strength and motivation from the promise that we will one day see Christ in all His glory and be made like Him. It is a powerful reminder of God’s love, our present standing in Christ, and the magnificent future that awaits those who are children of God.
