In 1 John 3 from the King James Version (KJV), we are presented with a powerful and comforting message about the immense love of God and what it means for us as believers. This chapter delves into the transformative nature of divine love, our identity as children of God, and the practical implications for our lives. Let’s explore the depths of this scripture and unpack its timeless wisdom.
The Astonishing Love of the Father (1 John 3:1-2 KJV)
The passage begins by urging us to “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1 KJV). This opening is an invitation to marvel at the quality and magnitude of God’s love. It’s not just any love, but a love so profound that it grants us the incredible status of being called “sons of God,” or children of God. This is not a title lightly given; it speaks to a deep, familial relationship with the divine.
The world, however, often fails to recognize this divine kinship. “Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (1 John 3:1 KJV). Just as the world did not understand Jesus, it may not understand those who follow Him and bear His name. This lack of recognition is not a reflection on us, but rather an indication of the world’s spiritual blindness to God’s truth.
Verse 2 continues with a forward-looking perspective: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2 KJV). This verse affirms our present status as children of God while acknowledging that the fullness of our future glory is yet to be revealed. There is an element of mystery to our ultimate destiny, but we are given a glorious promise: when Christ appears, we will be like Him. This transformation will be realized when we “see him as he is,” suggesting a direct and unveiled encounter with the divine.
The Hope of Purity and Righteous Living (1 John 3:3-8 KJV)
This hope of future glory is not passive; it inspires present holiness. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:3 KJV). The anticipation of being like Christ motivates believers to live pure lives, reflecting His purity in their daily conduct. This purification is an ongoing process, driven by the hope of our future transformation.
The chapter then addresses the issue of sin. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4 KJV). Sin is defined here as lawlessness, a breaking of God’s divine law. This verse provides a clear and concise definition of sin within a biblical context.
Verse 5 highlights Christ’s mission: “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin” (1 John 3:5 KJV). Jesus Christ was revealed or manifested to take away sin. This is central to the Gospel message. His very nature is sinless, making Him the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
The relationship between abiding in Christ and sinning is further explored in verse 6: “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him” (1 John 3:6 KJV). To “abide in Him” suggests a continuous, close relationship with Christ. Those who truly abide in Him do not habitually practice sin. Conversely, those who continue to sin in a lifestyle pattern demonstrate that they have not truly “seen Him, neither known Him” in a saving and transforming way.
Verse 7 warns against deception: “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1 John 3:7 KJV). True righteousness is not just a claim but is evidenced by righteous actions. Just as Christ is righteous, those who are truly His followers will also demonstrate righteousness in their lives.
The stark contrast between righteousness and sin continues in verse 8: “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8 KJV). Committing sin, in the sense of habitually practicing it, aligns a person with the devil, who has been sinning from the beginning. However, there is hope: the Son of God was manifested precisely to “destroy the works of the devil,” including the power of sin in our lives.
Born of God and Loving One Another (1 John 3:9-18 KJV)
The concept of being “born of God” is introduced in verse 9: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9 KJV). Being born of God signifies a spiritual transformation, a new birth that fundamentally changes a person’s nature. Those born of God do not habitually sin because “his seed remaineth in him,” indicating a divine principle or nature within them that resists sin.
Verse 10 clarifies the distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil: “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother” (1 John 3:10 KJV). The distinguishing marks are clear: doing righteousness and loving one’s brother. Those who consistently fail to do righteousness and lack love for their fellow believers are not of God.
Love for one another is emphasized as a foundational message of Christianity in verse 11: “For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 3:11 KJV). This commandment to love one another is not new but has been a core teaching from the beginning of the Christian faith.
Cain is presented as a negative example in verse 12: “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous” (1 John 3:12 KJV). Cain’s hatred and murder of Abel are attributed to his evil works and his being “of that wicked one,” the devil. This serves as a stark warning against hatred and envy within the community of believers.
Believers are not to be surprised by the world’s hatred, as stated in verse 13: “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you” (1 John 3:13 KJV). Just as the world hated Christ, it will also hate His followers. This hatred is a consequence of the conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.
Love for the brethren is presented as evidence of spiritual life in verse 14: “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death” (1 John 3:14 KJV). Love for fellow believers is a tangible sign of spiritual transformation, of passing from spiritual death to life. The absence of brotherly love indicates a continued state of spiritual death.
The seriousness of hatred is underscored in verse 15: “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15 KJV). Hatred is equated with murder in God’s eyes, highlighting its destructive nature. Those who harbor hatred do not have eternal life abiding in them, emphasizing the incompatibility of hatred with true Christian faith.
Verse 16 provides a definition of love through Christ’s sacrifice: “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16 KJV). God’s love is demonstrated supremely in Christ laying down His life for us. This sacrificial love becomes the model for how believers should love one another – being willing to lay down their lives, in various ways, for their brethren.
Practical love in action is emphasized in verse 17: “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:17 KJV). True love is not just sentimental; it is expressed in practical compassion and generosity. Those who have material resources but withhold compassion from needy brethren question the reality of God’s love dwelling in them.
Verse 18 concludes this section with a call to genuine love: “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18 KJV). Love should not be mere words or lip service, but genuine actions and truthfulness. This verse calls for authenticity and sincerity in our expressions of love.
Assurance and God’s Commandments (1 John 3:19-24 KJV)
Verses 19-21 discuss assurance and confidence before God. “And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him” (1 John 3:19 KJV). Living out love in deed and truth gives us assurance that we are “of the truth,” belonging to God’s family. This assurance helps us to “assure our hearts before him,” finding peace and confidence in His presence.
“For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (1 John 3:20 KJV). Even when our hearts condemn us, perhaps due to our shortcomings, we can find comfort in knowing that “God is greater than our heart.” His understanding and mercy surpass our own self-condemnation. “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God” (1 John 3:21 KJV). A clear conscience, resulting from obedience and love, brings confidence in our relationship with God.
Verse 22 links obedience and answered prayer: “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22 KJV). Keeping God’s commandments and living in a way that is pleasing to Him creates a condition for answered prayer. Obedience and a right relationship with God open the door to receiving what we ask from Him.
The central commandment is highlighted in verse 23: “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment” (1 John 3:23 KJV). God’s commandment is twofold: to believe in Jesus Christ and to love one another. These are the twin pillars of Christian living.
The chapter concludes with the theme of abiding in God and God abiding in us: “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John 3:24 KJV). Keeping God’s commandments is the pathway to mutual abiding – we dwell in God, and He dwells in us. This indwelling is made known to us “by the Spirit which he hath given us,” the Holy Spirit, who is the evidence of God’s presence in our lives.
In conclusion, 1 John 3 Kjv offers a profound exploration of God’s love, our identity as His children, and the practical implications for righteous living and brotherly love. It encourages believers to live in purity, demonstrate love in deed and truth, and find assurance and confidence in their relationship with God through obedience and faith in Jesus Christ. This chapter is a rich source of spiritual instruction and encouragement for all who seek to understand and live out the Christian faith.
