IJohniii. 3. Every one that hath this hope in hiviy purifieth himself, even as he is pure. THE people of God are but little known to an im- godly world : instead of being considered according to their true character, they are regarded as hypo- crites, enthusiasts, and disturbers of their brethren's peace. But this is easily accounted for : the world know not God ; and therefore it is no wonder that they know not his people. But the saints them- selves have a very inadequate conception of the honour that is put on them, or of the glory that is re- served for them. They know indeed that they are sons of God ; but they have very little idea of what is comprehended in that relation : and as to their eternal state, they can form no precise judgment re- specting it ; they only know, in the general, that they shall be like God, and be with him for ever. Yet,, though so little known to the world and to them- selves, they have marks whereby they may be clearly distinguished ; they may be known by their uniform endeavours after holiness. To this eff'^ct the Apostle speaks in the words before us ; from which we shall take occasion to consider,
I. The Christian's hope —
Christ is the fountain and foundation of a sinner's hope : Without Christ, all must have perished : nor has the most eminent saint any more hope than a fallen angel, except as he is interested in the merits of Christ. But through him'' the Believer has a glorious hope ;
1 . That he is a child of God — [Christ, having purchased us with his own blood, has re- conciled us to God, and made us his children. He teaches his followers to consider themselves as standing in this re- lation to God, not merely like the angels who are his sons by creatioji, hut hi a more exalted manner by regeneration and
adoption : The text does not say, h ixvry in himself, but Itt ciini in him, that is, in Christ.
1183.] THE FRUiTS AND EFFECTS OF HOPE. 243
adoption : and he teaches them to expect from him through- out their whole Hves the blessing suited to that high dig- nity ^
Now the true Christian hopes that he is brought into this happy state, and that he shall receive from God all those en- dearing tokens of affection which the relation of sonship em- boldens him to expect. This hope of his is founded partly on the merits of his Saviour, and partly on the internal evidence which he has, that he is interested in the Saviour. The mere circumstance of Christ having laid down his life for him, would not be a sufficient ground for him to number himself among the family of God : but when he has the testimony of his own conscience that he has sought acceptance with God through the death of Christ, then he is enabled to indulge a hope that the privileges annexed to such a state belong to him.]
2. That he shall be with God, and like him, for ever —
[The blessings which the saints enjoy are not confined to this life : " Being sons of God, they are also heirs ; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ ^" " Though they know not yet what they shall be, they know that, when they shall see him, they shall be like him : for they shall see him as he is'^." The time is coming, when they shall all be introduced into his immediate presence, and be with him, and like him for ever. This also is an object of the Christian's hope He be- lieves that this is the heritage of the saints ; and that " what God hath promised, he is able, and willing, to fulfil."]
That this is no barren hope, will appear from,
II. The effect it produces in him —
Every Christian will endeavour to purify himself to the uttermost —