1 John 3:3 And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure. I. THE STANDARD OF PURITY IS CHRIST. 1. We should consider Him attentively as the means of elevating our views of holy obedience by His blessed example, and of stimulating us to seek for higher attainments in grace than we are likely to find by our very imperfect knowledge of our yet imperfect brethren. 2. The moral sight, like the mariner's, acquires by practice an almost inconceivable keenness; and the highest points of moral beauty in the temper and conduct of Jesus are only visible to him who looks on Him and His perfections continually with ardent attachment, with keen and steady scrutiny, and with holy desire to follow in His steps. II. THE PRINCIPLES OF PURIFICATION which are in operation in the Christian's mind. 1. A sense of the love and mercy of God in this dispensation of salvation. 2. Filial affection to God, as having become His child. 3. The expectation of the promised blessing. 4. The spiritual influence by which his belief is maintained. III. THE RESULT ACCOMPLISHED in the believer's mind. 1. He that has the Christian hope, obtains a purity of thought and intention. 2. He attains to the purifying of his tempers and dispositions. 3. He attains to the purifying of the affections. 4. He attains to purity of conversation in the world, and of intercourse with his fellow men. 5. He attains to purity of conscience. (Edward Craig, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.WEB: Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure. |
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