1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear… There is a very lofty sentiment in these words. They labour with meaning and soar with aspiration. We notice — I. A CHANGE OF THE MOST MARKED CHARACTER IS ALREADY SUPERINDUCED. Something is already accomplished; an effect is secured. Things are placed in a course of progression even now. II. THIS CHANGE IS PREPARATORY TO ANOTHER IN A FUTURE STATE OF EXISTENCE. Life is the school, the arena, the watch tower. Here holy principle is imbibed and holy habit formed; but the scope and aim are always prospective. The premonitions of our future are afforded by the nature of — (1) Our present states. There is rapture in devotion. Holiness now is clothed with beauty. Love, obedience, fellowship, are sweetest flowers of earth, but they all look heavenward. (2) Our characteristic principles. III. OF THAT SUBLIMER CHANGE THE PRESENT ONE IS A VERY IMPERFECT SPECIMEN AND PRESAGE. "It doth not yet appear," etc. (R. W. Hamilton, LL. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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