1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whoever does not righteousness is not of God… I. MEN ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO CLASSES, THE CHILDREN OF GOD AND THE CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL. This assumption is very contrary to the prevailing views and practices of men. Many make no inquiry to what class they belong. Some who have thought upon it consider it is not possible to obtain satisfaction, and they dismiss it from their minds. They are satisfied to live in entire uncertainty. Or if they do classify men, themselves included, it is a very different summary from that of the apostle. Their reckoning makes many classes. They are as numerous as the phases of human society. Think, then, of this Divine distinction. Some are the children of God. They have been born of Him. This is the one class. But how different is the other? They are "the children of the devil." Like him they have fallen from their original righteousness. They have been under his influence ever since they came into the world. These are the only two classes known to God. The Scriptures never recognise any other here. Neither shall any but these be found at the last judgment. II. THIS DISTINCTION MAY BE MANIFESTED. "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil." This statement may be understood with reference to ourselves or others. Contemplate it in both relations. 1. If we are the children of God this ought to be manifest to ourselves. 2. It is, however, its manifestation to others that appears to be specially spoken of in the text. The proofs are such as are cognizable by others. To a large extent the evidence of conversion to ourselves and to others is the same. In our own case, however, there is consciousness, which cannot be had in the case of others. The two states in question are the most contrary to one another that can possibly be conceived. The change from the one to the other is the most marked and decided of which the human mind can be the subject. Might not such a change be expected to be manifest? Its necessary and habitual operation is a constant testimony to its existence. It is like the ointment that betrays itself. The flowing stream is proof of a living fountain. And if the life be holy there must be a cause that lies deeper than any human purpose. III. THE EVIDENCES BY WHICH THEY ARE MADE MANIFEST. Two are mentioned — "He that doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." It is observable that these evidences are put in the negative form, and an important lesson is suggested by it. The absence of well-doing is sufficient for condemnation. It is not enough that we "cease to do evil," we must "learn to do well." 1. "He that doeth not righteousness is not of God." A man who is not exhibiting righteousness in his deportment gives no proof that he is born of God. 2. With this general deportment a special grace is associated — "Neither he that loveth not his brother." (J. Morgan, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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