1 John 3:2
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
John provides a present certainty and future hope: now we are God’s children; the full revelation of what we shall be awaits. The coming transformation—being like Jesus when he appears—rests on the promise of seeing him as he is. This bridging of already/not yet invites both identity and destiny to shape life now.
This verse anchors Christian hope in the transformation of believers into Christlikeness. Seeing God “as he is” and becoming like him highlights the process of sanctification, culminating in glory. It affirms the intimate continuity of divine love and future glory.
Live with a forward-facing hope. Let the anticipation of future transformation impact present ethics and relationships. Practice humility, purity, and love as you anticipate being like Jesus. When you stumble, remember the trajectory of becoming more like him is the goal—and God’s grace remains sufficient to move you forward.
Cross-References: Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 13:12; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:9