A clear description of God’s Children

I John 3:1–3
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

This is John’s approach in writing to Christians. Instead of listing the evil characteristics of Satan’s children, he gives us a clear description of God’s children. The title “sons of God” is an honor bestowed upon those who have a right relationship to God. This relationship is described as follows:

1. What we are -  “sons of God” (v. 1
2. What we shall be - “like him” (v. 2)
3. What we should be - “pure” (v. 3)

John begins by demanding that his people should remember their privileges. It is their privilege that they are called the children of God. There is something even in a name. He points out, we are not merely called the children of God; we are the children of God. It is by the gift of God that a man becomes a child of God. By nature a man is the creature of God, but it is by God’s grace that he becomes the child of God. An unbeliever who sins is a creature sinning against his Creator. A Christian who sins is a child sinning against his father who he loves very much. When we sin it never affects just one person but often brings reproach to an entire family and certainly harms the cause of Christ. 

Application

Because the Father loved me and sent His Son to die for me I am a child of God. I am saved by the grace of God, but the provision for my Salvation was originated in the love of God. Therefore since I have experienced the love of God, I have no desire to live in sin.