The Great Hope of the Sons of God, and its Influence on Life
E. L. Hull, B. A. 1 John 3:3 And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure. I. THE GREAT HOPE OF THE SONS OF GOD — "To be like Christ," and that implies an unbounded progress towards perfection. To be like Christ implies two things: perfect communion with God, as the blessedness of life; and perfect self-sacrifice, as the law of life. These were the two great features of Christ's human character: to have them is our destiny; to have them is to be perfect. II. ITS INFLUENCE ON LIFE — "He that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." To the question, How shall I realise an aim so glorious? John answers — Hope for it — and the hope will gradually become the means of fulfilling itself. 1. As an unconscious influence. 2. As a safeguard against life's temptations. (E. L. Hull, B. 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.