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NASB | 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 3:2 Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory]. |
Bible Question: Will God forgive me? Normally, I wouldn't feel the need to ask this question because I believe that God is a loving forgiving God. However, this time scares me because my reason for asking comes from the Bible. In Hebrews chapter 6, it says that it is impossible for those who have fallen away to come back to repentance. I read that verse about a week ago and it's really been stuck in my mind creating fear. Yesterday, in my mind, I said that I no longer believed in God. Then, almost immediately after, I was like 'Wait, YES I DO!'. The scary thing is that for those few short seconds, I think I really meant it. I'd like to think that God would forgive this shirt period of unbelief, however, I do believe God's word to be 100 percent true and it says that it is impossible to come back after falling away. Am I understanding this correctly? Also, how does this passage fit with the parable of the lost son where though the son walked away and lived for himself, when he went back, the father welcomed him home with open arms? I am so confused...and scared right now. Up to this point in my life, I have been loving God and even working some in the church, but now I feel like I can no longer worship God like I love to do. |
Bible Answer: Dear Nathan, Interesting that you should ask about this. Recently I read again the wonderful book “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners” by John Bunyan (1628-1688). Bunyan speaks of going through the same experience that you have described. I have noticed in your questions since joining the forum that you have some presuppositions that will need to be ferreted out a la Ephesians 4. You are frequently looking to your own performance to merit or to demerit your salvation. This blinds you to what God is doing in your life, and opens you up for much deception. Salvation is not about what I have done, said, felt, or believed; it is about what God has done (Hebrews 12:2a). We do not see His work in a visible fashion, yet it begins with His changes the very nature – the DNA if you will – of who we are (Luke 6:43-45; cf 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). Furthermore, you must learn that the Gospel is not the A-B-C's of our faith, but the A through Z of our faith. We have needed a Savior and we will always and ever need a Savior – even on through eternity. Nonetheless, what I do, say, feel, and believe are impacted by this salvific work of God. It cannot be hidden. The internal truths will always have external manifestations. A true believer are characterized by and growing in the following: ...loves God (Matthew 22:37) ...loves the Word (John 14:21; 1 John 2:5) ...no longer finds joy in in his former sins (Ephesians 4:17-24); ...loves other believers (1 John 4:20; John 13:35) ...delights in the things of God (Psalms 37:23) ...etc. Taking your post at face value, I see some of these things. They have nothing to do with your performance or your innate goodness, son. No, rather they are evidences that God has begun the work of redemption in your life. Because He has already done it, persevere in it with hope. This is called progressive sanctification. Now, relative to the passing thoughts, let me assure you that we all have them. They arise from our fallen nature or are dropped into our minds from outside of us. They are continual reminders that we still need a Savior (2 Corinthians 10:5). I am made mindful of how Martin Luther responded to a question about how he responded to the thoughts that would pass through his mind when seeing a pretty maiden. He said, “I cannot help the birds flying over my head, but I can prevent them from making a nest in my hair.” In other words, when thoughts pop into your mind that are not Godly (Scriptural), shrug them off by placing them on an internal alter to God. We still need a Savior. Yes, our walk in Christ is a continual struggle. The wonderful thing, though, is that we have a hope (in Bible terms it means a confident expectation) of the consummation of all these things in Glory (1 John 3:2). All love for Him, our love for the brethren, our obedience to Him, our worship of Him, our fellowship in Christ, will all be perfect. So, Nathan, be encouraged and persevere! "It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus!" In Him, Doc |
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Questions and/or Subjects for 1 John 3:2 | Author | ||
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Aunt B | ||
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iwanttobelikejesus | ||
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cwade | ||
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deadjerry | ||
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Route66 | ||
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conqueror101 | ||
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live4jc316 | ||
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Inquisitor | ||
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nathanbgerman | ||
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DocTrinsograce | ||
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FytRobert |