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Book of 1 John - Chapter 3 - Verse 3

3:3
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Meaning

This verse from the first book of John emphasizes the importance of having hope in order to achieve purity in oneself. The act of purifying oneself involves making conscious efforts to eliminate impurities and negative influences from one's life. By having hope in God and His promises, one is motivated to strive towards purity and righteousness. The verse suggests that just as Jesus is pure, those who have hope in Him should purify themselves to mirror His purity. This process of purification requires self-reflection, repentance, and a commitment to living according to God's will. It is a continuous journey towards spiritual growth and transformation. Believers are encouraged to align their thoughts, actions, and desires with those of Christ in order to become more like Him and experience the fullness of His grace and love.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the concept of hope is closely linked to the idea of purification. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the transformative power of hope in the life of a believer. The word "hope" in this context signifies a confident expectation of future blessings and the fulfillment of God's promises. Those who possess this hope are motivated to purify themselves, aligning their thoughts, actions, and attitudes with the pure and holy nature of Christ. This process of purification is ongoing and reflects the believer's desire to be conformed to the image of Christ, who is the ultimate standard of purity. Through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to overcome sin and grow in spiritual maturity. Thus, the verse serves as a reminder of the sanctifying work of hope in the life of a Christian, leading to personal transformation and conformity to the likeness of Christ.

American Standard Version

And every one that hath this hope [set] on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
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