1 John 3:1-7 (NRSV)
Read 1 John 3:1-7 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 3See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Verse 2Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. Verse 3And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Verse 4Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. Verse 5You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. Verse 6No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Verse 7Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
Devotion
As Christians, we are sometimes asked about eternal life. "What happens when people die?" "Is cremation OK?" "If Christ raises everyone at the end of time, are people with God immediately after they die?"
To all these questions, we have only partial answers. We read scripture, rely on tradition, pray and try to answer faithfully.
However, the next time we face such questions, we can look to the words of 1 John for help. Yes, eternal life still remains a mystery. But we know that the Father has lavished us with great love. And we know that we are called "children of God" forevermore. And we know that one day we will see God and be remade in that beautiful image.
In the meantime, as we wait for Christ's return, we strive to live well, trusting that Christ will keep his promise to make us pure through his death and resurrection.
Prayer
O Lord, you know our fears and our questions. You know our longing to live with you in eternity. Reassure us and purify us, that we may be yours forever. Amen.