Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. – 1 John 3:2
Fred Cuellar has been recognized as the top expert in the world when it comes to diamonds. He is a jewelry designer to several of the world’s celebrities, professional athletes, and politicians. Among many other things, he has been the designer of championship and Hall of Fame rings. In his more than 35 years as a master diamond cutter, his diamond sales have exceeded $1 billion.
John begins today’s verse today calling you beloved. The Greek word in use here is agapetos, a calling out the preciousness of the one being addressed. It is a word only used for believers in Scripture, reflecting the covenant family connection Christians have with the Father and each other based on unconditional love. Pastor, author, and scholar Richard C. H. Lenski wrote, “A child of God is here and now, indeed, like a diamond that is a crystal while within but it still uncut and shows no brilliant flashes from reflected facets.” The time is coming, and it could be soon, when the Master Diamond Cutter will reveal what He has been creating in those who believe.
Pastor and author J. R. Miller wrote, “We are foreordained to be conformed to his image. It matters not how faintly the divine beauty glimmers now in our soiled and imperfect lives – some day we shall be like him! As we struggle here with imperfections and infirmities, with scarcely one trace of Christlikeness yet apparent in our life, we still may say, when we catch glimpses of the glorious loveliness of Christ, ‘Some day I shall be like that!’” The first three verses of 1 John 3 tell you what you are, what you shall be, and what you should be in view of the return of Christ. Allow God to shape you, cutting away imperfections and flaws now, for one day you will shine with the brilliance of Christ Jesus! Live as the beloved and precious child of God that you are.
Today’s Verse: 1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 2:28-3:3
28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
3 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
