In 1 John 3:1, John contemplated the redemptive work of the Father through Jesus Christ by considering the present state of Christians. Christians are loved of God, children of God and strangers to the world. John continued in 1 John 3:2 and ensured Christians that adoption as God’s children is immediate upon obedience (1 John 3:2a; Galatians 3:26-27). As children, Christians enjoy bountiful spiritual blessings in this life (Ephesians 1:1-3) and the desire and expectation of everlasting life after they have passed away (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). John expounded on the redemptive work of God through Jesus Christ upon His Second, final Coming (2 Thessalonians 1:8-10) by revealing what Christians shall become.
John continued in verse 2, “and it doth not yet appear what we shall be.” There is no question that “we shall be”; there is only a question of “what we shall be.” Some people live wishing, with their fingers crossed, that they will “not be” (cease to exist) after death, because they have failed to prepare themselves for the judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is a shame that their unpreparedness causes them to wish for the impossible. God will not pardon the unprepared, and they should have no hope that He will (Matthew 24:45—25:13). John declared that it “has not appeared” what Christians shall be. That is to say, it is not obvious based on appearance alone that Christians are God’s children and, as result, heirs of the kingdom of heaven (Galatians 4:7). They are not clothed in florescent robes or wearing sparkling crowns, but there is still surety in their incorruptible inheritance (1 Peter 1:4; 2 Timothy 4:8).
Though the future state of Christians is not seen now, it will be fully manifested “when he shall appear” (1 John 3:2c). John is referencing the Second, final Coming of Jesus Christ in which Jesus, the righteous Judge, will appear (2 Thessalonians 1:7). It will be on that day that Christians will become “like him.” Christians will become like Jesus in at least two ways. They will be given spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) and immortal bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-53) similar to Jesus’ resurrected body (1 Corinthians 15:49; Colossians 3:4). The bodies that Christians receive will be much different from the “vile bodies” now occupied, which are subject to decay; their spiritual bodies will be “glorious” like unto Christ’s body (Philippians 3:20-21). “Seeing” Jesus as “he is” may indicate the moment of transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18) and serve as the evidence that we are “like Him.”
Do you look forward to the final coming of Jesus Christ? For those that have prepared it will be a great day! The expectation of heaven will become a reality! For those who are unprepared it will be a dreadful day. Prepare while there is still time!
