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1 John 3:2 Cross References
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with 1 John 3:2. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
1 John 3:2 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to 1 John 3:2 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.

Philippians 3:21 (KJV) »
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Colossians 3:4 (KJV) »
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV) »
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV) »
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Romans 8:29 (KJV) »
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

1 Corinthians 15:49 (KJV) »
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

Psalms 17:15 (KJV) »
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

2 Peter 1:4 (KJV) »
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Romans 8:18 (KJV) »
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV) »
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

John 17:24 (KJV) »
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

1 John 3:1 (KJV) »
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Galatians 4:6 (KJV) »
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

2 Corinthians 4:17 (KJV) »
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Job 19:26 (KJV) »
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Psalms 31:19 (KJV) »
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

Hebrews 9:28 (KJV) »
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

2 Corinthians 5:6 (KJV) »
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

1 John 5:1 (KJV) »
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

1 John 2:28 (KJV) »
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
1 John 3:2 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
1 John 3:2 - Verse Meaning and Interpretation
1 John 3:2 states: "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
This verse is rich in theological implications regarding the identity and future hope of believers. It emphasizes the present reality of being children of God while also expressing anticipation for the future transformation that believers will undergo. Below we summarize the insights from various public domain commentaries.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry reflects on the idea of being called children of God, noting the profound privilege it offers to believers. He emphasizes:
- Current Identity: The phrase "now we are children of God" affirms believers' current status and relationship with God.
- Future Revelation: The uncertainty surrounding what believers will ultimately become highlights the mystery of God's plan and the transformative promise of eternal life.
- Hope of Transformation: The promise of becoming "like Him" signifies the ultimate sanctification and glorification of believers when they behold Christ.
Albert Barnes' Commentary Insights
Albert Barnes provides further clarity on this passage, particularly focusing on:
- Love of God: He stresses the great love that God has shown by making believers His children, indicating a personal and affectionate relationship.
- Revelation of Christ: When Christ is revealed at His second coming, believers will experience a profound transformation that reflects His glory.
- Vision of Christ: The eventual ability to "see Him as He is" speaks to the ultimate fulfillment of faith and the consummation of the believer’s relationship with Christ.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Insights
Adam Clarke's commentary expands on the implications of this verse, suggesting:
- Childhood of Faith: Being a child of God is not merely a status but an active relationship that involves living out one’s faith in accordance with God's will.
- Anticipated Transformation: Clarke notes that the transformation into Christ's likeness is linked to the believer's eternal destiny, promising a purity and perfection that will be fully realized.
Cross References for 1 John 3:2
Understanding 1 John 3:2 can be enhanced by looking at related passages. Below is a list of 8 significant cross-references:
- Romans 8:14-17: Discusses believers as children of God and heirs of God.
- Philippians 3:20-21: Speaks of our citizenship in heaven and the transformation of our bodies.
- 1 Corinthians 15:49: Relates to being in the image of the heavenly Man, urging believers towards transformation.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18: Highlights being transformed into the same image as the Lord, from glory to glory.
- Titus 3:7: Describes being justified by grace, which leads to eternal hope.
- 1 Peter 1:13: Encourages believers to set their hope on the grace that will be revealed.
- John 3:2: John the Apostle speaks similarly about the children of God being revealed in future glory.
- Revelation 22:4: Offers a glimpse into the eternal state where believers will see God's face.
Thematic Connections and Interpretations
The theme of divine sonship and future hope in this verse resonates throughout scripture. The commentary contributions provide deeper understanding, emphasizing:
- Divine Affirmation: Other Bible verses affirm that believers are indeed children of God, reinforcing the theme present in John 1:12.
- Hope of Eternal Life: Connections between 1 John 3:2 and verses that discuss resurrection and eternal life (e.g., John 11:25-26).
- Nature of God’s Love: The love that God pours out on His children is echoed in Romans 5:5 and Ephesians 2:4-5.
- Glorification of Believers: Romans 8:30 discusses the believers' ultimate glorification in God's plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1 John 3:2 encapsulates the believer's identity as a child of God and the glorious anticipation of future transformation. By engaging with the insights of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, and linking it with various scriptural cross-references, one can appreciate the deep theological implications of this verse.
This verse serves as an encouragement, reminding us of our present status in Christ and the incredible future that awaits all believers.