What does "as He is, so also are we" mean for believers? Living in Perfected Love—1 John 4:17 “In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him.” The Immediate Setting • John is explaining why believers can face the coming judgment without fear. • Love “perfected” (made complete) shows itself in likeness to Jesus here and now, giving assurance about eternity. As He Is—Christ’s Present Status • Risen: He is alive forevermore (Revelation 1:18). • Righteous: He is our spotless High Priest (Hebrews 7:26). • Accepted: He is seated at the Father’s right hand (Ephesians 1:20). • Victorious: All things are under His feet (Ephesians 1:22). • Loving: He continually intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). So Also Are We—Our Shared Identity • New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Justified and declared righteous (1 Corinthians 1:30). • Raised and seated with Him spiritually (Ephesians 2:4-6). • Children of God now, destined for full likeness later (1 John 3:2). • Participants in His divine nature by the Spirit (2 Peter 1:4). Why This Truth Matters Confidence before God – We approach “the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). – “By one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). Freedom from Fear – Perfected love “drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). – Fear of judgment is replaced by assurance of acceptance. Daily Transformation – “Those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). – The Spirit works out in practice what is already true positionally. Motivation to Love – If we are like Him, we love as He loves (1 John 4:11). – Christ’s self-giving becomes our pattern (Ephesians 5:1-2). Witness to the World – Visible Christ-likeness authenticates the message (John 17:22-23). – Confidence, purity, and love testify that Jesus truly changes lives. Putting It Into Practice • Remember: Preach the gospel to your own heart—your standing is settled. • Rely: Walk by the Spirit, not self-effort, to display Christ’s character. • Reflect: Let His love overflow in tangible acts of service and words of truth. • Rest: Face trials and the future with settled assurance; you are already “seated with Him.” “As He is, so also are we” declares a present, glorious reality for every believer—Christ’s very life reproduced in us, empowering fearless love today and unwavering confidence when we stand before Him. |
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