1 John 3

Jesus Christ

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. 1 John 3:1

The world that did not recognize Jesus does not recognize His disciples either. The 'him' the world did not know is the Son, as John wrote in his Gospel.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 1:10-12 — the world knew him not; those who received him become the sons of God

Second Coming

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. 1 John 3:2–3

When Christ appears again, the faithful will see Him as He really is and become like Him. That hope moves us to become pure as He is pure.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quoted by Moroni 7:48 — Mormon uses the same words: when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is
• interpreted by D&C 130:1 — When the Savior shall appear we shall see him as he is, a man like ourselves

Atonement

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 1 John 3:5

Jesus came into the world to take away our sins, and He could do it because He Himself was sinless.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to John 1:29 — the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world
• alludes to Hebrews 4:15 — tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin

Jesus Christ

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 1 John 3:6–7

The sinless One of verse 5 is the pattern: those who abide in Him turn from sin and become righteous as He is righteous.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 15:4 — Abide in me, and I in you

Son of God

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8

John names Jesus the Son of God and states the purpose of His coming: to undo everything Satan works to destroy.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Genesis 3:15 — the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head
• alludes to Hebrews 2:14 — through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil

Crucifixion

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16

We learn what real love is by looking at Jesus, who gave His life for us. His sacrifice becomes the pattern for how we serve others.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 10:11 — the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep
• alludes to John 15:13 — Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends

Faith in Christ

Jesus Christ — Jesus (Jehovah saves) the Christ (the Anointed One)

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 1 John 3:23

The Father's great commandment is summed up in two parts: believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to John 6:29 — This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent
• alludes to John 13:34 — A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another

Jesus Christ

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. 1 John 3:24

The mutual 'dwelling in' echoes the Savior's teaching about abiding in Him as branches in a vine. John may mean God generally, so this is a softer reference.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 15:4 — Abide in me, and I in you