Live Like Children of God

Excerpt

Although 2:28–29 is transitional, it also naturally links with 3:1–3 and its emphasis on the identity (and confidence) of the children of God. Those who are born of God have both an identity and responsibility that is consistent with their privileges as God’s children. Six times John notes the believer’s status as God’s children (2:28; 3:1, 2, 7, 10a, b). Three times he highlights their spiritual birth, which is the basis for this position as children (2:29; 3:9a, b). It is possible to see a shift in subject at 3:4.312 A dual emphasis on Christ’s appearances (the second time to make us like him [3:2] and the first time to deal with sin [3:5]), however, may indicate again that a hard and fast division is unnecessary. The two sections (2:28–3:3 and 3:4–10) clearly complement each other. 

Akin, Daniel L. 1, 2, 3 John. Vol. 38. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001. Print. The New American Commentary.