See (A)what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called (B)children of God; and so we are. The reason why (C)the world does not know us is that (D)it did not know him. Beloved, we are (E)God's children (F)now, and what we will be (G)has not yet appeared; but we know that (H)when he appears[a] (I)we shall be like him, because (J)we shall see him as he is. And everyone who (K)thus hopes in him (L)purifies himself as he is pure.

Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; (M)sin is lawlessness. You know that (N)he appeared in order to (O)take away sins, and (P)in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; (Q)no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, (R)let no one deceive you. (S)Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. (T)Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was (U)to destroy the works of the devil. (V)No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's[b] seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, (W)nor is the one who (X)does not love his brother.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 John 3:2 Or when it appears
  2. 1 John 3:9 Greek his

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Case of 24
ESV Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Case of 24
Retail: $311.76
Our Price: $155.76
Save: $156.00 (50%)
ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Softcover Economy Edition
ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Softcover Economy Edition
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $4.43
Save: $5.56 (56%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
Proverbs, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Proverbs, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Retail: $8.99
Our Price: $4.99
Save: $4.00 (44%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Thinline Bible, Genuine Leather, Black
ESV Thinline Bible, Genuine Leather, Black
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $29.14
Save: $30.85 (51%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Chestnut
ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Chestnut
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $19.29
Save: $25.70 (57%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars