“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) “Children born not of natural decent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God,” is what John writes in his gospel (John 1:13).

Do you get a sense of just how special you are in Christ? And there is so much more! Hoping in Jesus – hoping and longing for all that he has promised for you, now and for the future – purifies you. The question is: “How?” How does hope purify? Here are some strong statements from the first ten verses of 1 John 3:

1. “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning.”
2. “No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.”
3. “Anyone who does not do what is right is not born of God; nor anyone who does not love his brother.”
4. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

The victory is assured! Sin has been conquered! These are comforting thoughts – that God has provided the means for you to be purified.

Blessings!