Glorification IV: ...This Hope...Purifieth Himself

John concludes his dealing with the doctrine of glorification by applying it to life now as the “sons of God” (Vs. 1). John ties all this together in Vs 3. He writes not merely to inform us theologically, but to instruct us ethically. This is his reason for dealing with our glorification; John's practical eschatology!

The Responsibility of Holiness: We come then to consider this subject of holiness and purity of life, practically and ethically. John says that the man who has this hope “purifieth himself” not by himself but by looking to another. It is the blood of Christ alone that can cleanse us from all sin (1:7), and deal with the guilt of sin. But it is our responsibility to purify ourselves from the power and pollution of sin (See II Corinthians 7:1; I Timothy 5:22; James 4:8; I Peter 1:22). We are to “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12). In this regard, John says that the doctrine of glorification demands something of us. It is not enough to extract the comfort of vs. 2 and ignore the consequence of Vs. 3 (Eg. Peter on the mount of Transfiguration wishing to build three tents in order to stay there). We are obligated to work out our salvation (Galatians 6:8-9; Ephesians 4:3; 6:12-13).