Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts Back

I John 3:2, "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."

This morning, there are many who do not understand what is going to happen at the 2nd coming of our Lord and Saviour. John said that it should be something that we have knowledge of. While we do not (this side of glory) know all the wonderful details about our change, we do know what is going to happen. It is not going to happen in parts (pre-millennialism), nor is it going to be a place for God's children to have to give account of themselves to God. Rather, in a moment, we shall be like Him. What is that like? Right now, it is still a mystery.

Notice how John starts this verse. He calls the people of God beloved. That is a wonderful address that it would behoove all of the Lord's ministers to use. It is difficult to beat up God's children in preaching (like many today are) when you consider the people you are preaching to beloved. It never ceases to amaze me that ministers can think themselves self-righteous enough to speak in such a way that it seems they despise who they are speaking to. It is not just what we say, but the manner in which we say it. All things are lawful, but all things may not be expedient for the time. There is not a subject in the Bible that is not profitable, but the way in which it is presented may not be expedient for that occasion. We should think of the flock as beloved.

John continues on by saying that we are the sons of God right now. There is not a decision we make to become that way. God has already made that decision and man has not the power to change it one way or the other. Are some of God's children still in an unregenerate state at present? I believe that they are, but that does not change the fact that they are still the elect of God. We have always been the elect of God (since before the foundation of the world), but we take on that nature (as His children) the moment HE regenerates and changes us. Notice that we are completely passive in that regard.

Were we active in the case of regeneration, requirement is made that we also be active in the resurrection of our bodies. Many might say, "Well that is a foolish concept!" Indeed it is. Likewise, it is indeed foolish to think that you can somehow change the soul and spirit, but are incapable of changing the body as well. The same power that quickens one will quicken the other. It is the same power that raised Christ's body. Nothing short of that will get the job done. So, how are our bodies changed? It is a mystery exactly how we will be changed and appear. We know the end result; we will look like Christ. That is enough knowledge for us here below! If I look like Him, then it does not matter to me what that is like. And, if I look like Him, that means that I am not going to heaven to be an angel. Angels are the servants of the most High God, but we are His children! That is a place far above the one occupied by angels.

The last phrase of the verse is extra special. We will see Him as He is. Right now, we see as but through a glass darkly. But then, face to face. We will know everything about Him, just as He knows everything about us. What a wonderful time that will be. We cannot even begin to imagine the joy, happiness, and love that will redound through heaven. Such things are too wonderful for us here below. We cannot comprehend complete happiness and satisfaction, but up there, we will be satisfied. Why? Because we will be changed, and these vile, corruptible bodies will be fashioned like unto His glorious body, and we will awake with His likeness. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.

In Hope,

Bro Philip