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The theme of this song, "Hope in His Purity," is elegantly rooted in the Apostle John's first letter, particularly highlighted in 1 John 3:3: "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." The message is crystal clear: those who hope in the Lord Jesus are called to a life of purity, modeled after the purity of Christ Himself. In a world clouded with impurity, our hope in Christ becomes the beacon guiding us toward sanctification. As Derek Prince often emphasized, "Let us look at what the Word of God says" to unfold the richness of this divine call.
The Apostle John, known as the "Apostle of Love," penned this epistle towards the end of the first century. This was a period of doctrinal confusion, with false teachings such as Gnosticism seeping into the early Church. John, with an authoritative pastoral heart, wrote to affirm the identity and integrity of Jesus and the transformative impact of genuine faith. Here, John speaks to the believers both as their spiritual father and fellow partaker in the hope of Christ’s return. He admonishes them to "continue in Him," to have confidence at His appearing, to live righteously, and to purify themselves, echoing the burning desire for Christ-likeness in the Church.
To unravel the depth of this scripture, let us examine two foundational Greek words which encapsulate the essence of John's message.
1. Hope (ἐλπίς - elpis): The Greek word "elpis" here is more than mere wishful thinking. It signifies a confident expectation rooted in the faithfulness of God's promise. This hope is not passive; it is dynamic and forward-looking, propelling the believer towards purity. This hope is not anchored in human ability, but in the divine assurance of Christ's return and His eternal righteousness.
2. Purifies (ἁγνίζει - hagnizei): This term originates from the concept of ceremonial cleansing, but in the New Testament, it extends beyond external rituals to the internal sanctification of the heart. It implies an ongoing process of moral and spiritual purification, molded by Christ's own purity. Understanding purification in this manner underscores the continuous and active engagement required in the life of a believer as they align their lives with Christ’s holy standard.
Let us explore the theological richness embedded in each stanza, connecting them to other parts of the Scripture.
Stanza 1-2: "And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming."
This verse ties beautifully with 1 John 2:28. John emphasizes abiding in Christ. When we live in Him, we cultivate a life of unwavering faith, enabling us to stand confidently at His return. This notion is supported by John 15:4-5 where Jesus instructs His followers to abide in Him to bear much fruit, reflecting a life aligned with His will and purposes.
Stanza 3: "If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of Him."
Here, the nature of God as "righteous" becomes the believer's benchmark. Psalm 11:7 reiterates, "For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness." The new birth in Christ produces a life visibly evident in righteous deeds. James 2:17 further expounds that faith without works is dead. Righteous action is the fruit of genuine faith.
Stanza 4-6: "Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies themselves, just as He is pure."
This line, repeated for emphasis, underscores a primary call to action. Philippians 2:15 invites believers to be "blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Purity is a pursuit fueled by hopeful anticipation of seeing Jesus as He is, as further expressed in 1 John 3:2. This purity is not self-derived but flows from a profound relationship with the Holy One.
Stanzas 7-9: "Abide in Him, remain in Him—that we may stand with confidence when He comes."
The theme of abiding is central, drawing us to the mutual indwelling between the believer and Christ. By abiding, one remains in the sphere of Christ's influence and power. John 15:7 fortifies this concept: "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Confidence and preparedness for His coming are grounded in this intimacy with Christ.
How then shall we walk in such hope and purity? Let us consider these practical steps:
1. Daily Abide in Christ: Prioritize time in His presence through prayer and the Word. Allow His Spirit to shape and mold your thoughts and actions. Abiding involves a conscious choice to remain connected and reliant on Christ.
2. Pursue Purity: Engage in regular self-examination and repentance. Involve yourself in accountability with fellow believers. Remember, purity is not merely abstaining from sin, but actively pursuing holiness, reflecting Christ’s character as revealed in 1 Peter 1:16: "Be holy, because I am holy."
3. Live Righteously: Practice the righteousness of Christ. Let your deeds flow from a transformed heart. As Philippians 1:11 advises, be "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
4. Hope Confidently: Anchor your hope in Christ’s return. Let it propel you to live a life set apart, eagerly anticipating the day you will stand before Him. Hebrews 6:19 reminds us that we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Proclamation:
In the authority of God's Word, I declare: "I will abide in Christ, cultivate His purity, and live righteously. My hope is steadfast, and I will stand confident and unashamed at His glorious appearing."
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the living hope we possess in Christ Jesus. Empower us daily to abide in Him, purify our hearts, and demonstrate His righteousness. May our lives be a testament of Your grace, preparing us for Your return. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
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