Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's truly stunning here isn't just the hope of being like God, but that this transformation hinges on seeing Him "as He is." It's the pure, unvarnished reality of God's presence that will reshape us, rather than any effort of our own to achieve likeness. This verse hints that our future glory is an inevitable consequence of true divine revelation.
Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is writing to assure believers of their true identity as God's children, distinguishing them from those who oppose God's people. He's just explained that the world doesn't recognize believers because it didn't recognize Jesus. This verse then builds on that by revealing the glorious future that awaits those who are recognized by God, a future that far surpasses their current earthly struggles or understanding.
Ever feel like you're just trying to figure things out? John reminds us that our identity is already secure.
This verse kicks off with a powerful declaration: 'Beloved, we are God’s children now.' This isn't a future hope; it's a present reality for believers.
Our New Family
Through faith in Jesus, we've been adopted into God's family. This means we have His Spirit, His rights, and His intimate affection poured out on us. It’s a core truth that grounds our entire walk with Him.
What does eternity with God truly look like? John gives us a stunning glimpse.
John contrasts our present reality with our future glorification: 'what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.'
The Ultimate Transformation
Our current state is incomplete. We still struggle with sin and imperfections. But one day, when Christ returns or we enter His presence, we will be fully transformed into His likeness. This isn't just a moral upgrade; it's a complete restoration and alignment with Christ's perfect nature, made possible by seeing Him face-to-face.
Understand the original words
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agapētos · Greek Adjective
A term of endearment and spiritual connection, often used by apostolic writers to signify those who are objects of God's love and thus deserving of the love and care of fellow believers.
This passage powerfully echoes the 'what we will be has not yet appeared' theme, describing creation groaning in anticipation of its redemption and our own groaning as we await our full adoption as sons.
Philippians 3:20-21It highlights the transformative future awaiting believers, emphasizing that our current citizenship is in heaven and that Christ will transform our humble bodies to be like his glorious body, aligning with the idea of becoming like Him.
1 Corinthians 13:12This verse offers a parallel to 'seeing him as he is' and 'knowing' what we will be, stating 'For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.'
Colossians 3:4It directly connects our future hope with Christ's appearing, stating 'When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory,' reinforcing the idea that our future likeness to God is tied to seeing Him.
What's truly stunning here isn't just the hope of being like God, but that this transformation hinges on seeing Him "as He is." It's the pure, unvarnished reality of God's presence that will reshape us, rather than any effort of our own to achieve likeness. This verse hints that our future glory is an inevitable consequence of true divine revelation.
John is writing to assure believers of their true identity as God's children, distinguishing them from those who oppose God's people. He's just explained that the world doesn't recognize believers because it didn't recognize Jesus. This verse then builds on that by revealing the glorious future that awaits those who are recognized by God, a future that far surpasses their current earthly struggles or understanding.
John is writing to assure believers of their true identity as God's children, distinguishing them from those who oppose God's people. He's just explained that the world doesn't recognize believers because it didn't recognize Jesus. This verse then builds on that by revealing the glorious future that awaits those who are recognized by God, a future that far surpasses their current earthly struggles or understanding.
"Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." — What's truly stunning here isn't just the hope of being like God, but that this transformation hinges on seeing Him "as He is." It's the pure, unvarnished reality of God's presence that will reshap…
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Last reviewed October 2026