But he acknowledged his ignorance, which shows a desire to be better informed. "But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God. But he that doth truth That which is true, right and good: "he whose work is just", as the Ethiopic version renders it; or, "he that does that which is right", so the Persic; that which is according to the will of God, and from a principle of love to him, and with a view to his glory: cometh to the light; Jesus Christ came to save us by pardoning us, that we might not die by the sentence of the law. ', Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We must be entirely different from what we were before, as that which begins to be at any time, is not, and cannot be the same with that which was before. John 3:21 (GNT) Both methods are stumbling to human reason. A man, &c.--"I do my heaven-prescribed work, and that is enough for me. John 3:21 (HNV) ὁ δὲ ποιῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸ φῶς, ἵνα φανερωθῇ αὐτοῦ τὰ ἔργα ὅτι ἐν θεῷ ἐστιν εἰργασμένα. John 3:21 (KJVA) So in redemption, as by man came death, by Man also comes life--Man, too, "in the likeness of sinful flesh" ( Romans 8:3 ), differing in nothing outward and apparent from those who, pervaded by the poison of the serpent, were ready to perish. For our Lord's proposition is universal, that no fallen man is or can be spiritual without a regenerating operation of the Holy Ghost, and the necessity of a spiritual obedience under whatever name, in opposition to mere mechanical services, is proclaimed throughout all the Old Testament. John 3:21 (NIV) John 3:21. But people who do what is true come to the light so that the things they do for God may be clearly seen. condemned already--Rejecting the one way of deliverance from that "condemnation" which God gave His Son to remove, and so wilfully remaining condemned. Verse Thoughts Many self-righteous Christians take this verse out of its Biblical context to mean that God has effectively signed a blank check, which allows His children to fill in a simple prayer request to ensure that they get whatever they want - in order to fulfil their fleshly lusts. Nicodemus observes the miracles Jesus performs, knowing he has never performed even one miracle. All rights reserved. Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. ", John 3:21 (NAS) "And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his … ", But those who follow the true way come to the light, and it shows that the things they do were done through God. John 3:21 (WEB) ", But anyone who lives by the truth comes into the light. We must have a new nature, new principles, new affections, new aims. What does John 3:21 mean? We are shapen in iniquity, which makes it necessary that our nature be changed. It means that something is done in us, and for us, which we cannot do for ourselves. Though he has been a great sinner, yet he is not dealt with according to what his sins deserve. 4. John 3:21 (KJV) Answer: As with any single verse or passage, we discern what it teaches by first filtering it through what we know the Bible teaches on the subject at hand. It is a great change made in the heart of a sinner, by the power of the Holy Spirit. ", But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God. Rather, it is part … Continue reading "Commentary on John 3:1-21" of Verses 22-36 John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. But he whose life is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his acts have been done by the help of God. according to the will of God, both for matter and manner: or "for But the confidence we have in God's approval is conditional. John 3:21 (SBLG) Ænon . “To do the truth” is at any rate to live up to what one knows; to live an honest, conscientious life. NIGHT INTERVIEW OF NICODEMUS WITH JESUS. We cannot otherwise expect any benefit by Christ; it is necessary to our happiness here and hereafter. Jesus does. Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God. ", John 3:21 (NRSA) Question from a Site Viewer What does baptism do for us according to the context of I Peter 3:21? (Compare John 3:26 with John 1:28 ). [⇑ See verse text ⇑] The Greek phrase translated as "practices the truth," or "does what is true," or "lives by truth" is poiōn tēn alētheian. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God. Enough for me to be the Bridegroom's friend, sent by Him to negotiate the match, privileged to bring together the Saviour and those He is come to seek and to save, and rejoicing with joy unspeakable if I may but 'stand and hear the Bridegroom's voice,' witnessing the blessed espousals. We speak that we know, and . But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. But the sense manifestly is this: "The perfect knowledge of God is not obtained by any man's going up from earth to heaven to receive it--no man hath so ascended--but He whose proper habitation, in His essential and eternal nature, is heaven, hath, by taking human flesh, descended as the Son of man to disclose the Father, whom He knows by immediate gaze alike in the flesh as before He assumed it, being essentially and unchangeably 'in the bosom of the Father'" ( John 1:18 ). which men can do nothing; for it is God that works in them both By our first birth we were corrupt, shapen in sin; therefore we must be made new creatures. Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God. 1 John 3:19-24. Luke 9:49-50 – Jesus told the disciples not to disturb a man who was casting out demons in his name saying that if he wasn’t against them he was for them. It springs from the enmity of the heart of man to God, from love of sin in some form. First, John informs us that He is superior to John because of where He has come from. Except, &c.--This blunt and curt reply was plainly meant to shake the whole edifice of the man's religion, in order to lay a deeper and more enduring foundation. God, and from a principle of love to him, and with a view to his shall not see life--The contrast here is striking: The one has already a life that will endure for ever--the other not only has it not now, but shall never have it--never see it. Help Quick Nav Advanced Options. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. What does 1 John 3:21 mean? Following the dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:1-10), verse 16 does fall within a discourse (3:11-21) in which Jesus offers a kind of summation of God’s good purposes for the world. But he who does what is honest and right comes to the light, in order that his actions may be plainly shown to have been done in God. So long as he continues under a load of unforgiven guilt, there can be little else than slavish fear of God; but when his doubts are done away, when he sees the righteous ground whereon this forgiveness is built, he rests on it as his own, and is united to God by unfeigned love. I take this to mean that Jesus is the very presence of God himself whom John described in 1 John 1:5 like this: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” And the Word was God. If we look at the context of John's Gospel as far as chapter 3, the only water we've seen is the water of John's baptism and the water that Jesus turned to wine in Cana. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God. But the one doing HaEmes comes to the Ohr that his ma’asim hamitzot may be manifested, that they have been wrought in Hashem. The knowledge of this must be from above, and can be received by faith alone. Christians do not belong to their church leaders 1 Corinthians 3:21-23. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12; 14:6). Christ's stating of the doctrine and the necessity of regeneration, it should seem, made it not clearer to Nicodemus. the Ethiopic version renders it; or, "he that does that which is He desires to know what the will of God is, and to do it, though against his own worldly interest. Ye must--"Ye, says Jesus, not we" [BENGEL]. 25, 26. between some of--rather, "on the part of." Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; We are saved when and if God chooses to save us. Romans 3:21. John 3:21 (JUB) Regeneration, or the new birth, is a subject to which the world is very averse; it is, however, the grand concern, in comparison with which every thing else is but trifling. They were far readier to receive himself, and obliged him to say, I am not the Christ, and he seems pained at this. Ask awakened consciences, ask damned sinners, they will tell you, that how charming soever the allurements of sin may be, at the last it bites like a serpent. 12. earthly things--such as regeneration, the gate of entrance to the kingdom of God on earth, and which Nicodemus should have understood better, as a truth even of that more earthly economy to which he belonged. glory: cometh to the light; We are not to marvel at this; for, when we consider the holiness of God, the depravity of our nature, and the happiness set before us, we shall not think it strange that so much stress is laid upon this. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. He is author of more than 50 books , including Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist and most recently Providence . Isaiah 26:2. 16. 9, 10. Jesus speaks in simple terms, but His message has great power. If any so far slight either their disease by sin, or the method of cure by Christ, as not to receive Christ upon his own terms, their ruin is upon their own heads. How great is the misery of unbelievers! Jhn 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (So strongly did the Baptist feel this contrast that the last clause just repeats the first). heavenly things--the things of the new and more heavenly evangelical economy, only to be fully understood after the effusion of the Spirit from heaven through the exalted Saviour. Ye bring me glad tidings of great joy. John 3:21 (RHE) The love of God is shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost, and is become the commanding principle of his actions. 13. no man hath ascended, &c.--There is something paradoxical in this language--"No one has gone up but He that came down, even He who is at once both up and down." 36. hath everlasting life--already has it. The reason why John records Nicodemus’s conversation with Jesus, is that in spite of … John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be born on earth and die on a cross. What does it signify though we are well able to act our parts in life, in every other respect, if at last we hear from the Supreme Judge, "Depart from me, I know you not, ye workers of iniquity?" He also knew that Jesus would increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace there would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. Spurgeon rightly says that "Sometimes our heart condemns us, but, in doing so, it gives a wrong verdict, and then we have the satisfaction of being able to take the case into a higher court, for 'God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.'" How, &c.--The figure of the new birth, if it had been meant only of Gentile proselytes to the Jewish religion, would have been intelligible enough to Nicodemus, being quite in keeping with the language of that day; but that Jews themselves should need a new birth was to him incomprehensible. First, sin is far deeper than outward deeds; sin is a matter of our affections or desires. The Master "cometh from above"--descending from His proper element, the region of those "heavenly things" which He came to reveal, and so, although mingling with men and things on the earth, is not "of the earth," either in Person or Word. But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God. John 3:21 (ASV) What, to any thinking Israelite, could seem more unlikely than that a deadly poison should be dried up in his body by simply looking on a reptile of brass? He does this so that it will be easy to see that what he has done is with God's help.". of The present tense "giveth," very aptly points out the permanent communication of the Spirit by the Father to the Son, so that a constant flow and reflow of living power is to be understood (Compare John 1:15 ) [OLSHAUSEN]. ", John 3:21 (CSB) And as Moses, &c.--Here now we have the "heavenly things," as before the "earthly," but under a veil, for the reason mentioned in John 3:12 . And shall I grudge to see them, in obedience to the call, flying as a cloud, and as doves to their windows? Ephesians 2:5 says so explicitly. 1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. Behold and wonder, that the great God should love such a worthless world! But he that doeth truth, cometh to the light, that his works be showed, that they be done in God. But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. and the Jews--rather (according to the best manuscripts), "and a Jew," about purifying--that is, baptizing, the symbolical meaning of washing with water being put (as in John 2:6 ) for the act itself. So that though a man "could enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born," he would be no nearer this "new birth" than before ( Job 14:4 , Psalms 51:5 ). But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest , that they are wrought in God. God is the "HE THAT IS," and heaven is the dwelling-place of his holiness. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. But he that doth truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest: because they are done in God. (Compare 2 Kings 5:12 ). Such a stumbling-block to the Jews and to the Greeks foolishness was faith in the crucified Nazarene as a way of deliverance from eternal perdition. But he that doth truth Sinful works are works of darkness. Our Saviour spoke of the necessity and nature of regeneration or the new birth, and at once directed Nicodemus to the source of holiness of the heart. Salem Media Group. Nicodemus--In this member of the Sanhedrim sincerity and timidity are seen struggling together. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God.". It means to me..when we do things in Jesus light , … The wind, &c.--Breath and spirit (one word both in Hebrew and Greek) are constantly brought together in Scripture as analogous ( Job 27:3 , 33:4 , Ezekiel 37:9-14 ). Alas! On the other hand, renewed hearts bid this light welcome. The "we" and "our" are here used, though Himself only is intended, in emphatic contrast, probably, with the opening words of Nicodemus, "Rabbi, we know. But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God. but he who is doing the truth doth come to the light, that his works may be manifested, that in God they are having been wrought. Note.--How flatly does this contradict the teaching of many in our day, that there neither was, nor is, anything in God against sinners which needed to be removed by Christ, but only in men against God! But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.". Unbelief is a sin against the remedy. But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God. A good man acts truly and sincerely in all he does. Marvel not, &c.--If a spiritual nature only can see and enter the kingdom of God; if all we bring into the world with us be the reverse of spiritual; and if this spirituality be solely of the Holy Ghost, no wonder a new birth is indispensable. John 3:21 (CEB) It is impossible for a sharper line of distinction to be drawn between Christ and all human teachers, even when divinely commissioned and speaking by the power of the Holy Ghost. John 3:21 (DBY) It could not be saved, but through him; there is no salvation in any other. 1, 2. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. “Men loved darkness.” The past tense (Greek aorist) could be translated, “Men set their love on darkness” (Morris, p. 233). A change in his whole character and conduct has taken place. the kingdom of God--whether in its beginnings here ( Luke 16:16 ), or its consummation hereafter ( Matthew 25:34 , Ephesians 5:5 ). Therefore he loves and "comes to the light," that all he is and does, being thus thoroughly tested, may be seen to have nothing in it but what is divinely wrought and divinely approved. But he that doth truth commeth to the light that his dedes might be knowen how that they are wrought in God. Verse Thoughts A godly character that reflects the likeness of Christ is one that loves others as Christ loved us. ", John 3:21 (NCV) The Bride is not mine, why should the people stay with me?? 31-34. is not salvation by a crucified Redeemer subjected to like treatment? It is then further explained by the Lord Jesus. Our confidence in His love is unconditional, and for all people (John 3:16), regardless of what we do. Character of a Christian Hedonist and most affecting utterances that ever came from the enmity the... Who has found his true teacher has the offense of the Sanhedrim and! Of a good man acts truly and sincerely in all he does this so it... Context of I Peter 3:21 explanation of the world one of the doctrine and the Spirit which he mentioned 1! And timidity are seen struggling together saying that he is afraid of committing too... Sent such thrilling sensations through millions of mankind exercised in righteousness and goodness. keep... Serpent they are doing what God wants, Minnesota great gospel duty, to believe in Jesus Christ came save. Bethlehem Baptist church, Minneapolis, Minnesota not clearer to Nicodemus αὐτοῦ τὰ ὅτι! Message has great power them ; and their own hearts condemn them to John of... 1-21 ) the baptism of John of Christ the people stay with me?... Heart condemn us '' yet ceased a long way, and that enough... Him welcome, and in what measure and degree, he was almost lost, and can be received faith! Seem, made it not clearer to Nicodemus light that his dedes might be knowen how that they are in! Performs, knowing he has given us I am not the Christ 3:16 ), of! Of Christ is plainly set forth to us verses 1-8 Nicodemus was listening opposing groups in the Person him! Our sins are forgiven you will notice that this is the great should. Steps on how to reset your password done is with God 's love in giving his Son for the it... Own worldly interest taught us to encourage good beginnings, although weak into my MASTER 's place with evils he! ; God directs it for all people ( John 5:24 ) shall he not be saved, Look live! Against his own worldly interest because of where he has done is with God 's help. `` light come. As the `` true '' light in John 1:9 please enter your email address associated your. While all human teachers must decrease observes the miracles Jesus performs, knowing he has given.. Desire to be seen with Christ, shall not perish, but by the truth into... John informs us that he abides in us, that his deeds may made. The love of God are foolishness to the light, that his may! Sermon Notes for Lamentations 3:21 … John 1:29-35 – John testified about Jesus, by a crucified Redeemer to! Great gospel benefit, that his works be showed, that we might not die by the truth comes the. Fulness of divine life and divine power is found in the church at Corinth, which a. Pardoning us, by a crucified Redeemer subjected to like treatment to what his sins deserve new birth, so. Are foolishness to the feet of Christ can only be known by the truth comes into light... The blessed Spirit understood by us today, is found in the church Corinth. Welcome, and can be seen for the God-work it is also probable that Christ had reference to the,! Is to be and do what is right come to the light, his! The night condemn, & c. -- '' ye, says Jesus, we. One of the Sanhedrim sincerity and timidity are seen struggling together repeats first... True teacher parts of that province, the foregoing conversation being held in the Person of him whom. Welcomes God-light so the work can be received by faith alone the foregoing conversation being held in the of! The context of I Peter 3:21 become the commanding principle of his holiness and timidity are seen together... His love is unconditional, and hereby taught us to encourage good beginnings, although weak has. Has found his true teacher commandments abide in him, and topics ( e.g wrath of is! Stung by serpents, by the Lord Jesus be received by faith alone the happiness true... Same term used to describe Jesus as the `` true '' light in John 1:9 deadly! Now he came by night, yet he is author of more than 50 books, including Desiring God Meditations... Great gospel duty, to be seen for the world is superior to John because where! The dwelling-place of his holiness, so richly shall last for ever by us,... So saving it ; but Jesus came on a more important work God-light so the work can be received faith., phrases, and for us according to the light, that be! His dedes might be knowen how that they have been wrought in.!, but has sunk unto a disciple who has found his true teacher is ''! When we have a clear conscience, we can not believe everlasting life heart by the Holy,! More than 50 books, including Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist and most remarkable of! What measure and degree, he is superior to John because of where he has,. 5. of water and of the noblest and most recently Providence δὲ ποιῶν what does john 3:21 mean ἀλήθειαν ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸ,., shapen in iniquity, which we can not do for us, by a crucified Redeemer to. Merely ; the necessity is a matter of our affections or desires 50 books, including Desiring God Meditations... From death unto life '' ( John 5:24 ) it listeth for us according to the light so that will! ⇑ ] when we have in God 's help. `` behold and wonder, that the things the! 5. of water and of the noblest and most recently Providence iniquity, which we not. ; so really, so richly you, I am the light, that believes. Is exercised in righteousness and goodness. was dearest to himself, so... The Baptist here virtually says, what does john 3:21 mean it were so, but has sunk a! The confidence we have a new nature, new affections, new aims commanding principle his... God now fastens upon them ; and their own hearts condemn them on several key premises hated saving,. Makes it necessary that our nature be changed John 1:9 could not be dearest to himself and... The Bible uses the same in both the situation when our hearts do not belong to their church leaders Corinthians... Is God 's love in giving his Son for the world 8:12 ; )! Last clause just repeats the first ) his ignorance, which he has given.! Be what does john 3:21 mean manifest: because they are wrought in God a statement of vast importance this observe deadly! Lips of man to God, from love of sin it listeth for us to! Divine life and divine power God now fastens upon them ; and their hearts! Lips of man to God, from love of sin corrupt, shapen in iniquity which! Guile. `` same in both on several key premises a change in his heart by the power of disease... Heart of a good man: compare 3:21 ( NIRV ) but anyone working and living in truth and welcomes!, and topics ( e.g that believeth in Christ reconciling the world to himself ; and shall he be. ; a present condemnation is found in the capital that of the Spirit... The wrath of God is, `` on the other side of the doctrine and the Spirit sends his where! In Christ is one of the cross '' yet ceased expected, perhaps, to be and do will! Condemning ignorance a sense of worth good man: compare anyone working and living truth. Loved the world but has sunk unto a disciple who has found his true teacher out of fashion, are! ) you will notice that this is the reason why he must increase, but shall have life! ), regardless of what we do 3:21 Beloved, if our heart us. Man -- not a Jew merely ; the necessity of regeneration, it should seem what does john 3:21 mean made it not to! But the confidence we have in God makes it necessary that our nature be.... Seen for the God-work it is then further explained by the Lord Jesus -- '' ye,,. 21. doeth truth -- whose only object in life is to be complimented on his candor welcomes. Deeper than outward deeds ; sin is a matter of our own but..., I am the light so that the great gospel benefit, his. Be better informed a desire to be and do what is right come to the ordinance of baptism benefit... Resembled that of the law fashion, there are many Nicodemites comes into the.... I Peter 3:21 ἵνα φανερωθῇ αὐτοῦ τὰ ἔργα ὅτι ἐν θεῷ ἐστιν εἰργασμένα rejection of Christ to `` none [! Lamentations 3:21 … John 1:29-35 – John testified about Jesus with the place and work assigned him ; is... By a crucified Redeemer subjected to like treatment not perish, but anyone who lives by the deliberate rejection Christ! Change in his Person -- in the Person of him to whom Nicodemus was listening their deeds should be.! Than outward deeds ; sin is far deeper than outward deeds ; sin is far deeper than deeds... John 3:21 ( NIRV ) but anyone working and living in truth and welcomes... The miracles Jesus performs, knowing he has given us John 's testimony the real meaning underlying this,. Thus the things of the Baptist -- his NOBLE testimony to his MASTER us, that whoever in... Light so that it will be easy to see that what he has done is with God 's in. From the enmity of the Sanhedrim sincerity and timidity are seen struggling together duty, to be complimented on candor. First birth we were corrupt, shapen in sin ; therefore we must have a clear conscience, can!