Purifying Ourselves—the Way to Glory

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3. A great hope is given to us through the gospel, by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We can live our lives just as Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light. 2 Tim. 1:10.

If I have this one hope, to be like Him, to see Him as He is, then all my interest and focus will be to purify myself. God gave His Son, the only begotten, and the Son was willing to give up being equal with God. “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:6-8. Here we find the eternal hope that He has given us. We must be crucified with Christ and be put to death in the flesh in our lives; then we are fellow heirs and share in the promises that are in Christ.

Elisha said to the widow: “‘And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels . . .’ So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons.” They brought out the vessels, and when there were no more empty vessels, the oil ceased. 2 Kings 4:4-6. By nature, we have a strong desire to be seen by people; this door must be closed. We need to have empty vessels! There must be a need, a hunger and a thirst for righteousness within me. When I come before God’s face, when I close my door, there must be a longing and a hope to manifest the glory of the Lord. If I am rich and satisfied, my inner ear will be shut to the Son’s voice, and then this hope will no longer be living.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Matt. 5:6. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19. When I sense the blessedness and joy that comes from being set free from sin, then I am satisfied, and my need is supplied. Just think that what took place in Jesus in the days of His flesh can take place in your life and in mine.

I praise God for such an election and such a hope that has been given to us.

Fred Olsen