To be pure as Christ is pure means to rely on His righteousness for our cleansing and to emulate His holiness in our lives.
In 1 John 3:3, John teaches that every believer with the hope of being like Christ purifies himself as Christ is pure. This concept hinges on understanding that our purity before God is entirely derived from Christ's righteousness, not our own. Because of His sacrificial death and the cleansing power of His blood, believers are declared righteous and are thus encouraged to pursue holiness in their daily lives.
Being pure as Christ is pure also implies a reflection of His character. Believers are called to live in a manner that honors God, evidencing a change that comes through faith. This pursuit of holiness is not about perfectionism but rather a genuine desire to align one's life with the teachings and example set forth by Christ. It embraces the truth that, while believers are sinners by nature, they are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to grow in grace and godliness.
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