2023-02-06 “it doth not yet appear what we shall be”

I John 3:2  “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

The Word of God and our God-given Faith declares that God “also did predestinate” that those “whom he did foreknow” shall “be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29) and “we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him”.  But, we only have the slightest glimpse of “what we shall be”; however, our faith perceives that in our future state with the Lord, “we shall” be perfect as He is perfect; “we shall” have no human blemishes or frailties, “we shall” be clothed with His Righteousness, and we know that “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4)!  Our future appearance was slightly unveiled when the Apostles watched as two men, that had departed this present world hundreds of years prior, appeared with the Lord and could be seen, recognized, and heard speaking: “And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.  3  And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.  4  And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.” (Mark 9:2-4).  Furthermore, we know that after His resurrection, our Lord lingered on this earth for forty days; and we know “that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.  7  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.  8  And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” (I Corinthians 15:5-8).  Thus, we conclude that because “we shall be like him”, we shall “appear” in similar fashion; albeit, in Heaven with Him.  Through the Revelation given to John, we are able to joyfully glimpse into our Lord’s paradisal Heaven itself and see that “a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;  10  And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-10).  It is certainly true that “it doth not yet appear what we shall be” on that grand and most glorious Eternal Day, but our perfect state will be magnificent far beyond our present ability to comprehend.  Yes, indeed, “What A Day That Will Be” (Jim Hill).