1 João 3

1 João 3:24

Barnes adds that "this is another certain evidence that we are true Christians. The Saviour had promised John 14:23 that he would come and take up his abode with his people. John says that we have proof that he does this by the Spirit which he has given us. That is, the Holy Spirit is imparted to his people to enlighten their minds; to elevate their affections; to sustain them in times of trial; to quicken them in the performance of duty; and to imbue them with the temper and spirit of the Lord Jesus. When these effects exist, we may be certain that the Spirit of God is with us; for these are the “fruits” of that Spirit, or these are the effects which he produces in the lives of men." (1 John 3 Commentary) BY THE SPIRIT HE HAS GIVEN By (ex/ek) the Spirit Whom He has given (aorist tense) us - By (ex/ek) the Spirit is more accurately rendered “from the Spirit” which identifies Him as the Source of how we know God resides in us continually. As Plummer says “The assurance is begotten by the Spirit." The verb given is in the aorist tense which speaks of a point in time, past tense in this context, for the day we believed and were born from above is the day we received the Gift of salvation and the Gift of the Spirit! Tracking the preceding pronouns in context supports the premise that this pronoun refers to the Father Who has given us the Spirit. For John this Gift would have been realized at Pentecost. For all others it would have been realized at the time of the new birth, when the Spirit took up residence in their bodies, God's temple. John's mention of the Holy Spirit provides a segue to his discussion of the unholy spirits in 1Jn 4:1-6. When did He give the Spirit? when first we believed. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22+ Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, 22 who also sealed us and gave [us] the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. Ephesians 1:13-14+ In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation–having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 Who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of [God’s own] possession, to the praise of His glory. Romans 8:15-16+ For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, John