What does 1 John 3:21 mean?

Explanation

The verse 1 John 3:21 is part of a letter that the Apostle John wrote to a Christian community.

The phrase "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not" suggests a condition involving one's conscience or inner feelings of guilt or innocence.

In this context, the 'heart' embodies the core of one's emotional and moral being, where personal convictions lie.

If the heart, or conscience, does not condemn, it implies that a person is not feeling guilt or moral conflict within themselves.

This sense of internal peace and lack of self-condemnation is connected to "then have we confidence toward God." Having confidence toward God means to approach God with boldness or assurance.

Essentially, this verse asserts that when a person does not feel accused by their own conscience, they can more freely and confidently engage in a relationship with God, including approaching Him in prayer.

Historical Context

The First Epistle of John, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, is believed to have been written in the late first century (around 90-95 AD).

It was a period when the early Christian communities faced internal divisions, heretical teachings, and challenges to orthodox beliefs.

The teachings about love, faith, and assurance found in the letter were intended to counter these divisive issues and to reaffirm the core beliefs and moral standards of the Christian life.

John, in addressing the readers as "Beloved," reflects the close-knit nature of the early Christian communities who considered themselves as a family in faith.

Theological Insights

From an Evangelical perspective, the verse is understood as an encouragement of assurance of salvation.

It articulates a fundamental Protestant belief that faith and trust in Jesus provide a clear conscience before God.

The Catholic interpretation might emphasize that a clear conscience must also correspond with good works, as faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

From the Orthodox point of view, the verse can serve as a reminder of theosis, the process of becoming more like God through cooperation with divine grace.

Importantly, across most Christian traditions, the verse encourages believers to examine their conscience and pursue a life that is pleasing to God.

Practical Applications

1 John 3:21 provides several practical applications for modern believers.

If one's conscience is clear, it suggests that they are living in a manner that aligns with their values and beliefs, thus they can pray and interact with God without feelings of shame or guilt.

This does not mean one will never make mistakes, but that there is an ongoing pursuit of living righteously.

It also encourages introspection and regular moral self-assessment to ensure that one's actions and beliefs are in harmony.

Cross-References

• Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
• Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
• Hebrews 10:22: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

Language Study

The original Greek word for 'heart' used in this verse is "kardia," which often refers to the center of physical and spiritual life, including thoughts, passions, desires, understanding, and reasoning.

The word for 'condemn' is "kataginosko," a compound word that means to know against someone, or to pronounce guilty. 'Confidence' comes from the Greek "parrhesia," indicating freedom of speech, boldness, and assurance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this Christian notion to other ancient beliefs, the idea of a clear conscience or pure heart is not unique to Christianity. For instance, in Ancient Egypt, the concept of Ma'at required that one’s heart be weighed against a feather in the afterlife to determine purity.

Many other religious traditions emphasize moral integrity and purity of heart as prerequisites for a forthright relationship with the divine, each with their unique practices to achieve such a state.

Scientific Perspectives

Although the verse itself does not directly intersect with scientific fields, modern psychology does touch upon the consequences that a person’s conscience and feelings of guilt can have on mental health.

A clear conscience, as suggested in the verse, is commonly associated with psychological well-being, whereas persistent guilt is often linked to psychological distress.

This is in harmony with the idea that not being self-condemned leads to confidence, which can be seen as well-being or mental peace.

Commentaries

According to the Expositor's Greek Testament, this verse reflects John's pastoral concern for ethical consciousness and the reassurance of believers.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the necessity of sincere obedience to God leading to a peaceful conscience.

Meanwhile, John Wesley's notes suggest the verse indicates the privilege of true believers, and their confidence in prayer is largely based on the testimony of their conscience regarding their conduct.

Each of these commentaries recognizes the internal condition of the believer (a clear conscience) as pivotal to their assurance and confidence in their relationship with God.