19 [a]For thereby we know that we are of the truth, [b]and shall before him assure our hearts.

20 For [c]if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

21 [d]Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we boldness toward God.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 John 3:19 He commendeth charity by a triple effect: for first of all, by it we know that we are indeed the sons of God, as he showeth before.
  2. 1 John 3:19 Therefore it cometh that we have a quiet conscience, as on the contrary side he that thinketh that he hath God for a judge, because he is guilty to himself, either he is never or else very rare quiet: for God hath a far quicker sight than we, and judgeth more severely.
  3. 1 John 3:20 If an evil conscience convinceth us, much more ought the judgments of God contemn us, who knoweth our hearts better than we ourselves do.
  4. 1 John 3:21 A third effect also riseth out of the former, that in these miseries we are sure to be heard, because we are the sons of God, as we understand by the grace of sanctification which is proper to the elect.

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