1 John 3:2-9

English Standard Version

² Beloved, we are ^(A)God's children ^(B)now, and what we will be ^(C)has not yet appeared; but we know that ^(D)when he appears^{[a] (E)}we shall be like him, because ^(F)we shall see him as he is. ³ And everyone who ^(G)thus hopes in him ^(H)purifies himself as he is pure.

⁴ Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; ^(I)sin is lawlessness. ⁵ You know that ^(J)he appeared in order to ^(K)take away sins, and ^(L)in him there is no sin. ⁶ No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; ^(M)no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. ⁷ Little children, ^(N)let no one deceive you. ^(O)Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. ^8 (P)Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was ^(Q)to destroy the works of the devil. ^9 (R)No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's^[b] seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.