1Jo 3 | Abbott

1 John 3

Purifieth himself; that is, his hope of being hereafter joined to Christ in happiness and glory, leads him to seek now to resemble him in character.

He was manifested; Christ was manifested, that is, appeared upon this earth.

Whosoever sinneth; that is, willingly and habitually.

Is a murderer; in the spirit and temper of his mind.

To lay down our lives, to be willing to lay them down.

Not—in word, neither in tongue, not in empty professions.

And hereby; that is, by the habitual temper and spirit of our minds.

Our heart; our conscience.