Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 John 3:3

3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, that when he shall appear , we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is .

Our present State he affirms to be unquestionably that of Sons; whatsoever Hardships from the World, or severer Discipline from our Father, we must for a while undergo. But for our future State, it is much above us to comprehend distinctly the Glory of it: Yet doth not appear, 'tis yet an unrevealed Thing, Rom. 8.18. A Vail is drawn before it, which is to be drawn aside at the appointed Season of the Manifestation of the Sons of God, v. 19.

But so much we in the general know of it, (so certain are the Apprehensions of Faith.) that when he shall appear, or display his own Glory in the appearance of his Son, who is then to come in the Glory of the Father, Mat. 16.27. 1 Tim. 6.14, 15, 6.

As it befits Children to be unto their Father, i. e. His Image shall then be perfected in us, which was defaced so greatly in the Apostacy, is restored imperfectly in Regeneration, Eph. 4.24. Col. 3.10. must be daily improved in progressive Sanctification: So that as God was above said to be Light, Christians are to shine as Lights, as the Sons of God without rebuke, representing and glorifying their Father; Mat. 5.16. Phil. 2.16. 1 Pet. 2.9. But is then to be advanced in us to a far higher pitch than ever, in respect both of Holiness and Blessedness.

i. e. So far as the limited Capacity of our Natures can admit; and are therefore by that Likeness to be qualified for such Vision: which eternal, efficious Vision doth also continue that Likeness, the causal Particle, for, admitting both those References. Psal. 17.15.

Marginal references: Isa. 56.5. Rom. 8.15. Gal. 3.26. & 4.6.; 2 Cor. 4.17.; Rom. 8.29. 1 Cor. 15.49. Phil. 3.21. Col. 3.4.; Psal. 16.11. 1 Cor. 13.12. 2 Cor. 5.7.