1 John 3:2 is studied here as a Biblical passage first: in its immediate King James context, through its recurring metaphysical themes, and through source-grounded readings preserved in Neville Goddard's lectures and books.
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.
Read the Passage in Context
- 1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
- 1 John 3:2 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.
- 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Open 1 John 3:2 in the YHWSA Bible workspace for the complete chapter, word tools, notes, and comparisons.
Key Metaphysical Themes
- Identity
- Christ
- Son Of God
- Fatherhood
- Divine Potential
- Christ Within
- Inner Revelation
- Divine Nature
- Likeness To God
- Inheritance
- Divine Identity
- Resurrection
Neville’s Reading in Eternity Within
Neville paraphrases 1 John 3:2 to explain that man's true identity as God is not yet apparent, but when Christ (the Father) appears, man will be identical to Him. The confirmation of this identity comes when His Son (David) calls man 'Father'.
“For it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him.” Identical! Well, how will you know that you are he? When his Son calls you Father.
Source: Eternity Within
Neville’s Reading in Faith In God
The full divine potential of humanity (what we shall be) is revealed when Christ (the Human Imagination fully realized) appears within, leading to the realization of one's identity as God.
Although it does not yet appear what we shall be, we know that when He appears we will know him, for “we shall be like him."
Source: Faith In God
Neville’s Reading in Gods Creative Power
The appearance of God's son (Christ) is an inner revelation, and when it occurs, the individual will realize their own divine nature, becoming like him, seeing him as he truly is within.
We are told: “It does not yet appear what he shall be, but we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”
Source: Gods Creative Power
Neville’s Reading in Grace Vs Law
This verse reveals the ultimate destiny of man: to awaken and realize his full inheritance as God, becoming like Him without losing individual identity.
Then you know the mystery of the Epistle of John: “It does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know when he appears we shall be like him.” We shall be like him, for there is no change in your identity.
Source: Grace Vs Law
Neville’s Reading in Infinite States
Neville interprets 'when he appears we shall be like him' to mean that when the meditating being (God within) awakens, the individual will not vanish but will realize their identity as that very being, becoming like him in essence and majesty, not just character.
Here is one to be found 1 John, the 3rd chapter, the 2nd verse: “We are now the children of God; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him.”
Source: Infinite States
Neville’s Reading in No Other Gods
The 'appearance' of Christ is an internal, transformative experience where one realizes their true divine identity and becomes 'like Him.' This is not about resembling an external, physical image of Jesus, but about embodying the divine nature of Christ.
I said, “It does not yet appear that we shall be; but we know this much: When he does appear, we shall know him.” Why? “We shall be like him.” (I John 3:2) “Now, do you look like that? Why, that is so far removed from any one around this table that you couldn’t compare it. It doesn’t even look human to me. But you look like that? Well, when he appears, you will look like him. Well, now, do you think you are going to grow into the likeness of that?”
Source: No Other Gods
Practical Reflection
- This is a promise of ultimate union with the divine, realized through the internal unfolding of God's plan.
- Hold the vision of becoming fully like Christ, knowing that this is the ultimate destiny and the result of the spiritual journey.
- The ultimate manifestation is the realization of one's divine identity. By exercising imagination and allowing scripture to unfold within, one comes to know their true self as Christ, becoming like 'him' in consciousness and power.
Authoritative Neville Sources
YHWSA provides the Biblical workspace. MyNevilleGoddard.com preserves the complete source works behind the Neville-specific readings.
- Eternity Within (lecture)
- Faith In God (lecture)
- Gods Creative Power (lecture)
- Grace Vs Law (lecture)
- Infinite States (lecture)
- No Other Gods (lecture)
Questions about 1 John 3:2
What is the metaphysical meaning of 1 John 3:2?
YHWSA reads 1 John 3:2 in its Biblical context while examining the states of consciousness and spiritual themes expressed by the passage.
Where can I read 1 John 3:2 in context?
Open the linked YHWSA Bible workspace to read the complete chapter and use its language, note, and comparison tools.
Where did Neville Goddard discuss 1 John 3:2?
The source list links to the complete lectures and books on MyNevilleGoddard.com rather than reproducing those works as a competing article.