Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure.
3 And every man that hath this hope He now draws this inference, that the desire for holiness should not grow cold in us, because our happiness has not as yet appeared, for that hope is sufficient; and we know that what is hoped for is as yet hid.
this hope--of being hereafter "like Him." Faith and love, as well as hope, occur in Jo1 3:11, Jo1 3:23. in--rather, "(resting) upon Him"; grounded on His promises. purifieth himself--by Christ's Spirit in him (Joh 15:5, end). "Thou purifiest thyself, not of thyself, but of Him who comes that He may dwell in thee" [AUGUSTINE]. One's justification through faith is presupposed. as he is pure--unsullied with any uncleanness.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (4) Now he describes this adoption (the glory which as yet consists in hope) by the effect that is, because whoever is made the Son of God, endeavours to resemble the Father in purity. (e) This word signifies a likeness, but not an equality.