Chapter
1 2 3 4 5
Verse

1 John 3:7

ESV Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
NIV Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
NASB Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;
CSB Children, let no one deceive you. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
NLT Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous.
KJV Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
NKJV Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

What does 1 John 3:7 mean?

John again refers to his readers as "little children," a term he uses seven times in this letter in reference to believers. Jesus also referred to His followers as little children (John 13:33). They are warned not to be deceived. False teachers were spreading dangerous and phony spiritual claims. This is why John speaks in such strong terms throughout this letter.

A believer who is truly walking with Christ will practice what is right, just like Jesus did. Ultimately, we cannot know for certain the spiritual condition of others (1 Samuel 16:7). We can judge behaviors. However, as far as this principle is concerned, there is no need to judge another's salvation. In fact, we should be careful about making such judgments in the first place. Regardless of what their spiritual state is, if a person lives contrary to the teachings of Jesus, they are not "in fellowship" with God and are not to be listened to or followed. False teachers have existed throughout the church's history, even as early as when John wrote his letters.
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