Nine simple words, but they speak of the profound blessing of all believers. They are among the most wonderful words in the whole of the Word of God:
"As He is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4:17).
"As He is." As Christ IS. He has endured the wrath and judgment. He has died. He lives again.... He is past all the suffering and woe which He endured for us. He sits at God's right hand in the fullest favor of God.
"As He is, so are we." His place is our place through God's wondrous goodness. The believer is accepted in the same acceptance in which Christ is accepted.... Is He in the full favor of God? "So are we." Is He in nearness and relationship with God as Father? "So are we."
"As He is, so are we in this world." Yes! the blessing is ours now. Not only will it be ours when we reach the glory of God, but it is ours "in this world." Already God would have us to enjoy the boundless privilege. He writes by His servant to tell us of the blessing in order that our joy may be full, and that we may be set free from every fear and be able to delight before His face.