For the 4th Sunday of Easter the three assigned readings are Acts 4:1-12; 1 John 3:16-24 and John 10:11-18. Chosen to preach on is 1 John 3:22: “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”

On the radio program “Law and Gospel” (www.kfuo.org on the AM side) we have been analyzing criticisms of the Christian faith and even Martin Luther. For those who desire to criticize our faith, it appears that this verse might be plenty of ammunition against the view that we are saved by grace, through faith, on account of Jesus Christ. For 1 John 3:22 is translated as “because we keep his commandments.” How can you interpret this verse in any other way than the reason that God blesses us and answers our prayers is “because we keep His commandments.”

However, on the radio program we demonstrate that English translations are often superficial and deceptive because of the difficulty of finding one word in English that accurately defines the Hebrew, Aramaic, Latin or Greek used in the original manuscripts. It appears on first reading that the cause of God blessing us is that “we keep His commandments.” Is this not a religion of legalism in which God declares who is acceptable to Him on the basis of works?

The key to solving contradictions takes place either by looking at the context or by translating properly. While almost all English Bibles translate the Greek word “oti” with “because” it also can be translated as “since.” At first glance there appears not to be much of a difference until the distinction is made. The translation “because” gives the impression that our works are the “cause” of God blessing us. However, the translation “since” gives the impression that in light of a condition that now exists, God blesses us. The condition that exists is not the cause of our being blessed but rather that which God recognizes as being present.

For example, a son receives an inheritance from his father “because” or “since” his name and address and social security number reveal that he is the son of that father. However, he did nothing to become the son; the real cause of his receiving an inheritance is the fact that he was either begotten or adopted into the family. So also, while God does recognize that we keep His commandments, such obedience is not credited to us but to the Holy Spirit who brings forth fruit of faith. The “keeping of the commandments” is in light not only of our being forgiven but also of our being dressed in the robe of righteousness.

To put it clearly, God, Who has declared us righteous in His sight because of the gift of salvation, now gives to us whatever we ask. When we ask that which He has promised, He, of course, delivers it but when we ask for that which He has not promised, we add “if it be your will” and He still answers “Yes, I will do it according to My will.” For the things that we do are “pleasing in His sight” only in Christ as we receive the twin gifts of the forgiveness of sins and the robe of righteousness.