William Burkitt's Expository Notes

1 John 3:20

By heart here is undoubtedly meant conscience: and it is as much as if the apostle had said, "If our consciences tells us that our love is barren and fruitless, and so condemn us for hypocrisy, God is greater than our consciences, both in holiness to condemn, and in knowledge to perceive the evil of them, for he knoweth all things; whereas if we have the witness of our consciences touching the sincerity of our love by the fruits of it; if, after. most strict examination of our consciences, and an exact comparing of our lives and actions with the law of God, we are not condemned of insinceriy in our obedience to God, and love to our neighbour, then have we an humble confidence with God in all our addresses to him."

Learn hence, 1. That the consciences of men have. self-condemning and. self-absolving power.

2. That the consciences of men are much better known to God, than they either are or can be known unto themselves.

3. That if our hearts or consciences do condemn us, it is an evidence of greater condemnation from the heart-searching God.

4. That if our consciences do absolve us, it is an argument of our acceptance with God, and. ground of condfidence in all our addresses to him.

5. That according to the verdict or testimony of men's consciences rightly informed, and truly testifying, God will either acquit or absolve them at the great day.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

1 John 3:20

Old Testament

New Testament