by Thomas Manton
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.—1 JOHN 3:1.
Thomas Manton’s Sermons Upon 1 John 3 is a masterclass in Puritan exegesis, theological depth, and heart-stirring application. This collection of 32 sermons unfolds the riches of 1 John 3 with striking clarity and precision, exalting the love of God in adopting sinners as His children, the nature of true righteousness, and the marks of genuine Christian assurance. Manton does not merely skim the surface of the text—he drills deep into the marrow of Scripture, drawing out its doctrinal treasures and applying them with piercing pastoral insight. He carefully expounds upon key themes such as the transforming power of God’s love ("Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us!"), the believer’s purification in light of Christ’s return, the battle against sin, and the distinguishing marks between the children of God and the children of the devil. Manton’s handling of sin and holiness is particularly powerful—he does not allow the reader to remain indifferent but compels them to examine whether their profession aligns with the fruits of righteousness.
These sermons are not cold, detached theological exercises; they are filled with warmth, exhortation, and a deep burden for the souls of men. Manton masterfully balances doctrinal depth with pastoral tenderness, warning against deception, calling believers to holiness, and pressing the urgency of living in light of eternity. His expositions of verses like "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil," and "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren," reveal the depths of Christ’s redemptive work and the necessity of transformed living. If you are seeking a robust, scripture-saturated, and convicting study of what it means to be a child of God, this volume will challenge and enrich your soul.
About the Author:
Thomas Manton (1620–1677) was one of the leading Puritan preachers and theologians of the seventeenth century. A minister known for his deep commitment to biblical exposition, he served as chaplain to Oliver Cromwell and was highly esteemed for his writings, particularly his expositions on James, Psalm 119, and Jude. Manton’s works remain a goldmine of Reformed theology, blending doctrinal precision with warm-hearted pastoral application. His sermons continue to challenge, convict, and edify those who long for a deeper understanding of Scripture and a closer walk with Christ.
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Table of Contents
Sermon I. "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not,"
Sermon II. "Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is,"
Sermon III. "But we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is,"
Sermon IV. "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure,"
Sermon V. "And every man that hath this hope in him," &c.,
Sermon VI. "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is a transgression of the law,"
Sermon VII. "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law,"
Sermon VIII. "And ye know that he was manifested to take away sin, and in him was no sin,"
Sermon IX. "And ye know that he was manifested," &c.
Sermon X. "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him,"
Sermon XI. "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous,"
Sermon XII. "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil,"
Sermon XIII. "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil,"
Sermon XIV. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for this seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God,"
Sermon XV. "Whosoever is born of God," &c.
Sermon XVI. "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother,"
Sermon XVII. "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that ye should love one another,"
Sermon XVIII. "Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous,"
Sermon XIX. "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you,"
Sermon XX. "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren: he that loveth not his brother abideth in death,"
Sermon XXI. "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer; and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him,"
Sermon XXII. "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren,"
Sermon XXIII. "But whoso hath this world's goods, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth,"
Sermon XXIV. "And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him,"
Sermon XXV. "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things,"
Sermon XXVI. "And knoweth all things,"
Sermon XXVII. "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God,"
Sermon XXVIII. "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight,"
Sermon XXIX. "Because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight,"
Sermon XXX. "And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son, and love one another as he gave us commandment,"
Sermon XXXI. "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him: and hereby know we that he abideth in us, by his Spirit which he hath given to us,"
Sermon XXXII. "And we know that he abideth in us, by his Spirit which he hath given us,"