(Vs. 16) Our Lord repeats the words He said in Verse 14, where they are given as a reason for the world's hatred and here as a reason for divine protection from the evil one. Who they are and what they are incite His wrath against them.
(Vs. 17) Though our sanctification in Christ is perfect (I Cor. 1:30; Col. 2:9-10), yet there is a need for spiritual growth and development in love, faith, humility, knowledge, and all Christian graces. Believers are first new-born babes, then young men, and later fathers in Christ. This sanctifying work is done by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God (I Peter 2:1-3). His Word is infallible truth; and our spiritual growth depends not upon feelings, visions, and resolutions, but upon an ever-increasing love for, understanding of, and embracing of His Word (Psalm 119:9-16, 33-34, 65-72). As the Word of God is the seed in regeneration (I Peter 1:23), so it is the source of true holiness of life and conversation.
(Vs. 18) Our Redeemer was sent into the world by the Father to accomplish the full redemption of his people, to fulfill the gospel, and to proclaim it (Isa. 61:1-3). He took not that office or honor unto Himself, but the Father ordained and sent Him (Heb. 5:4-6). Even so, these apostles were appointed, ordained, and sent by Christ as His ambassadors (II Cor. 5:19-21: John 20:21-23).
(Vs. 19) This is not to be understood to mean Christ's making Himself holy, for He did no sin: but He is saying, "I set myself apart as a sacrifice for sin, well-pleasing and acceptable to the Father, that My people might be sanctified" (Eph. 1:3-7; Eph. 5:25-26). The Father sanctified us in His Divine election (Jude 1), the Son sanctified us by His sacrifice (Heb. 10:10-14), and the Holy Spirit sanctified us in regeneration, in calling, and in belief of the truth (II Thess. 2:13).
(Vs. 20) He prays not only for these apostles and present disciples, but for all who will receive and believe the gospel.
1. He prayed not for people who would die in unbelief (John 17:9).
2. He prayed for those who were not then believers but who would believe (John 10:16).
3. Faith comes by hearing the Word, for Christ prays for those who would believe "through their Word" (Rom. 10:17).
(Vs. 21) There is a union and oneness between the Father and the Son in nature, essence, power, affection, and purpose which infinitely transcends any kind of union among men; yet the oneness of ail believers resembles that which exists between the Father and the Son.
They have a common FAITH, which all experience and agree in the main point of the gospel–salvation alone by the Lord Jesus Christ.
They have a common AFFECTION, being knit together in love to each other (I John 4:7-11).
They have a common GOAL–the glory of God.And they are all ONE in Christ and in God by His grace. Not only will God's grace in Christ be manifested to future believers, but to the whole universe (Eph. 2:7; Phil. 2:9-11).
(Vs. 22) This glory is eternal life, which the Father vested in the Son, which the Son purchased and perfected by the work which He did, and which the Son gives to every believer. This is indicated by Verses 1-4 of this chapter (II Peter 1:2-4). Moses asked, "Show me Thy glory" (Exod. 33:18-19). Because He has bestowed upon us this glory of grace and mercy in Christ, we are one with Christ in God.
(Vs. 23) Hendriksen said, "When God dwells in the Son and He (through' the Spirit) dwells in believers, then, naturally, these believers become partakers of all the riches that are in Christ––pardon, righteousness, love, joy, knowledge, wisdom, etc.–and when ail the members of the church universal become partakers of these blessings, the church, of course, will be one, just as the Father and the Son are one." Then all the world shall know that Christ is the only Saviour and that the Father loves the elect as He loves the only begotten Son (John 3:16). Christ came BECAUSE God loved us.
(Vs. 24) What a prospect! what a future! to be with Him where He is! (John 14:2-3) and actually to behold His glory! Someone said, "To see life is to live, and to see His glory is to be glorified with Him" (I John 3:1-3; Psalm 17:15). The glory, praise, and adoration of Christ will be our eternal vocation (Rev. 5:9-14).
(Vs. 25-26) The world religions and the world in general do not know Cod (John 1:10-i1). But the Son knows the Father and has manifested the Father to every believer, and they all know Him to be the Messiah sent by the Father. He has declared THE NAME OF THE LORD–Jehovah-Jireh (Gen. 22:13-14), Jehovah-rapha (Exod. 15:26), Jehovah Nissi (Exo. 17:8-15), Jehovah-shalom (Judges 6:24). Jehovah ra-ah (Psalm 23:1), Jehovah-tsidkenu (Jer. 23:6), and Jehovah Shammah (Ezek. 48:35)–and will continue to declare it, for His name is Wonderful (Isa. 9:6). The love of God revealed to the heart begets love in the heart (I John 4:19).