But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are worked in God.
All Commentaries on John 3:21 Go To John 3
Cornelius a Lapide
AD 1637
But he that doeth . . . in God, i.e, according to God"s will and law, and by His guidance, light, and help. The truth, i.e, practically by doing what is right and just, and pleasing to God. For as there is truth of the heart and mouth, so is there of deed, by which it comes to pass that an honest and holy work corresponds to the practical rule of reason and prudence, or virtue, and the will of God. Thus ( John 8:43-44), it is said of Lucifer, he abode not in the truth, i.e, in equity, justice, and sanctity. So also the Apostle exhorts us to do the truth, i.e, what is truly good, and holy, and pleasing to God.
The meaning Isaiah , he who does, i.e, who by the light and grace of God proposes and determines to do the truth, i.e, what is truly good and holy, cometh to the light, i.e, embraces My doctrine, and the Christian faith, that his works may be manifest that they are done in God, that they please God because they are done by His leading and guidance. And if they be otherwise, He will correct them, and amend them in accordance with the will of God. "He shows," says S. Chrysostom, "that none of those who are in error will submit to the truth, unless a man will first persuade himself to lead a correct life; and that no one will persist in unbelief unless he be wholly given up to wickedness."
Thus far are the words of Christ to Nicodemus.
