1 John 5:16

1 JOHN—NOTE ON 1 John 5:16 Sin not leading to death is sin for which forgiveness is possible because (1) forgiveness is sought and (2) God is willing to grant it. Death and eternal life are present spiritual states. They are also ultimate actual destinies (hell, heaven). Sin that leads to death is probably sin that is (1) unrepented of and (2) of the kind or nature that John has warned about throughout the letter. Such sin includes rejection of the true doctrine about Christ, ongoing disobedience to God’s commandments, and persistent lack of love for fellow believers. These all indicate a lack of saving faith, which will not be forgiven. I do not say. John leaves open whether to pray for that situation if it arises. It would be best in such cases to pray for repentance.