1 John 5:16-21

"Sin Leading to Death"

John next wrote about a "sin leading to death." Several other passages in scripture appear to speak of that sin (Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-27; 2 Peter 2:20-22; 1 Timothy 5:6). If all of these are describing the same sin, we conclude it involves a state of rebellion against God from which the sinner will not repent. Turner uses Lamech as an example of one committing such sin (Genesis 4:16-24). Woods notes God will forgive confessed sins (1:8) and concludes this is unconfessed sin, which would coincide with our thought on the rebellious nature of the sin unto death. Christians can pray for the brother who has a pliable heart and can still be moved to repent (1 John 5:16; compare Galatians 6:1-2).

One might conclude that sin is natural, cannot be avoided, therefore will not hurt. Lest one reach that conclusion, John says all violations of God's commandments are sin. Such need not destroy the soul, if one is willing to confess and let the Advocate plead his case (1 John 5:17; 1 John 1:9-10; 1 John 2:1). Christians will not continue in sin but will turn from their sins when confronted with them. As long as one stays on God's side, the devil will not be able to harm him (Romans 8:31). Christians are God's children, while the worldly minded are children of the devil (1 John 5:18-19).

Jesus came from God to help man understand things pertaining to eternal life. Anyone can know Jesus, and the Father through Him, and abide in Him in the church. So, Christians know the one God and have eternal life. Because of all John had said before, God's children should avoid false gods that eternal life might remain theirs (1 John 5:20-21).