We Have Confidence

Confidence in Eternal Life

1 John 5:13 KJV 1900

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

I John 5:13

Confidence in Prayer Life

1 John 5:14–16 KJV 1900

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Pray according to the Will of God

Confidence in a Holy Life

God will hear our prayers

It is God’s will that we pray for our sinning brothers

“sin unto death”

What is a sin unto death?

There are a number of theories regarding this phrase. In studying this passage I realize that I have even referenced this passage erroneously. It makes for good preaching to tell people not to sin because sin can lead to death, but that is not the complete understanding of the passage and even misrepresents what John was intending to convey.

So what exactly was John speaking about? I believe when we look at the context we do understand he is referring to a brother in Christ; someone that has accepted the truth of the Word of God and trusted Christ. To further help us understand this phrase we must remember that John was writing this epistle to combat the false teachers that were teaching doctrine that contradicted the deity of Jesus. John acknowledges here that there are people that place their faith in Christ only to choose to walk away - to live a life alien from God. In other words John is not referring to:

A brother that sins in ignorance

A brother that sins on purpose, but then repents.

A brother that sins in being taken in a fault

John is referring to a brother that, while they have trusted Christ, they choose to live a life separated from Jesus. He refers to a backslidden brother that goes beyond sinning, but takes on a lifestyle that is contrary to Jesus Christ, even to the point of denying Christ. One might make the argument this person was never saved, but it is clear there are saved people that make the choice to live a life opposed to Christ. It is that person that is in danger of committing “sin unto death”.

While we are commanded here to pray for a brother that sins we are not commanded to do so for someone that lives apart from Christ in this way. Certainly, this is further proof that John is referring to a saved person for we are commanded to pray for the unsaved. The likely meaning here is that it is fruitless to pray that the brother does not die for he is actively committing the sin that leads to death. However, we can always pray for repentance in a brother or sister that is living this lifestyle. While John does not command us to pray for this person he does not forbid it either.

Confidence in a Holy Life

1 John 5:17–20 KJV 1900

All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

John follows up by making sure people know that he is not saying that since a Christian is not committing the sin unto death that he can continue in his sin. He clearly states here that there is sin that does not lead to death, but it is still sin and one that is born of God should seek to rid their life of any and all sin.

John also points out that the wicked one, Satan, has no influence over us that we do not grant him for we have someone greater living inside of us. He tells us that we have the Son of God and that he has given us understanding. We know what is right and true and we know what is wrong and false.

1 John 5:17–19 KJV 1900

All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Because we have Christ we know what is right and wrong. Because we know what is right we must live a Holy Life by living according to God’s standard. When we fail to do so it is sin. We must learn not to live in sin, but to live in holiness.

Confidence in Jesus Christ

1 John 5:21 KJV 1900

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

This is an interesting finish, but I think one that points to what John has been attempting to teach us throughout the epistle. He says to keep from idols. Why would he end with such a statement? John desires for the Christian that knows truth from lies to leave behind the false teachers, the false doctrines, and the empty life of sin and to embrace the. true, living, Holy God, Jesus Christ