1 John 5:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.

NIV: All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.

NASB: All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

CSB: All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin that doesn't lead to death.

NLT: All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.

KJV: All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

NKJV: All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

In his final comments on sin leading to death, John clarifies that all disobedience is sin. Though sin is the ultimate cause of all death (Romans 5:12), not every act of disobedience results in immediate demise. Then again, some sins a person commits with their body or spirit can be fatal: a "sin that leads to death." However, John is also clear that all sin is wrong. His intent here is to make a distinction regarding how a believer should pray for other people, not about whether something is considered sinful or not.

Though a difficult topic to interpret, the concept of "sin leading to death" is an important one. There is a relationship between our sinful actions and physical consequences, even for believers. Eternal life comes to those who believe in Jesus Christ, and no sin can take that salvation away. However, God has designed a world of cause and effect, and our choices still impact our lives. A believer can pray, ask forgiveness, and receive restored fellowship with God, but this does not necessarily remove the consequences of sinful actions.

First John 5:13–21 closes out the letter by focusing on assurance of salvation. The goal of John's letter is to provide believers with a means to know, for sure, that they have eternal life. Those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ can be absolutely sure that they are saved. Despite our failures and sins, God is forgiving. And, through Christ, we have the power to overcome the world's temptations to sin.

Chapter 5 concludes the book of 1 John, once again emphasizing the supremacy of love in the Christian experience. Those who put their faith in Christ can know, for sure, that they have eternal life. This assurance comes by trusting what we know of the life of Jesus Christ, as well as the evidence of the Holy Spirit within us. Following God's commands, particularly love, results in confidence of our salvation, as well as strength against the temptations of the world.

First John 5 completes the letter by summarizing how Christians can know that they have eternal life. Prior chapters have explained the various signs of ''abiding'' with God, but the key measurement is love. In this final passage, love is once again used as the supreme measurement. In light of the rest of the letter, love for God and love for others is shown to be both a source of confidence and a sign of faith.

First John seems to assume that the reader is familiar with the gospel. Rather than re-state these facts, John is concerned with building confidence in Christian believers. At the same time, his words encourage believers to examine their own lives for signs of their relationship with Christ. This letter also challenges false teachers and their incorrect claims about Jesus. Many themes are shared with the Gospel of John.

Accessed 4/28/2024 12:33:43 PM