Last week, when I was teaching from I John, two mature/growing believers texted me almost the exact same question from I John, but from chapter 5 verses 16-17, rather than from where I was teaching from chapters 1 and 2 in preparation for communion celebration. As a result of their questions, I assumed that perhaps others in the body might have similar questions and deemed it prudent to discuss the issue of “sin unto death.”
First, one must recognize that the Elder and Apostle John is speaking to believers and the immediate context (beginning in verse 14) is that of believers being faithful in praying for one another. However, there is a broader context revealed as well throughout the chapter related to an individual’s relationship with Christ. In addition, the subject passage also reveals several concepts that must be considered astutely relevant if one desires a proper interpretation of the text and/or a meaningful application, as well as an intrinsic spiritual understanding of the phrase “sin unto death.”
TWO PARALLEL OR ANALOGOUS (must be considered side by side without the exclusion of the other) TRUTHS.
- According to verses 16 and 17, there is “sin not leading to death.”
- According to verse 16, there is “sin leading to death.”
Obviously the discussion of these passages is not that of “original” sin and its encroaching penalty of physical death (see Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:23). Instead, one discovers a compelling sidebar to the original context that demands intentional consideration of each statement’s meaning, as well as an indispensable awareness of its implication or application.
WHAT WE KNOW SCRIPTURALLY (concerning specific sins leading to physical death):
- From the Old Testament
- Exodus 32 shows God’s wrath upon His people for making and worshiping the calf made of gold.
- Leviticus 10 represents the one true God as requiring proper loyalty, respect, and honor from His servants when Aaron’s sons are devoured as they offered “strange fire before the Lord.”
- Numbers 16 finds direct disobedience to the Lord’s instructions is punished severely as the ground opens up and “all that belonged to them went down alive to Sheol.”
- From the New Testament
- I Corinthians 11:28-32 clearly informs all believers concerning the potential consequences of improperly participating in Communion/The Lord’s Supper. One of those negative effects being physical death.
- Acts 5:1-10 reminds us of extreme/severe consequences suffered by two early church participants related to their improper behavior and misrepresentations.
- I Corinthians 5:5 presents a process of church discipline where one individual is turned over to “Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
Scripturally speaking, sin can apparently lead to both physical and spiritual death. Samson and King Saul serve as good examples of those experiencing spiritual death before their physical bodies ceased functioning. In the New Testament we find Demas, although we are not sure of his authentic salvation, who “loved this present world” … observably he is on death row spiritually. Perhaps in an act of mercy, and/or even to protect His church and His people, the Lord removes those from this world who live in such a manner that their lives serve nothing but fleshly passions and worldly purposes/pursuits. These are experiencing no real blessing, no true presence, nor power, since God’s Holy Spirit is constantly being loutishly quenched.
I’m sure we all know those in this, or similar situations … unquestionably, as well as undeniably, living in miserable mire from a spiritual perspective. This may have been the case in 1 Kings 13, when the disobedient prophet is abruptly and forcibly removed in verse 26, “therefore the Lord has given him to the lion, which has torn him and killed him.” However, in this passage, as is consistent throughout the biblical text, there is not one/some specific sin that automatically results in physical or spiritual death other than the blasphemy of God’s Holy Spirit. (see Matthew 12:31-32)
While the intended specific context of this passage is related to believers praying for one another and the book’s overall context is encouragement for righteous/faithful living, the seriousness of sin in a believer’s life is ominous/threatening to those desiring the abundant life in this world promised by Jesus Christ. Thanks to the Elder/Apostle John, the true, faithful believer is hereby reminded to continually walk/live in the glorious and radiant light/truth of Jesus Christ, finding oneself fully forgiven and free from sin’s eternal encroachment. Graciously, perhaps for proper theological understanding and support, I John also takes into account that even those who walk in the light will indeed sin, but not habitually (due to a transformed nature).
Therefore, he writes these encouraging words to all his brothers and sisters in Christ to keep them from sinning and providing understanding for the heart and soul on the occasion that one stumbles into sinful thoughts and/or behaviors. Remember, Jesus Christ didn’t come to make it easier for one to sin, or to do so with a clear conscience. No, HE came to set us free from the very bonds of sinful thoughts and sinful behaviors. (see Romans 8:2)
Nonetheless, the scriptures insist that when believers sin, they have the ultimate support system, ONE who runs to their aid and to Father God on their behalf (see I John 2:1-2). I know of no other book that takes sin more seriously than 1 John, but make no bones about it, while sin is very serious, and can have some deadly consequences, in Jesus Christ all sin and all sins are fully dealt with — past — present — future! Not that grace may abound … may it never be, but so that each and every believer can live a victorious Christian life in this world as preparation for the life to come!
— Blessings, Pastor Frank