Bible Questions & Answers Archive 

I John 3:9

By Dr. Max D. Younce

0049

 Question 

Would you please explain I John 3:9, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin: for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God".

 Answer 

This verse does not teach that a Christian will not sin. If this were true it would contradict I John 1:8 which tells us that, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us". The word commit IS NOT the Greek word "prasso" which means "practice or keep on committing"; but, rather, IS the Greek word "poieo" which means "not to commit one single, isolated act of sin". This seed is the Holy Spirit which indwells every believer. Peter, in II Peter 1:4, declares that Christians are "partakers of the divine nature", i.e., the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 1:13 we are told that "...after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise". It is the Holy Spirt that cannot commit one single act of sin.

To have eternal life, you must have the Holy Spirit. To have the Holy Spirit, you must have Jesus. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me (Christ) hath everlasting life." (John 6:47.)