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1 John 3:9 Exposition
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.

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Reaching forth...

What about sin? What is sin? How do you know right from wrong? Why does it matter? Do you want some answers?

What About Sin?

What I have said on this page should not be construed as meaning I have discovered, experientially, complete freedom from sin in this present life. My purity is in Christ. I am the subject of sin, as well as of holiness, of flesh, as well as of Spirit. 

1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 

This Assertion, Sin shall not have Dominion over you, plainly suggests, that they were Subjects of it, or that it had a Being in them. I know that some have made large Pretensions to extraordinary Holiness, and have boasted of being very nearly, if not wholly free from the Presence and Working of Evil in their Hearts, which is not the Effect of their Eminency in Holiness, but is an Evidence of much Unacquaintedness with themselves. True it is of every Believer, that he is holy and unholy, that he is Spirit and also Flesh, the Subject of a pure and also of an impure Principle. There are two contrary Springs of Action in him: If we say that we have no Sin we deceive ourselves, and the Truth is not in us (John 1:8.). Such as imagine themselves to be very near to Perfection, and can say to others, with an Air of Contempt, Stand by thyself, come not near to me, for I am holier than thou, give melancholy Evidence not only of the Being, but also of the Power of Sin in them. Those who excel in Holiness, are best acquainted with, and are most humbled under a Sense of the natural Impurity of their Hearts. - John Brine

The text of Scripture I particularly want to consider is 1 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.

What about sin? What is the believer's relation to sin?

The Scriptures teach us, A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit (Mt. 7:18). To the question, What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?, we are told in a certain clear sense, God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Ro. 6:2).

We see in the Scriptures verses that might make us soon agree there are some things hard to understand. Paul tells us, For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would (Ga. 5:17). Are we to consider that we would not sin, but because of the flesh we do sin? Or should we think we would sin, but because of the Spirit we do not sin?

The Apostle John tells us, 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 (1Jo. 5:18). Our Scripture tells us, 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 (1Jo. 3:9).

What type tree is the one that is born again? What are we born of? The Scripture tells us, Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (1Pe. 1:23). The psalmist talks of one that is blessed. As it is written, Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in His ways (Ps. 119:2,3). God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless us, in turning every one of us from our iniquities (Ac. 3:26).

The believer is born of the Spirit of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again (John. 3:6,7). So John the apostle tells us, Ye must be born again. Paul the apostle says, For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (Eph. 5:8,9). John said be born again, and Paul speaks to the one that is born again. James isn't silent on this, as he tells us, Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures (Jas. 1:18).

John the apostle confirms Jesus manifested to take away our sins, and tells us about the one that sins. Those born of God do not commit sin, and they cannot sin. Listen to John as he expressed it here: Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him (1Jo. 3:4-6).

Such precious promises are held forth for the believer. We are told, And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power (Col. 2:10). Do you have just a little faith? What does the Scripture say? It says you are complete in Christ!

We are begotten by the Word, while we were yet sinners (Ro. 5:8). Consider the Word of God, that we are begotten by: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John. 1:1). The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the Word made flesh. He is the one that died for us. As John tells us, But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John. 1:12-14).

Self effort at salvation does not agree with the Word of God. You must be born again. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1Co. 2:14). Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light, and his ministers transformed as the ministers of righteousness (2Co. 11:14,15). There are mockers now, who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit (Jude 18,19). If any have not the Spirit of Christ they are none of His.

The Word of God, the Word the born again are begotten by, is unchanging. We read: There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again (John. 3:1-7).

The born again have a sure foundation. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Ro. 8:1). The holy law remains precious to the believer. As well, it is written, That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Ro. 8:4).

Are you born again? Do you believe Jesus is the Christ? Look at 1 John 5:1, that reads, Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of Him.

If you are born again, you have the Spirit of God. You are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His (Ro. 8:9).

The spirit and the flesh are part of the Christian. Of the spirit the believer is born again, and he cannot sin. The flesh is at enmity with God. From the body of that death Paul longed to be freed. The flesh wars with the spirit, and the spirit with the flesh (Ga. 5:17). The Christian waits for the redemption of the body (Ro. 8:23). Even now, of the two, he is a new creature. The one that is born again cannot sin. The believer is complete, that is now complete or whole, in Christ (Col. 2:10). Again, I say the one that is born again cannot sin.

The one that is born again is able to say more than that they are able not to sin. If it is said they are able not to sin, then can they sin? The born again one is not able to sin. If they were able to sin they could apostatize. Those born again cannot lose their salvation. The believer's eternal security is very precious (John. 6:37-40; 10:28-30; 15:3-5,9; Ro. 8:33-39; 11:29; 1Co. 1:8,9; 15:1,2; 2Co. 1:21,22; Php. 1:6; Col. 3:1-4; 2Th. 2:15-17; 2Ti. 1:12; Heb. 10:23; 1Pe. 1:3-5; Jude 21).

To say the believer is able to sin allows apostasy, but in clear terms the Christian cannot sin. According to the light given them the Christian better understands these truths. I know of none that have arrived, so to speak, but whatever another has said, I must speak for myself. Such as we are, we speak what we do know, always mindful to be cautious (2Pe. 3:16).

Jesus Christ had a mission. AND YE KNOW THAT HE WAS MANIFESTED TO TAKE AWAY OUR SINS; AND IN HIM IS NO SIN (1Jo. 3:5). Mary had a mission. It was said of her, And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins (Mt. 1:21). John the apostle had a mission. John says, 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 (1Jo. 3:9).

Scriptural Contrast
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John told us, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1Jo. 1:9). Also, My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1Jo. 2:1). It is true, if we sin Jesus is an intercessor or comforter for that sorrow (1Jo. 2:1). We ought to be staying close to Jesus so sins are sorrowful to us, not apathetically excusing sins.

Consider the sense. Why would one that does not commit sin, and that cannot sin need to confess their sins? Why would they need an advocate? What is the sense of the words?

We know there is no other way to the Father but by the Son. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John. 14:6). We know that in the believer, that is in their flesh, dwells no good thing. The body is dead because of sin. We wait for the redemption of our body.

We need to keep under our body and bring it into subjection. Remember, there is no condemnation to them that walk in the Spirit, and not after the flesh.

Consider the sense of what is said. John said, Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin. Be clear on this. What this does not say, is that the born again one will seldom sin, will sometime sin, or even is able to sin. Scripture tells us, Those born of God do not commit sin.

To be born again is to be born of God. God cannot sin (1Jo. 3:4; 5:17). God does not enjoy sin (Ps. 5:4). God hates workers of iniquity (Ps. 5:5; 7:11; Mt. 7:23). God hates sin (Pr. 8:13; Lu. 16:15). Even truth must be spoken in love so as not to spread discord among the brethren (Pr. 6:16-19). Other things could be said. All unrighteousness is sin (1Jo. 5:17). God does not hate believers, and cannot condemn those trusting Jesus (John. 3:18; 6:37,39,47). Those born of God do not commit sin.

  The born again, the inward man cannot sin and is headed for heaven. Being born again, it is Christ in us, the hope of glory, plus we are a new creation ourselves, and partaking eternal life. Nothing shall stop this. (Romans 7:18-25; Colossians 1:12-14, 27; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Peter 1:3-4; John 3:15-16; 10:27-28; 17:2; Acts 13:48; 1 John 5:11-13)

Never will we, that believe, be lost again. If we have been born again, we will never be lost again. Adam could sin. Those of the second birth are not on a standing with the first Adam. This point alone is reason for great rejoicing. He had it in him to sin and he lost it all. The Second Adam has given us an inheritance that is worth shouting about. What we have in Lord Christ cannot be lost. The born of God do not commit sin. They cannot sin.

Whosoever is born again is begotten of God, and does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him. He cannot sin, because he is born of God. Christ promised a Comforter for the believer, and the believer is sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise. It is Christ in us, the hope of glory. Consider that we are begotten by the Word (John. 6:63; Eph. 2:5; 2Th. 2:14; Jas. 1:18; 1Pe. 1:23). We are begotten of God, born again, and the Scriptures say we cannot sin when we are born again.

Be sure the Scriptures speak in different senses. How the words are used in context tells the sense. Words may be empty, false, flattering, full of error, impotent yet eloquent, powerful, of neutral sense, effectual, true, et cetera. For sure there are hard things to understand. The same words used for each of these examples reveal a different sense.

Salvation Can Be Understood
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Some things are easy to understand. The truth of salvation is understood by a right understanding of the Bible on this subject. Not all things in the Bible are easily understood (2Pe. 3.16), and not all things in the Bible might be understood by us.

The Bible teaches us about salvation. That can be understood by us. The Bible tells us so (John. 3:15,18,36; 1Jo. 3:5,19; 5:10-13,20). Caution is the order of things. When we see the momentous and easy to understand we don't want to pass it by (Heb. 2:3; 10:29).

Also we need caution in considering what a man might say, and what God has to say (Ps. 56:5; 2Pe. 3:16). Young beginners in religion, and even those proven by the test of time, are subject to mistakes. By the grace of God they will be corrected (Php. 1:6). The mistakes of church leaders and preachers often encourage the prejudice of the hearers. Time of itself does not bring forth good fruit. The grace of God does.

Contrast Helps Make Clear The Truth
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One clear contrast will be looked at briefly. 1 John 1:8 shows us, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:10 tells us, If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. What can be shown from this?

There are two senses put forth. The born again cannot sin. Adam had the choice and he lost it all. The born again will not lose their salvation. We exercise ourselves with the work of God, and that is to believe on Him whom He has sent (John. 6:29). Will you go elsewhere for salvation? That is the great transgression. We have eternal life, and cannot sin (John. 3:15; 6:68; 10:27,28; Ro. 6:23; Tit. 1:2; 1Jo. 2:25; 5:11,13).

Examine Yourself
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The sense of this contrast we need to consider. While the second sense regarding sin is far greater than just the conscience, is your conscience clear before God (2Co. 4:2; 1Ti. 1:5)? God knows, and is greater than your conscience (1Jo. 3:20,21). What do you do with sin?

The one that stands by faith needs to examine themselves by the Scriptures (Job 13:23; Ps. 4:4; 19:12,13; 119:59; Hag. 1:7; Ro. 12:2; 1Co. 11:27,28,31; 2Co. 13:5). Eternity is in the balance. Our works should be examined (Ro. 12:2; 2Co. 8:8; 1Th. 5:21). We are not saved by our works, but we are saved unto good works (2Co. 9:8; Eph. 2:10; Col. 1:10).

There should be evidence for self examination. By love others should be able to count the believer blessed of God (Ps. 119:63; Pr. 13:20; Am. 3:3; Mal. 3:16; Ac. 1:14; 2:42; Ro. 14:1; 1Co. 1:10; Php. 2:1,2; Heb. 10:24,25; 1Jo. 1:7). Let none that would accuse us of wrong be found true (Ac. 24:13; 25:7; 2Co. 4:2; 1Pe. 4:15).

As the psalmist of old, let us be found free of the great transgression (Ps. 19:13). All manner of sin shall be forgiven, but there is the sin that shall not be forgiven (Ps. 19:13; Mt. 12:31,32; Mr. 3:29; Lu. 12:10). The psalmist said that he looked to the Lord to keep him from sins. With faith in God, he trusted he would be innocent of the great transgression.

Now we know that Jesus has come to save His people from their sins (Mt. 1:21). He has died for our sins, rose from the dead, and is now ascended to heaven. In his place the Holy Spirit has been sent.

The Holy Spirit reproves the world of sin and the believer is led by Him (John. 16:8-11; Ro. 8:14). The Holy Spirit is very precious to the believer. Now, more than for the psalmist of old, the Holy Spirit abides with us. By the Holy Spirit we are sealed (Eze. 11:19,20; 36:27; Ro. 5:5; 8:15,16; 2Co. 3:3; 5:5; Eph. 1:13,14; 5:9).

There is evidence for the individual to examine. By love others should see this in the believer. Our primary examination is of self (Ac. 1:14; 2:42; Ro. 14:1; 1Co. 1:10; 12:13; Php. 2:1,2; Heb. 10:24,25; 1Jo. 4:13).

We walk in the flesh, but not according to the flesh (2Co. 10:2,3). We are to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2Co. 2:1). Believers are called to be saints (Ro. 1:7; 1Co. 1:2).

We have our life in mortal flesh, subject to sin and death (2Co. 4:11). Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption (1Co. 15:50). By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin (Ro. 3:20). There is an infirmity of the flesh. Each of us, with Paul, must say, In me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing (Ro. 7:18).

God is greater than the strength, or the weakness, of the flesh (Ro. 8:3; 1Jo. 4:4). The born again are led of the Spirit of God (Ro. 8:4). God is righteous in all His judgments. His judgments are sometimes called fearful.

There are some that seem to want nothing more, or better, than to bring destruction to the flesh. We are not to ask for that. For now we are to lay up treasures in heaven. The born again, the inward man cannot sin and is headed for heaven. Being born again, it is Christ in us, the hope of glory, plus we are a new creation ourselves, and partaking eternal life. Nothing shall stop this. (Romans 7:18-25; Colossians 1:12-14, 27; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Peter 1:3-4; John 3:15-16; 10:27-28; 17:2; Acts 13:48; 1 John 5:11-13)

Now we are to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof (Ro. 13:14). No flesh should glory in His presence (1Co. 1:29).

Sin is the transgression of God's law. It is not what another says, or what you say or what I say, but what God says by His written Word, that identifies what is sin. God decides what is sin, not man. By God's law we come to the knowledge of sin, and all have sinned.

Jesus Came To Seek And Save Sinners
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The nail scarred hands testify of God's love to sinners. The sweet Gospel call is given out. There is warning of God's wrath. The Lord sends out terrible thundering of what will happen, that can cause a man to tremble. Jesus waits for the sinner, and He weeps when some will not come unto Him. Finally the one that does not want God finds himself separated forever from God. In hell the lost sinner might plead to be with God, but too late.

The Scripture is clear the issue between God and man is sin. All a man has that is his own are his sins. A man's sins separate him from God, yet a man holds on to his sins as if there were nothing better. A lost sinner sometimes takes delight in being taken captive by Satan, and sins. The effectual call of the Gospel changes all this.

There is a fear that not all men experience. The Word of God reveals God's wrath, by the Spirit working showing man he deserves, and is likely to receive the reward for sin, hell. When one finds themselves in such a condition, they might cry out, What must I do?; Woe is me; Lord be merciful to me a sinner; or as the thief on the cross that just before had been mocking Him, Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.

There is a particular call that some answer, their seeing Jesus as precious (1Pe. 2:7). This effectual call draws them to Lord Christ. Yet some hearing the same words continue to reject our Lord, holding all they have.

Jesus receives the sinner that comes to Him. Hear the Word of salvation. All that come to Him as a sinner He gladly receives, welcoming even the chief of sinners (John. 6:37).

All may not experience this to the same degree, but it is honest to say all experience this before they accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. For why would they see a Savior in Jesus if they never see themselves as lost? Read Psalms 38, 51, and 88 to see how some men of God remembered their awakening to sin. A person sees to the light given them, sin to be what it is and themselves for what they are, before they can see Jesus is the Precious Savior.

This is foolishness to some, which ought to urge those on that believe the truth to be more serious of the truth. Not a personality change and not self reformation. God's revelation and new birth make the difference.

Actively Go About To Serve The Lord Jesus
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The closer one is to Jesus the more they realize separation from sins. Many are sickly because of not discerning the Lord's body. Some are sickly for no other reason than the glory of God. Some are delivered to Satan for the destroying of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of Lord Jesus (1Co. 5:5). Some are given a messenger of Satan lest they be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelations (2Co. 12:7). One that has found grace in the eyes of the Lord, a just man and perfect, that walked with God can be a castaway. I am talking about a saved man. No, they cannot be lost once they are saved. I'm not saying one is more saved than another.

One can be closer to Jesus than another. We must consider ourselves and keep ourselves. Go the extra mile and make the extra effort.

Often Christians make excuses. They say, No one has kept the law! That is true, except where Jesus is considered. We go on to make excuses and say, Well, Jesus will forgive me. They make that the start of excuses for living loose away from Jesus.

This needs attention. It is sin that Christ died for. It is sin that God hates. It is called sin before one is saved and it is sin after they are saved. A man shouldn't make excuses for sin. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord (Heb. 12:14).

To the question, Can a Christian keep the law?, or should it be said, A Christian is able not to sin, we ought to be thinking the one that is blessed of God hungers and thirsts after righteousness. In a very real and significant sense it needs said that the born again cannot sin.

There should be clear terms that the born again goes on a higher plane than being able not to sin. The born again does not commit sin, they cannot sin. It is sin we are talking about. Christ shed His Blood for it. We were separated from God because of it.

God says our iniquities have separated us from God (Isa. 59:2). The Blood of Jesus washes all our sins away (Re. 1:5). If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

God says He hates sin. We ought to hate sin, as the fear of the Lord, or as also called, to love the Lord, is to hate sin (Ps. 97:10; Pr. 8:13; Am. 5:15). We love Him because He first loved us (1Jo. 4:10,19).

We are delivered from the wrath of God when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. We ought to be more close to Jesus as time goes on, so that in a year we are a better Christian than when we started out. We ought to be hungry for righteousness and getting better as we learn and grow. We should desire to grow as a child in the Word. As we make excuses for sin that shows accepting sin is more meaningful than the Lord Jesus, to us.

Now you might say, How legal this sounds. Think, isn't it reasonable to say that is an excuse for accepting sins? Is such an attitude that of a born again Christian according to the Scriptures, or is it showing forth the one that makes light of the Word of God and our Lord Jesus? Should we be apathetic about sin? I think not. God calls it sin, and says He hates it. Do you believe God?

A message of comfort from the Scriptures,
that we through patience and comfort
of the scriptures might have hope.

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Bob Krajcik
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