He Cannot Sin

The Text: Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God. 1 John 3:9

The Meaning Given To It: Advocates of the "once saved always saved" doctrine use this, among other verses, to try and establish the validity of their contention that, "They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace: but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved", The Confession Of Faith Of The Presbyterian Church, pp. 102-103. This is the "P" in "TULIP" (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints.).

The Context: Prior to out text, John says we are God's children, vs. 1, and as such we hope to be like Jesus when we see him as he is, vs. 2. The remainder of the context clearly shows that a person's manner of life has an impact upon whether or not they obtain that for which they hope. Thus we are not to engage in sin, which is lawlessness, vs. 4; are warned that "in him is no sin," vs. 5; reminded that those who sin have neither seen nor know him, vs. 6; are warned not to be led astray about who the righteous are ("he that doeth righteousness is righteous"), vs. 7; and warned yet again that "he that doeth sin is of the Devil," vs. 8. After vs. 9 there are other warnings: "whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God," vs. 10a and "neither he that loveth not his brother," vs. 10b, with a reminder not to emulate Cain "who was of he evil one," vss. 11-12. And all these warnings, reminders, and admonitions are addressed to the "little children", vs. 7, who are the children of God, vs. 1. If God's children "can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace," one wonders why John would warn, remind, and admonish them in regard to dangers that it was impossible for them to fall prey to.

The Meaning: Throughout this context John speaks of actions which are continuous in nature (there are no fewer than seventeen present tense verbs in vss. 3-11, denoting constant action.), including some in our text: "doeth no (keeps on not doing) sin"; "his seed abideth (keeps on abiding) in him"; "he cannot sin (cannot keep on sinning)". Thus John is not discussing random, isolated acts of sin but a lifestyle in which a person keeps on continuing in sin. It is identical to the idea in Paul's rhetorical question in Rom. 6:1, "shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?"

In combating the "impossibility of apostasy" doctrine that some seem to find here, there is frequently an attempt to lessen the force of the word "cannot" and have it mean something other than "impossible." But "cannot" means just that---it is impossible to be guilty of what John is talking about here. It is not possible for a man who keeps on allowing God's seed (God's word, Lk. 8:11) abiding in him to keep on living in sin. Why? Because God's word continually dwelling in a man never produced anything but a life of holiness and righteousness. Is it possible for a man with God's word abiding in him to occasionally sin? 1 Jo. 1:8 answers that question in the affirmative. But this is not what John is discussing in chapter 3. Is it possible for a child of God to quit allowing God's word to abide in him, be led astray into unrighteousness, be "of the Devil", and ultimately be lost? Vss. 7-8 of our context answer that with a resounding "yes."

Let David's sentiments be ours: Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee. Ps. 119:11

David Smitherman