The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum The Sin Unto Death

From my reading of this text in the context of the Epistle up to it, I have come to understand the "sin unto death" as not being a particular, specific act or thought. Rather, I believe John is referring to a course of life in a person. It may be a person who professes faith in Christ (Matt 7:22; Heb 6:4-8) but who refuses to repent of some sin(s) and/or believe savingly upon Christ. We know that those who live a life of sin cannot inherit the kingdom of God, (1Cor 6:9, 10; Gal 5:21). And if John was saying that there was some particular sin, a sin which led to death, he doesn't mention it and thus any attempt to define it would be nothing more than speculation.

But the intent of this passage doesn't appear to be a revealing of some "sin unto death". Contrariwise, John's emphasis is upon intercessory prayer for those who are involved in sin, of whom we all are guilty. It would seem consistent with all Scripture that John is encouraging the brethren to pray for one another as they see a brother, real or simply professing, ensnared in some sinful practice. What he discourages is in such prayer is the tendency to overlook God's uncompromising holiness and sovereignty by asking that He overlook that brother's sin(s). There are those whose lives are a denial of the One through whom salvation can only come; Christ Jesus. And if they continue in that course of life, then there is no way they can be saved. To ask of God to somehow make an exception for such an individual is at best, dishonoring to God and a smear upon the atoning work of Christ. That God can save even the vilest of sinners is a truth we should never forget but always rest upon. Yet, the salvation that comes to sinful men always comes by way of repentance and faith. Thus, our intercessory prayers should forever include the sovereign working of the Holy Spirit upon the heart of men Who brings conviction of sin and a desire to repent of sins and seek reconciliation with God through Christ alone.

That's my .

Side Note: There is a textual variant in the last phrase: "...and there is a sin not unto death." which would strongly suggest that the word not should not be there so that the text would then read, "...and there is a sin unto death." If taken in this way, I think the passage reads far better to my understanding of what John is saying, i.e., all unrighteousness is sin [which one can be forgiven of by repentance and faith in Christ but if one continues in such sin], there is a sin that ultimately leads to [eternal] death. The Gnostics of course denied that the soul was negatively effected by sin; only the body suffered. Thus one was not to concern himself about sin since the body was going to be eliminated at death anyway.