Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: fabian
The key to understanding this verse is found in the next verse in which John contrasts the nature of the children of God with the nature of the children of the devil. We read,

1Jo 3:10 In this [born of God] the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

The children of the devil operating out of a corrupt nature are incapable of the love and righteousness of God. In contrast, the children of God are born again of the seed of Christ, a nature that is pure and of a holy God. We do possess the righteousness and love of God.

As believers in Christ we have God's Holy Spirit (Christ) within us, and we are indwelt with the love of God, being delivered from the power of sin, Satan and his kingdom of darkness. We have been regenerated with a new nature, one that is incompatible with the hate or nature of the devil in a contrast of light versus darkness. God's seed remains in us and this is what is meant by "he cannot sin" because "he is born of God." There is nothing that we can do to corrupt that seed or the new nature that is placed within us, even though we can still sin in the flesh.

We read,

1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Christ's seed within us is not perishable nor corruptible; it is immortal!

1Jo 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

When we abide in Christ we cannot sin because there is no sin in Him and there is nothing that we can do to change or corrupt that nature that God has given to us. The Apostle John is demonstrating the sharp contrast between the children of God and the children of the devil. He exhorts the church to walk in God's love, and as it states in verse 3, "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Christ dwells in the believer and likewise the believer is exhorted to also dwell in Him, for this is our true and God-given nature in which we were sealed.

1Jo 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he [Christ] is righteous.

This section of Scripture in 1 John 3:9 is not saying that a Christian is incapable of committing sin, for any Christian can commit sin. If a Christian cannot sin then there would be no need to seek forgiveness, in contrast we are clearly instructed in God's Word that,

1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We still struggle with the weaknesses and the lusts of the flesh, but by the regeneration of the Holy Spirit we are now sons of God and new creatures in Christ. Unlike the unregenerate soul, we have the conviction and power of the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Truth) to assist us in our struggle with sin and the carnal nature and a conscience to guide us; however the unbeliever is not illuminated in this fashion. A good example of regeneration is found in its relation to biology described as "Regrowth of lost or destroyed parts or organs." As Christians, we are delivered from the condemnation of the fallen nature or a life of perpetual darkness and corruption, instead we are restored to life and have become partakers of the divine nature of God. This new nature remains eternally present with us!

- http://www.battleinchrist.com/what_does_1john_3.htm

118 posted on 07/16/2012 12:01:08 PM PDT by JustSayNoToNannies (A free society's default policy: it's none of government's business.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 115 | View Replies ]


To: JustSayNoToNannies
There is nothing that we can do to corrupt that seed or the new nature that is placed within us, even though we can still sin in the flesh. if you believe this, which you apparently do, then you are totally denying the real power of the holy spirit over the dark spirits of demons. For your info the only thing that compels us to sin is our pride and it's agreement with the demons that motivate that sin. Once the seed , or holy spirt, of God cleanses us of the darkness, there simply is no more desire or motivation to sin. There can still be mental temptations and the devil loves to try and temp the most blessed saved people...but it simply is not possible to fall any longer. That is exactly what John said.
The problem with you and millions of weak Christians, is you think you have it all figured out but it really is much much simpler and more powerful that you can figure with all of your bible reading and excuses for continuing to sin. I know you and your ilk do not see them as excuses, but they are.
If you and others would really be willing t obe humble and Be still, you would truly become born again. Aside from that, you really cannot get what I have been blessed with myself. Do I still make errors such as landing the wrong job by trial and error and such, yes. I just learn and I also do not sin. Small mistakes are not sin. Sin is anger and pride...all smaller sins emanate from those two biggies.
120 posted on 07/16/2012 1:36:19 PM PDT by fabian (" And a new day will dawn for those who stand long, and the forests will echo with laughter")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 118 | View Replies ]

To: JustSayNoToNannies

Well stated.


126 posted on 07/16/2012 2:52:35 PM PDT by Cvengr (Adversity in life and death is inevitable. Thru faith in Christ, stress is optional.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 118 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson