In our previous bible teaching about the sin or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, we now turn to a similar profound concept: the sin unto death in 1 John 5 vs 16 – 17.
Have you ever wondered if there’s a spiritual point of no return? A moment when prayer becomes ineffective and divine mercy seems to slip through your fingers?
The controversial concept of the “unforgivable sin” in 1 John 5 might just send a shiver down your spiritual spine.
But do not be worried, God is not the author of confusion.
For believers seeking deeper theological understanding and those wrestling with the boundaries of divine grace, this sermon promises to illuminate one of Scripture’s most perplexing passages.
By unpacking these verses, we’ll provide clarity, comfort, and a deeper understanding of God’s intricate relationship with man, revealing his heart in the redemption story.
SIN THAT LEADS TO DEATH BIBLE VERSE
The sin that leads to death bible verse is in the book of 1 John 5 vs 16 – 17(KJV):
Verse 16: If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
Verse 17: All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
To truly understand this passage, I recommend you read our teaching on the Gospel unto salvation because a good understanding of this great salvation that we have received will forever settle God’s love for you as eternal – nothing missing and nothing broken!
Our opening text is a difficult text for most believers to grasp but in our teaching on the Gospel unto salvation, we explain that all sins have been forgiven and all that is required of a man is to accept God’s forgiveness by faith in the saviour Jesus Christ.
Secondly, when a man gets saved, he cannot be condemned by anything again.
Some believers quote 1 John 5 vs 16 – 17 and assign it to some sins they consider as bigger sins such as murder, abortion, fornication, and the like.
But this isn’t true as this narrative doesn’t complement other Bible verses and the theme of redemption.
Do you agree with God’s Word that we are not saved or condemned by any act of sin but by faith or unbelief in Christ?
This is because all acts of sins have been paid for by the saviour Jesus Christ. His one-time death has made forgiveness of sins available for all.
However, man has the choice to accept or reject God’s forgiveness. Unbelief in Christ is the rejection of God’s love and forgiveness.
A man remains in sin if he rejects God’s forgiveness. Jesus said you are “condemned” already.
Now that we have laid a good foundation on salvation and the remission of sins, we will explain the meaning of the sin that leads to death.
WHAT IS THE SIN UNTO DEATH?
The sin unto death in 1 John 5 vs 16 – 17 is simply unbelief in what God has accomplished in Christ, it is not moral misconduct as some people say.
You ask how? As I explained above, what the unbeliever requires to be saved is the preaching or hearing of the Gospel.
So, once this decision is made, he is sealed for all eternity, I John 5 vs 12 says: He that hath the Son hath Life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Question: Can God give the unsaved life and after a while take it back? Of course, NO!
Why? Because whatever God does is forever!
But what about the difference between the sin unto death and the sin not unto death?
The Sin not unto death as mentioned in 1 John 5 vs 16 simply means moral misconduct and in such a situation, we can pray for such a person while the sin unto death is someone that has rejected Christ and his sacrifice.
Further reading, 1 John 5 vs 17 says that “all unrighteousness is sin”. This means that we don’t have small sins or bigger sins. This also means that sin unto death is not the selected “bigger sins”.
When you read the next verse which is 1 John 5 vs 18 you get the bigger picture:
Verse 18: 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”.
This means that the man in Christ cannot sin. The “sin” in 1 John 5 vs 18 is unbelief in Christ.
Once you are saved, you have passed from death to life. Sin has no dominion over you.
Therefore, you that are in Christ Jesus, you cannot sin the sin unto death, Glory!!
Below are other verses that will strengthen your faith in the “so great salvation” that we have received:
John 5 vs 24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Romans 8 vs 2: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8 vs 3: For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.
Romans 8 vs 9: But ye 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.
Blessings saints! See you in our next sermon.
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
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