Sin Unto Death - Part 2 by Doy Moyer
(http://www.focusmagazine.org)
Further Observations
As noted, there are several possibilities. In determining what
"sin unto death" means, we might consider several points
in conjunction with the context noted earlier.
1. "Sin" has already been defined by John as transgression
of God's law (3:4). In 5:17 he says that "all unrighteousness
is sin." In saying this, he seems to be getting away from
the idea that there is one specific sin in mind, for all unrighteousness
is sin. We cannot get the idea that some unrighteousness is okay
as long as it does not lead to death. (Also add to this that there
is no definite article before "sin" in these verses,
lending to the idea that it is not one specific sin as might be
more probable if it were called "the sin.")
2. "Death" could refer to physical death, spiritual death in sin (Eph. 2:1-2), or eternal death (the "second death"). If referring to physical death, then this would have to be some sin that terminates in physical death. This doesn't appear likely in this context. If the death is just spiritual, then it refers to something of which the person cannot be forgiven, even if he so desired this forgiveness. Further, it would mean that there are some sins that do not result in spiritual death (though which ones are never defined). This seems negated, however, by the statement in verse 17 and the fact that the Bible nowhere delineates such distinctions. Thus, the death in view here seems to be eternal death in hell. There is a contextual contrast between eternal life and eternal death. Sin, ultimately, will cause one to be lost eternally, forever separated from God, if it is not forgiven.
3. It appears that a brother sees one committing sin, and thus takes steps to help the brother out of it. Compare such passages as Acts 8:18-24, Galatians 6:1 and James 5:19-20. It could be that the brother attempts to correct the one in sin, and the one who has sinned determines the end result through his reaction to this correction. It reveals his mindset toward God and His word. If his attitude is one of submission to God, then he will be forgiven and will not die eternally. If he refuses such correction, then he will not be forgiven and will thus suffer eternal death.
4. Involved in this "help" or correction is prayer for the one who has sinned. Is John saying that if you see a brother committing some sin that can be determined to lead to death (again, which ones?), that we should simply pray and this would ensure forgiveness for the sinner? I think not. Such would not only go against other passages, but also against John's overall teaching. One must comply with God's instructions in order to receive life from God.
5. The idea that God will "give life" is important here, for it indicates that God will forgive. Yet, this must be read in the light of what has already been revealed about God's conditions for forgiveness. In the first chapter, one is told that he must confess in order to receive God's forgiveness (vs. 9). Further, one must "walk in the light" in order to receive the benefits of fellowship (vs. 7). One must "keep His commandments" to know that he "knows" God and abides in Him (2:3-6). Several such conditions are given. If a person does not do these things, no matter how many prayers are offered up by others, there will be no forgiveness. This is very telling and leads me to conclude that the sin unto death is one (any sin) which a person has committed, for which he has received correction, but yet refuses to meet God's conditions for forgiveness. This would fit the apostate antichrists of John's epistle, as well as those who practiced their sins while claiming that they had no sin (1:8). This also fits well with what is written in Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:26ff.
6. When we know that a brother is in sin, we are to try to
correct that brother (Gal. 6:1). This is to be done with love
and gentleness, yet with firm conviction that the brother is in
sin. The effort is to "turn him back" from the "error
of his way" so that his soul will be saved from death (Jas.
5:19-20). If the brother responds positively, then his soul is
saved from death; if not, he will suffer eternal death. This is
consistent with John's teaching.
7. When a brother is sorrowful for sin, he is to ask forgiveness.
In response to the correction, one realizes his sin, confesses
it, and asks for forgiveness. John taught this in the first chapter.
James also shows that brethren should confess their sins to one
another and "pray for one another" (Jas. 5:16). This
would be consistent with the prayer offered in 1 John 5:16. If
the erring brother refuses to confess his sins, there would be
no sense in praying for the forgiveness of this one. John and
James are in harmony.
8. Acts 8 also provides a good example of what John may be talking about. Simon sinned in offering money for the ability to give the Spirit through laying on of hands. Peter told him to repent (the correction), and Simon asked Peter to pray for him (confession). Thus, Simon's sin, when forgiven, would not lead to eternal death.
Conclusion
While there may be a primary application to the Gnostics of John's day, and with those being influenced by them, the application today is as important. Sin can either be forgiven, or it can cause us to be eternally lost. To be forgiven by God, we must comply with God's conditions for forgiveness. We cannot think that sin is "no big deal" or that we can continue to do things opposed to God's will and still remain in His favor. Such would surely lead to eternal death. But if we follow God's instructions for forgiveness, God will give us eternal life.
We cannot understate the importance of brethren who help us out of our sins either. Those who love enough to gently correct others in error are to be appreciated and commended. It is not easy. But the actions a brother or sister may take to help another out of sin may indeed result in saving a soul from death; and what greater accomplishment can there be?
I believe that what has been offered is plausible and consistent with Scripture. Whatever conclusion one reaches, we must be impressed with the need to help each other overcome sin, and the most important need to be right with God. Sin is a despicable and ugly monster. But God will forgive us if we give ourselves over to His will.
PSALM 119 - Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)
BETH. (Ps 119:9-16)
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking
heed [is better, "for" taking heed, that is, so as to
do it. The answer is implied, and inferable from Ps 119:5, 10,
18, &c., that is, by God's grace.] thereto according to thy
word. [The whole verse may be read as a question; for,]
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander
from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against
thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in
all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy
ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy
word. [We must carefully treasure up the word of God, declare
it to others, meditate on it, and heartily delight in it; and
then by His grace we shall act according to it.]
Short Exhort - Written and/or Compiled by David J. Riggs
(http://www.public.usit.net/driggs/)
"Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do." (Matt. 23:1-3)
A certain fountain pen salesman persuaded a merchant to order 500 dozen pens. He was writing the order in his notebook when suddenly the merchant exclaimed, "Hold on! I'm canceling that order!" Then he turned to wait on a customer. The salesman left the store perplexed and angry. Later, the merchant's bookkeeper asked, "Why did you cancel that fountain pen order?" "Why?" responded the merchant, "because he talked fountain pens to me for half an hour, using a number of forcible arguments, and then booked my order with a lead pencil. His practice did not agree with his instruction."
Let us both practice what we preach and preach what we practice.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
GOSPEL MEETING- The Church of Christ at Beverly Shores will be hosting a series of preaching services beginning today through Friday. Jere Frost of Merritt Island, Florida will be speaking at each service.
On Sunday, Brother Frost will speak to the teenagers and young adults during the 9:30 AM Bible Study and then will speak before the entire congregation at the 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM services. Preaching services will continue each weekday evening at 7:30 PM. Please invite someone to come.
THE BOTTOM LINE
"How will you spend eternity? Smoking or Non-smoking?"