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NASB | 1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, because God's seed [His principle of life, the essence of His righteous character] remains [permanently] in him [who is born again--who is reborn from above--spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose]; and he [who is born again] cannot habitually [live a life characterized by] sin, because he is born of God and longs to please Him. |
Bible Question (short): Who makes the rules? |
Question (full): I have been in the full time ministry for 29 years and given the last 15 years of my life to intense study of the Word of God. Nevertheless, I still am having difficulty understanding 1 John 3:9 and similar verses. I have all of John MacArthur's , J.Vernon McGee's, John Calvin's, John Gill's, Barnes Notes, etc....... Here is my question: Example given: I know a preacher who has pastored a church for over 40 years and has a good testimony. Has always been faithful to his wife and in almost every way been a good example of a minister. However in one area he has always failed. Exessive overeating and neglect of his Temple of God. Now, in view of 1 John 3:9 , has he NOT been continuing in sin for 40 years? By the way, he has suffered tremendous health problems for many years and could die at any time because of these. Who makes the rules as to WHAT sins one has to continue in to be "continuing in sin?" |