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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:
This verse along with several others(1 Pet. 1:23; Eph 4:24, 2:10) and others seem to indicate that the "New Man" is a new creation born of God. If this is so , then , my question is, how could that which is born of God be even capable of sin? I am not advocating sinless perfection. 1 John 1 establishes the falsehood of that. |
Bible Answer: Hello MJ Head, "my question is, how could that which is born of God be even capable of sin? " 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. That which is born of God is "spirit". The new man consists only of the spirit of the three part man. We are "spirit", "soul", and physical "body". The natural physical body will sin. It has selfish carnal beastly desires. It cannot be saved. The "soul" must choose daily to walk after the "spirit" because the spirit cannot sin since it has been born of the Holy Spirit. Whenever the soul chooses to walk after the flesh, we sin. On the other hand, whenever the soul chooses to walk after the spirit, we cannot sin. I liken this to choosing to drive one of 2 cars that we may own. The fleshly vehicle will lead to death and destruction. But, the spiritual vehicle (putting on the new man Eph 4:24) leads to life everlasting. Again, this is a daily choice by the believer. I included the scriptures that you cited: 1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 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. 1Jo 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Your brother in Christ, Pastor Glenn |