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NASB | 1 John 5:16 ¶ If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 5:16 ¶ If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that does not lead to death, he will pray and ask [on the believer's behalf] and God will for him give life to those whose sin is not leading to death. There is a sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for this [kind of sin]. |
Subject: What is the sin unto death? |
Bible Note: Romans5N1, Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, time did not permit a more detailed reply. I shall try now:-) There are at least 3 main interpretations of "a sin that leads to death": 1. A Specific, Deadly Sin- this view maintains that there are certain sins which, if commited, are unforgivable. The OT makes a distinction between inadvertant sins committed in ignorance and deliberate sins committed arrogantly (Lev. 4:2, 13, 22, 27, Num.15:27-31, Deut. 17:12); 2. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit- which view is based on Jesus' testimony against the Pharisees, who are said to have commited such a sin (Matt. 12:32). This sin was a deliberate, open-eyed rejection of known truth. We could also look at 1 Sam. 2:25 and Hebrews 12:16-17 where it states that "Esau hardened his heart to the point that repentance was impossible; 3. Total Rejection of the Gospel- This view holds that the text is referring to total apostasy, the rejection of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and denial of the faith. The (obvious) question that arises is whether a true Christian can apostatize? It seems to be clear from Johns' epistle that this is not the case- however, this is within the realm of debate:-) In 3:9 he states that a believer cannot persist in sin because Gods' seed remains in him. and, it does not seem likely that he who cannot "continue in sin" (5:18) is able to commit a "sin that leads to death". All 3 views seem to offer something positive to the interpretation of 5:16. Likewise, each has its' own difficulties. I believe the third view makes the most sense in the context of 1 John and offers the least difficulties. You are correct with regards to the prayer aspect, as John's real concern is to encoutrage believers to pray for those whose sin "is not to death." Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |