1 john 5:18 - We know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn’t touch him.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 john 5:18" mean?
This verse, 1 John 5:18, is a complex and often debated verse within Christian theology. Let's break it down and explore the different interpretations:
The Verse (1 John 5:18):
"We know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn’t touch him." (NKJV)
Key Phrases and Their Meanings:
"Born of God": This refers to being a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ who has received the Holy Spirit. It signifies a spiritual rebirth, a new life in Christ.
"Doesn't Sin": This is the most challenging part of the verse. It does NOT mean that Christians never commit any sin. If taken absolutely literally, it would contradict other passages in 1 John itself, such as 1 John 1:8-10 ("If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.").
"Keeps Himself": This implies that a person who is born of God actively strives to maintain their purity and faith. It's about making an effort to resist temptation and live according to God's will.
"The Evil One Doesn't Touch Him": This suggests that the devil has no power over a true believer. It doesn't mean Christians are immune to temptation or attacks, but that the devil cannot ultimately separate them from God's love and protection.
Interpretations:
Here are some common interpretations of this verse, recognizing the inherent tension and complexities:
1. Habitual Sin: This is a common and widely accepted interpretation. It suggests that while Christians may still sin occasionally, they don't practice sin as a way of life. Their hearts have changed, and they are no longer slaves to sin. They strive to obey God and resist temptation, even though they may sometimes fall short. This aligns with other scriptures that emphasize the ongoing struggle against sin even after conversion.
Emphasis on habitual or unrepentant sin: A born-again believer doesn't continue to live a life dominated by sin without remorse or a desire to change. They confess their sins and seek forgiveness.
2. Ideal vs. Reality: Some see this verse as presenting an ideal state, a goal to strive for. It highlights the transformative power of being born of God, even if it's not fully realized in this life.
3. Spiritual Protection: This view emphasizes God's protection over believers. While Christians may face trials and temptations, God shields them from the full force of evil and ultimately preserves them for eternal life. The "touch" of the evil one is limited.
4. Focus on the Nature of Sin: This interpretation suggests the kind of sins being talked about here are those that would lead to final apostasy and complete turning away from God. That those who are truly born of God will not commit such sins.
Context is Key:
1 John as a Whole: It's crucial to read this verse in the context of the entire letter of 1 John. The letter addresses false teachings and emphasizes the importance of obedience, love, and correct doctrine.
Other Scriptures: Consider other relevant scriptures about sin, salvation, and the Christian life. Romans 6-8, for example, discusses the struggle against sin and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome it.
Summary:
1 John 5:18 emphasizes the transformative power of being "born of God." It doesn't mean Christians are perfect or never sin, but that they have a new nature, a desire to obey God, and the protection of the Holy Spirit. They no longer live a life dominated by sin, and the evil one cannot ultimately destroy their relationship with God. They actively resist temptation and seek to live a life that pleases God. It's a verse that calls believers to live up to their new identity in Christ.
1 john 5:18 - We know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn’t touch him.
What does "1 john 5:18" mean?
This verse, 1 John 5:18, is a complex and often debated verse within Christian theology. Let's break it down and explore the different interpretations:
The Verse (1 John 5:18):
"We know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn’t touch him." (NKJV)
Key Phrases and Their Meanings:
"Born of God": This refers to being a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ who has received the Holy Spirit. It signifies a spiritual rebirth, a new life in Christ.
"Doesn't Sin": This is the most challenging part of the verse. It does NOT mean that Christians never commit any sin. If taken absolutely literally, it would contradict other passages in 1 John itself, such as 1 John 1:8-10 ("If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.").
"Keeps Himself": This implies that a person who is born of God actively strives to maintain their purity and faith. It's about making an effort to resist temptation and live according to God's will.
"The Evil One Doesn't Touch Him": This suggests that the devil has no power over a true believer. It doesn't mean Christians are immune to temptation or attacks, but that the devil cannot ultimately separate them from God's love and protection.
Interpretations:
Here are some common interpretations of this verse, recognizing the inherent tension and complexities:
1. Habitual Sin: This is a common and widely accepted interpretation. It suggests that while Christians may still sin occasionally, they don't practice sin as a way of life. Their hearts have changed, and they are no longer slaves to sin. They strive to obey God and resist temptation, even though they may sometimes fall short. This aligns with other scriptures that emphasize the ongoing struggle against sin even after conversion.
Emphasis on habitual or unrepentant sin: A born-again believer doesn't continue to live a life dominated by sin without remorse or a desire to change. They confess their sins and seek forgiveness.
2. Ideal vs. Reality: Some see this verse as presenting an ideal state, a goal to strive for. It highlights the transformative power of being born of God, even if it's not fully realized in this life.
3. Spiritual Protection: This view emphasizes God's protection over believers. While Christians may face trials and temptations, God shields them from the full force of evil and ultimately preserves them for eternal life. The "touch" of the evil one is limited.
4. Focus on the Nature of Sin: This interpretation suggests the kind of sins being talked about here are those that would lead to final apostasy and complete turning away from God. That those who are truly born of God will not commit such sins.
Context is Key:
1 John as a Whole: It's crucial to read this verse in the context of the entire letter of 1 John. The letter addresses false teachings and emphasizes the importance of obedience, love, and correct doctrine.
Other Scriptures: Consider other relevant scriptures about sin, salvation, and the Christian life. Romans 6-8, for example, discusses the struggle against sin and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome it.
Summary:
1 John 5:18 emphasizes the transformative power of being "born of God." It doesn't mean Christians are perfect or never sin, but that they have a new nature, a desire to obey God, and the protection of the Holy Spirit. They no longer live a life dominated by sin, and the evil one cannot ultimately destroy their relationship with God. They actively resist temptation and seek to live a life that pleases God. It's a verse that calls believers to live up to their new identity in Christ.