1 John 5:16-17 contain some of the most disputed verses in the New Testament. John, in urging us to pray for others, talks about ‘sin that leads to death’ and ‘sin that does not lead to death’. Interpretations of these verses have varied over the years, looking at the question of whether a believer can lose their salvation. Is John referring to physical death or spiritual death? Is he talking about believers or non-believers? Whilst it is impossible to be wholly positive about his meaning, it seems clear that the majority of this letter was written to encourage believers to stand firm in the face of opposition which John categorises as ‘antichrists’, those opponents who refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and who, therefore, were cut off from the forgiveness and salvation offered by His sacrifice for us. John seems to be at pains to stress that confidence and assurance can be the experience of believers.
In 1 John 5:18, we read ‘We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.’ The Christian does not make a practice of sinning (see 1 John 3:9). We dwell in Christ and though we do still sin, we have God’s nature now living within us, steering us away from sin. The relationship between believers and Christ is emphasised by the phrase ‘born of God’; we rely on Christ to protect us and ensure our safety. We do not have to live in anxiety, wondering if we have committed the ‘unforgivable sin’ (see Matt 10:33, Mark 3:29), for God keeps us from falling and will present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy. (Jude 1:24) Jesus Himself prayed for our protection (see John 17:11, 12, 15) and assures us that no one can snatch us out of His hand. (John 10:28) Peter reminds us that Christians ‘through faith are shielded by God’s power’ (1 Pet 1:4-5) We need not fear, for God protects us (see Ps 32:7, Prov 2:8) and will strengthen us and protect us from the evil one. (2 Thess 3:3)