I John 3 is a tough passage for me. At first glance, it seems to suggest that because I have sinned even since becoming a Christian that I’m actually not yet a child of God, but rather am still of the devil. However, there are two issues about this passage that alter that interpretation.

1. The historical context.

I’m sure you have heard before that John was writing to combat the errors of Gnosticism. The Gnostics believed in a dualistic nature. To them the spiritual was good and the flesh was bad. This led to two schools of thought. Some had the idea that the flesh should be denied at all costs. However, other Gnostics believed nothing could be done about the flesh. No matter what they tried to do, the flesh would simply keep on sinning. So, they allowed the flesh to indulge and believed they were in a good relationship with God by learning the spiritual mysteries. 

John is not dealing with the growing Christian who struggles as Paul talked about in Romans 7 or as Peter talks about in II Peter 1:5-8. Rather, he is dealing with this concept that it is really spiritual to quit worrying about whether or not the flesh sins. Those who are in Christ turn away from sin, they do not continue in it. Those who just keep on sinning, who make a practice of sinning, are not children of God no matter how spiritual they claim to be.

2. The practical point.

Further, instead of reading this as if it is some kind of doctoral dissertation on sin, rather see it as a practical explanation of how to overcome sin. The point is not that if I have ever sinned since becoming a Christian I am back to being a child of the devil. Rather the point is there is only one way to overcome sin. That is by abiding in Christ. Instead of spending all my time worrying about whether this means that since I committed __________ today, yesterday or whenever that I’m lost, I should view it as the advice for how to overcome the sins that have had control of my life. 

While at the same time refuting the Gnostic doctrine, John is saying the same thing Paul said in Romans 7:24-25. Abiding in Jesus is what will deliver me from the body of death. If I don’t get into Jesus, I will continue sinning and I will be lost. But if I get into Jesus, I will progressively be delivered from my sins. 

Of course, the other side of this practicality is if I find that I’ve been fighting some sin for years and I’m still just as entrenched as ever, I need to look at where I’m abiding. I may be “going to church” but still not abiding with Jesus. In the Biblical context, this passage doesn’t mean I enter Christ today and become perfect tomorrow. At the same time, if there is no growth, no progressive victory over sin, I need to change my spiritual address. After all, when I am really abiding in Jesus, I will begin to overcome.

 

Who knows, maybe this passage hasn’t ever caused you any trouble like it has me. If so, I hope this helped.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC