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Born of God cannot sin?

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Born of God cannot sin?

Q: In 1 John 3:9 it says than anyone born of God cannot sin.  I have yet to meet a Christian of any sort that is that pure.  How can anyone believe when it’s impossible.  

A: You are reading from the KJV bible –

(1Jn 3:9) Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. KJV

We could get into how being “born of God” is not how many in the Christian communities define it.  But, in this verse we have a most unfortunate translation.   Ever since this translation was produce men and women have troubled over this verse.  The answer is simple, if you do not the languages translated from or research tools are not available to you or to brothers and sisters from the past then use common sense and guided by His Spirit, in you, you will be able to decipher this verse.  Of course, today, most of us have access to study aides, like Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary, and the benefit of multiple other translations.  Find another translation, like the ESV (English Standard Version) and see how it is translated properly.  

(1Jn 3:9)  No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. ESV
(1Jn 3:9)  Everyone who has been born from God does not practice sin, because his seed abides in him and he is not able to practice sin, because he has been born from God. MLT (Modern Literal translation)

Strong’s Greek Dictionary also supports these translations.  The word, “cannot “, should have been translated, “continue” or “practice”, which leaves room for the battle all believers have between the Spirit that is in them and the flesh.   As long as we are still living in these bodies of flesh the lust of the flesh will be ever present and sin will always be there.  Most, not of the Spirit of God, go along in their sinful nature without much thought, calling it “human nature”, or it is “only human” and other excuses for our actions.  The authority and guide most live by is through obedience to the laws of the land we live in, but some live outside of these civil laws.  Most have decided what moral code they will live by and find structure and peace in various followings.  Still, look at how many ministries, not only Christian, especially the cult groups, that end up in some kind of sexual misconduct.   Not to compare such uncontrolled evil with a child of God.  For a child of God will fight against such impulses of lying and cheating and especially of higher crimes.  A child of God’s struggle become, mostly, internal, within the mind, but does on occasion lapse in an outward display.  Perhaps a wrong word, or misplaced lapse in judgment, but such a person does not “continue” in such a practice and is quick to repent and get back on the path.  

It is not that a believer “cannot sin” but does not continue in sin or make a practice of sinning.  When the believer is truly born and we move from this form or seed, into the final birth we will then no longer be able to sin because our very nature will have changed and we will then be Like Him.  As born again, birthed from flesh to Spirit and everlasting life then “sin” will be impossible for us.  

The term, “born again” only applies to us as to what our future is to be.  At the present we are not truly “born again” but “begotten” and this is why Paul used the term, “seed”.  When the seed is in the woman we do not say the child is “born”, do we?  No, the birth and being “born” takes place some 9 months later as the child grows and develops within the protection of the Mother.  

Send email questions to:

dan@servantsofyahshua.com
             --or--
servant@yahshuaservants.com


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