Life & Death
1 John 5:16-18
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life - to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
These verses follow a clear understanding of prayer in that:
- We have confidence toward God and if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
- And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we ask of Him.
What is life? What is death? Spiritual life and death? Physical life and death?
What is sin that does not lead to death? What is sin that leads to death?
Why is it that we should pray for our brothers who commit sin that does not lead to death? Why is it that we should not pray in the situation of the sin that leads to death?
I want to encourage you to read the letter of 1 John in its entirety. Read it as a letter. Underline the word "life" as you read through the book.
Spend time reading these other helpful verses: Matthew 24:3-14 - Who is saved? 1 John 2:15-25 Hebrews 5:7-6:12 Hebrews 10:26-31 2 Peter 2:20-21