The apostle John in 1 John 3:4-9 wrote about sin. He taught truths which would give firm foundations to the believers in Jesus. It is plain and simple according to John. Anybody who commits sin is also committing lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness. In this discussion about sin, he writes about the Son of God and sin, the devil and sin, and humanity and sin.
The Son of God and Sin
Most importantly, sin had no hold on the Son of God. John writes, “In Him there is no sin.” Still, He gave His life to defeat its power over any who would put their trust in Him. John writes that it was the reason Jesus was manifested or shown to the world. The eternal life that was manifested in Jesus, the life that knew no sin became sin for us. The perfect lamb of God came to take away the sin of the world. He came to destroy the works of the devil.
The Devil and Sin
As for sin and the devil, John wrote, “He who sins is of the devil.” The devil he states, “sinned from the beginning.”
Jesus said he saw Satan fall from heaven. He referred to him as the thief. John records Jesus saying, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy.” The apostle Peter warns the believers to be sober and vigilant because the devil, our adversary, walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. In Rev. 12:10 he is called the accuser of the brethren who accused them before God night and day. A powerful foe, these were the works Jesus came to destroy.
Humanity and Sin
Then what about sin and humanity? John stated that “Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.” He goes on to write, “Whoever abides in Him, does not sin.”
“Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” Had someone accused them? We know someone tried to deceive them. In verse 9 he declared, “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in Him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” Abide in Him, practice His righteousness, and it will show that we know Him, and that we have been born of God.
