| Scripture |
Expanded Comments |
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| 1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. |
Whosoever believeth – The consecrated class. R2630:1, 2629:4
It is proper for all of the Lord's people to accept each other as new creatures in Christ. R5958:2
The new creature in Christ is a jewel of infinite value. R664:5*, 416:4*
Is born of God – Is begotten of God. A278; R2629:5, 837:1
The same Greek word as that rendered "begotten" later in this verse. R2629:5, 837:1
If the Heavenly Father recognizes anyone as a son, it signifies that there is a nobility of character there, whether we be able to see these things in the outward conduct or not. God reads the heart. R5958:2
The Apostle is discussing the condition of a believer who has not only been justified by faith, but who is acting upon that faith and the Lord's call, and has presented himself a living sacrifice. R2629:4, 2630:1
Although the Apostle does not particularize the three steps of knowledge, faith and consecration in this verse, he implies them in verses 3 and 4. R2629:6
Our justification is not our begetting to a new nature, but, as the word itself signifies, a making right of our old natures. R2629:5
That loveth – To grow in this grace of love to God necessarily implies a growth also in love toward mankind; and especially toward those who are in sympathy and harmony with righteousness. R2757:2
Him that begat – Our Heavenly Father. R5958:2, 4052:2
It is safe to say that when God is associated with the matter he is always regarded as masculine; hence gennao, when used thus, should be rendered beget or begotten. R837:1; A278
Loveth him also – How frequently the dear brethren of the Lord seriously try and vex each other, and fail to provoke to love and good works--inciting rather to strife! R5921:1
The tendency of the mutual love of the brethren is to meet frequently and, personally or through the printed or written page, to speak to each other. R2406:2
That is begotten – To have the spirit of the Master we must love all those who are begotten of God. Q450:4; R1252:2*, 664:5*, 416:4*
He who loveth the Father must love the Son also, who is the Father's express image and who has manifested to us in his own flesh the glorious character of the Father. R4052:2
All who belong to the Church of Christ have the spirit of love at the time of their spirit-begetting, and if progress be made in preparation for the Kingdom, that spirit of love will increase and abound more. R5921:1
"Love of the brethren" will be a marked quality in all his servant sons. R2406:2, 1254:5
As each one loves more and more the spirit of the Master, we will be found to more and more love each one; until we all get perfected beyond the vail when our love for each other will be absolutely complete. Q450:2
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| 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. |
Love the children – Special brotherly love among the saints, as distinguished from our benevolent sympathy for the world. R1254:5
If we love God supremely. R244:3
When we love God – We come to love God by becoming acquainted with him, his spirit, his mind--as we see it manifested in Christ, through the apostles and those entirely consecrated to him now; and through the plan in his Word. R244:3
Love to him is not a gift to be prayed for, and not a thing which is given to us, but a thing which we ourselves must develop. R244:3
The basis of all love for any person or thing is knowledge. R244:3
Through Jesus we are permitted to partake of the spirit or mind of the Father, and that spirit is the spirit of love. R244:2
This does not say we know that we love God because we love his children, but almost the reverse. We love the children because we love the Father. R244:2
Keep – Practice. (Diaglott) R244:5
His commandments – An evidence that we are in the race. Q155:6
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| 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. |
This is the love – It proves or demonstrates our love of God. R3021:1, 2648:6
We keep – Our obedience to the heavenly wisdom constitute the proof of our love to God. Thus also is proved our love of righteousness. R2093:3
To him and to the brethren. R3021:2
His commandments – His law is love. The Lord's requirement is that with our hearts we serve this law of God, and with our flesh we shall do to the best of our ability. R3546:6
Not the Ten Commandments, but more or less according to the standpoint of expression. They are less in the sense of requirements on our flesh, more as respects the requirements on our hearts. R3546:6
And – And to us. R759:5*
His commandments – We delight therein--because they are right, good, proper. R3021:2, 2648:6
They are the expression of the most exalted virtue, the noblest benevolence, the purest love, and all the beauties of holiness. R2093:3
Are not grievous – Burdensome. (Diaglott) R244:6
It is one thing to keep the divine commands or to seek to do so, all the while feeling more or less of restraint, lack of liberty, compulsion, duty, etc., it is another thing to obey joyfully. R3021:2, 3546:6, 245:1
If the doing of the will of God be unpleasant to us, if the sacrifice of earthly things--wealth, influence, pleasures--is not a privilege and a joy, it must be because we lack the love of God. R245:1
He who finds the Lord's commandments grievous has thus an evidence that he is not in heart-harmony with them, that he has not made a full consecration of himself to the Lord. R2648:6; E248
The consecrated class seek to do this willingly. R2630:1
So that we rejoice to sacrifice in doing God's will. R759:5*
"I delight to do thy will." (Psa. 40:8) R4201:5, 245:1; E248
"Joy to find in every station something still to do or bear"--a pleasure to sacrifice earthly comforts or pleasures whenever God's will thus indicates. R244:6
This will be the evidence to us that we love God and that we are loved by him; being sealed and impressed more and more by his Spirit, the spirit of truth. R4201:5
If fear, and not love actuate us, our service will be drudgery. R244:6
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| 4 For whosoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. |
Born of God – Begotten of God. E237[E237]; R837:1[R837:1], 374:4[R374]
Greek, gennao; God being associated with the action, it should be rendered begotten. R837:1
The victory – The conquering power. R1719:2
The faith that in all conditions is able to look up to the Lord with absolute confidence in his goodness and faithfulness, and to realize that eventually all things will work together for good to us. R2627:4, 778:5*, 628:6*
Overcoming is gaining some victory over besetting weaknesses as well as over trespasses--not of ourselves, but by God's grace and the assistance of the great Advocate. R5103:1
You cannot have the grace and the power without the faith. R2108:3
Learn to apply this victory, and so it is thine, be strong in him and the power of his might. Thy defeat, through the wisdom and love of thy God, may be ordered to advance the victory. R778:4*
That overcometh – To overcome requires energy, force of character, perseverance and steadfast, patient endurance to the very end of the present life. R1719:3
The thought of conflict is contained in this expression. No one can be an overcomer of the world who is in sympathy and affiliation with it and its general spirit of selfishness, pride, ambition, etc. E237
You are not to overcome the world by flattery, nor by joining in its follies, nor are you to overcome by teaching a Sunday School class, or joining a sectarian Church. R374:4; E238
To overcome indicates that you are not in harmony with the world, its spirit, and its methods. R374:4; E237
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (Rev. 3:21) What an incentive and ins R1719:2
May all the consecrated duly appreciate their high calling, and strive to make their calling and election sure. R1586:4
The world – The whole world is against us in this battle; it is taking its own course, ignoring God, leaning to its own understanding and pursuing its own way--its spirit, its popular methods, its ambitions, hopes and aims are all at variance with the elect Church of God. R1719:3,5
We are to exercise a definite faith in the things that God has promised, and give no heed to the seductive vagaries of Satan, our fellow men, or of our own imagination. R5244:1
It is faith in the promises of God's Word that enables us to live separate from the world and its ideas and schemes. NS132:4
Only as we have faith in God and his Word could we possibly renounce the world, its ambitions and pleasures, and turn our backs to these, to gain the glories and honors which God has promised to those who love him. NS415:5
As we view our Lord in Gethsemane under a trial so crucial, and mark how the hand of Jehovah upheld him, let it strengthen the faith of all who are endeavoring to walk in his footsteps, to whom he says, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) R1801:6
During this age, while the world is under the Prince of this world, Satan, and in antagonism to righteousness and the righteous. R2304:2, 778:1*
Even our faith – The only power which can sufficiently energize our whole being and nerve to patient endurance of tribulation, even to the end. R1719:3
During the present time of darkness as respects the fulfillment of the divine plan, when Satan is the prince of this world, our Lord puts the premium on faith. "According to thy faith be it unto thee." (Matt. 9:29) F113
Unless faith grows and develops we will lack the power to be an overcomer. F689
A faith well founded in the Word of God, examined, proved, and deeply rooted in heart as well as in head. R1719:6, 5432:4
Not merely for the knowledge we enjoy above the world in things pertaining to God, but especially because of the influence which this knowledge will exercise upon all hopes and aims and conduct. F315
By such full, implicit confidence in his teaching and training as will keep us continually as earnest, diligent pupils under his guidance and instruction. R1967:2
The foundation of all our noblest endeavors will lie along the lines of confidence in God. This confidence is faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. R5243:6
The very center and life of which faith is the holy Spirit of love to the Lord and to them that are his, and sympathetically for the world. R4919:1, 2205:1
Nothing that we have to offer to the Lord would be more acceptable in his sight than faith--in him, his power, love and promises; without which we cannot make development and be overcomers. R2654:1; F315
The shield of faith is indispensable to protection from the fiery darts of the Adversary--skepticism, Higher Criticism, Evolution and demonology. F657
The Christian who has not the shield of faith, and a large one, is continually at a disadvantage before the Adversary, and all the hosts of evil. R5425:6, 2642:6
It is our privilege to pray to the Lord to increase our faith and to increase it ourselves by learning what are the divine promises and claiming them as our own. R2642:6
Faith is God's standard; whoever has the proper standard must have works to correspond. God's favorites of the Bible have all been men of faith. R5243:3, 1720:4, 778:1*
Faith in the Lord's wisdom and in his help in every time of need is necessary to us in order that we may be thoroughly obedient to him. R4904:5
The exercise of faith, and the obedience which flows therefrom will enable us to come off conquerors and "more than conquerors." (Rom. 8:37) R4904:6
Faith must grasp the exceeding great and precious promises of God and appreciate their value; and also lay hold on the power of God and find grace to help in every time of need. R1859:5, 2073:5
If we neglect the throne of grace, during temptations, it is a sign that we are lacking faith, and are in that respect not fit for the Kingdom, because all who are inheritors of the Kingdom must have faith. NS228:1
Faith enables us to gain the victory over the spirit of the world, and to be separate, sanctified to God, for service here and hereafter. R5245:4, 2195:4, 1719:6
Faith is not merely belief or knowledge, but is knowledge applied, assimilated, appropriated--made a part of our habit of thought, a basis for our actions and a spur to all our energies. R1719:3
Faith, to be a conquering power in us, must go deeper than the head; it must go into the heart, and thus permeate and energize the whole being, bringing not only the outward conduct but every thought into subjection to Christ. R1720:1
It will be to such as thus overcome in spirit, in faith, that the Lord will give the final word of his mouth--"Well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of thy Lord." (Matt. 25:21) R4897:6, 3060:4
All of our services to the Lord are valuable chiefly as proofs of our faith in his promises. R2425:4
Faith cannot live without manifesting itself. R2425:4
Faith is the overcoming power which all must have who would run successfully the race for the prize of our high calling, and be overcomers. R1719:3
Let it be the governor and inspiration of our lives--a living faith which purges and purifies and strengthens to diligence and patience to the end of the narrow way to life. R1720:4
Faith, which is now difficult and therefore highly rewarded, will by and by be the most easy and only reasonable thing; and while it will be required, being easy it will not be specially rewarded as now. R2195:4
A mere intellectual assent to the truth of God, which does not lead to activity in his service, is not faith, and can never overcome the world nor secure the prize of our high calling. R1720:4
Such a faith is not nervously looking about for something new, and always probing the vain philosophies of men to see how skillfully they can withstand the Word of the Lord. R1720:1
"We walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor. 5:7) F689; R374:4
"Without faith it is impossible to please God." (Heb. 11:6) F147, F315; E658, E689; R2654:1, 2642:6, 2425:4; NS228:1
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| 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? |
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| 6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. |
He that came – To be the Redeemer of mankind. R1411:2
Not by water only – Not by consecration only. R1411:2
He came by baptism into water, the symbol of his full consecration even unto death. R1411:2
By water and blood – By both typical and literal baptism into death. R1411:2
The actual fulfilling of his consecration vow, even unto death, the shedding of his blood. R1411:2
It was his consecration to the cross; his baptism in water was a symbol of his baptism into death, and because it was a symbol it became a pledge that he would die, in obedience to the Father's will. R197:5*
Spirit that beareth witness – The Spirit of God bore witness after the water baptism that this was his well beloved Son, (Matt. 3:17); again after his baptism ng him. R1411:2
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| 7 For there are three that bear record, |
There are three – The Spirit, the water and the blood. R1411:3
In the type the anointing oil mingled with the blood of consecration was sprinkled over the priests. R73:5
That bear record – The succeeding words of this verse and the first nine words of the next verse are spurious; they are not in any manuscript of earlier date than the seventh century and not in the Revised Version; 112 of the oldest manuscripts do not give them; King James translators had only eight manuscripts, none antedating the tenth century, whereas we now have 700, two of which date from 350 AD. E56-58; R5748:4, 714:3, 278:4; CR245:5; SM494:1, 603:1
These spurious words are the foundation for the teaching of the catechism that "These three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory." E166; R767:3
The word "trinity" is not found in the Bible. This, the only text in the Bible which seems in any way to suggest a trinity, is acknowledged even by trinitarians themselves to be a forgery, incorporated into the text about the fifth century. R5748:4, 5352:1, 1411:2, 560:2*, 369:2; OV114:6; Q846:4
The doctrine of the trinity is totally opposed to Scripture, and has not even one reasonable text to support it when this well-known interpolation is discarded and when John 1:1 is properly understood. R5993:5, 505:2; F202; Q847:2
Because there was no Scripture, one was manufactured in the seventh century by adding these words. OV114:6; R2817:5, 802:5*; E56; CR245:5; Q716:3; HG661:2
We believe that very few interpolations have been made intentionally, except this one; being a bold and notable exception. Others were generally the result of accident--copying of a marginal comment. R1210:2, 560:2*; E56
This interpolation was introduced by Papacy during the tenth century. R207:3
Some very ancient manuscripts found within the last fifty years show that a few verses are really no part of the Bible, but were added by unknown parties somewhere between the fifth and tenth centuries. R1536:6
The sense is complete without the interpolated words and the teaching in perfect harmony with the context, which would not be the case were the interpolated words admitted. R1411:2, 767:3; E57; CR245:6; Q716:3; SM494:3
In heaven – Who is bearing record in heaven that Jesus is the Son of God? The Father, the Son and the holy Spirit bearing record in heaven that Jesus is the Son of God? What do they need it for? It is ridiculous! Q716:3
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| 8 the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. |
Witness – Record. R73:5
The spirit – The testimony of the Spirit at his consecration. R1411:3
The oil representing the Spirit. R73:5
And the water – Symbolic baptism in water. R1411:3
Water is the symbol of the Word "washing of water by the Word." (Eph. 5:26) R73:5
And the blood – The blood representing the price of our peace. R73:5
The testimony of the Spirit at his resurrection. R1411:3
Agree in one – Agree in one testimony. Q716:3; R767:3, 197:3*, 73:5
The testimony concerning God's Son. R197:3*
The three in the type bear harmonious testimony that the consecrated ones are accepted in the Beloved. R73:5
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| 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. |
Witness of God – As the Son is the general expression or revelation of the Father, we should expect this important testimony of the three witnesses to have reference to the revelation of God's love for the world. R197:3*
It is well for man that it is God's testimony. This puts its credibility beyond a doubt, and makes certain that it will reach every one for whom it was intended. R690:5*
The basis of faith is the testimony of God himself. R1328:6*
It originated in God, it was given in the power of the holy Spirit, and its words were uttered by Christ, the apostles, and prophets. It varies as to time, manner, agent, and accompaniment, but it never varies as to origin. R690:5*
Is greater – Let us not be more wise, more loving, or more just than the only living and true God who dwells in a light which no can approach unto, and whose mind is communicated to us through his Word. R1598:4
Love, wisdom and justice could never agree to let a willful sinner live to mar the peace of the holy; nor could they consent that they should be kept alive, with their wills under divine restraints to all eternity. R1598:4
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| 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. |
He that believeth – The testimony on which faith rests is not man's, it is God's own. R1329:1*
God gave of his Son – "A ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (1 Tim. 2:6) R690:1*
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| 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. |
To us – Believers. R142:4; HG222:4
Eternal life – Now by faith and hope, and by and by actually, "when he who is our life shall appear." (Col. 3:14) E386; R1878:4
Immortality is a glorious prize to be sought for and to be obtained only by the elect of God through Jesus. It is not inherent in all men. R560:4*, 142:4
Life is in his Son – The testimony of God is that Christ is the life of the world. R1329:1*
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| 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. |
He – At present only those few who have accepted Christ in the real sense of the word. Q446:2
He who believes with the heart--not merely one with an intellectual appreciation of the fact that Christ is the Son of God and who has come into relationship to him. R4840:2
Those who have accepted Christ, and have received of his atoning merit, and come out from under the Adamic death condemnation. R5931:2; F106
That hath the Son – Have come into vital relationship with the Savior. R5354:2, 2931:3
Now is the opportunity for coming into relationship with him as his Bride and joint-heir. R3927:1
He is our Advocate through whom we must come to the Father. R4840:6
No man can come unto the Father except by him. R1273:4
To have the Son, to abide in him, means not to abide willfully and willingly in sin, to have the Lord's deliverance from sin and his deliverance unto everlasting life. NS234:4
All of Adam's posterity will have an opportunity to accept Jesus, either as his brethren at the present time, or as his children in the next age. R4819:2
The divine plan is so arranged that none can obtain everlasting life except through a personal relationship to Christ, and the exercise of faith in his redeeming blood, and obedience to his counsels. R5354:2
Only believers can have life now, the beginning of that life which will be perfected in the resurrection. R5608:5
Jesus is God's appointed channel by which the world may obtain reconciliation, restitution, life everlasting. NS96:3
Hath life – A right or privilege or grant of life as God's gift. E386; R1878:3
Believers are begotten to newness of life, have the new life begun in them, in the sense that their wills are accepted of God as beginnings of the new creatures which they shall be in the first resurrection. F161; R4840:2
The everlasting life provided is already considered theirs while they abide under the robe of Christ's righteousness. R5931:2
Imputed to him at the present time. R4840:2
Reckonedly, already. R1854:2
Perfect life. R1878:3
Only those coming into Christ, and through him, begotten of truth--surely nothing in this text teaches that all will be kept alive everlastingly. R1219:2, 1437:1
The blessing of life in its full, everlasting, complete sense, is coming to "all in Christ" and to none others. R3927:1, 1592:4
In the resurrection change such will, in the fullest sense, have life. R4840:2; F161
There can be no rescue from death without a rescue from sin, and there can be no rescue from sin without a rescue from death. Under the divine arrangement they stand as cause and effect. NS234:4
This text applies now, primarily. It will apply in the Millennial age, gradually, as men shall come to a knowledge of the truth. R4840:6
Eternal life is a gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, to be given only to the believing and obedient. R3066:1, 1882:4
Throughout the Millennial age whoever would have life must get it through the Life-giver, who will give it under the terms of the New Covenant. R5293:1, 4840:5
Hath not life – Shall not see life. (John 3:36) E386; R4819:2, 2059:4, 1878:3, 1592:4, 1219:2; Q328:T; SM315:T
But continues under the sentence of death. F106; R4840:3, 2993:1, 2841:2, 2059:4
But the wrath of God--the curse--abideth on him. HG357:2; Q328:T
Hath no right to or promise of life. R1219:2
Immortal life. R279:3
Unbelievers are referred to as still dead, because of having no union with the Life-giver. F697
Those who refuse the appointed channel, Jesus, their portion will be second death, without hope of recovery. NS96:3
Jesus will not let them have life, but they will not suffer in misery, or torment. CR293:1; R2841:2, 1085:6
If he hath not life, how could he have torment? HG222:4
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| 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of the God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life. |
That ye may know – May be taught. E284
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| 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: |
Confidence – Pray, having faith in God. R5380:2*
According to his will – It is evidently impossible, "seeing through a glass darkly" (1 Cor. 13:12) to always "ask according Advocate. R469:5*
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| 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. |
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| 16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. |
If – Referring to a class during the Gospel age. R382:6, 253:2
The Apostle addressed these words to the Church. NS242:5
Those covered with the merit of Christ's righteousness, consecrated to the Lord's service even unto death. These have the full assurance of eternal life, if they continue faithfully. SM771:2
His brother – All those whom we have reason to believe are fellow-members in the Body of Christ. R4625:3
Sin a sin – Going away from God--be overtaken in a fault and difficulty, which may lead to coldness and estrangement from the Lord. We should do all in our power for his assistance. R4625:3
Sins of weakness and of ignorance, traceable to our fallen nature, which we have received by heredity. R2658:2
Not unto death – Missteps and stumblings which may occur in the path of any through weakness of the flesh--sins which may be repented of, reformed from, and forgiven. R4908:5, 4830:5, 3260:3, 1962:2
Which may be forgiven, and out of which the transgressor may come with valuable lessons, which will be helpful to him in future conflicts and triumphs. R3260:3
If a sickness was a judgment or discipline for sin, we should expect that when the sin had been confessed and truly repented of, the Lord would remove the chastisement and raise up the penitent son from the affliction, either partially or wholly. R2008:4
He shall ask – We should pray for such an one--in the attitude of intercession and sympathy. R4625:3, 4626:1
The divine intention in suggesting that we should pray might be that it would aid in developing our sympathy for the various members of the Body. R4625:3
Let us bear in mind this privilege and duty of intercessory prayer; and for our encouragement let us remember God's dealings with his faithful ones of old. R1842:5
Illustrated in Moses' prayer on behalf of erring Israel and God's answer to that prayer. (Num. 14:15-33) R1842:6
If we neglect our interest in the fellow-members, it is our loss. R4626:2
This is different from praying for the world. R4625:3
If there were no members present to pray for a disaffected brother, the great Head himself would probably find some means of advocating the interests of the member. R4625:6
Give him life – Bring him back to the life standing. R4626:1
Preserve his life. If he were in danger of going down into second death, the faithful prayer would lead to a recovery. R4626:1
Seems to correspond with the saving of the spirit in the day of the Lord, (1 Cor. 5:5) as relating to the Great C R4626:1
In what sense the Lord permits us to be advocates one for another is not clear, but our advocacy of each other would seemingly be offered more particularly to the Head of the Body than to the Father. R4625:6
There is a sin – A positive doing of something which is evil. R5451:3
Something very specific. R4626:2
Kind of sin. R3083:5
A death sin or mortal sin. R1249:1, 1983:3
An individual sin. R383:1
A hopeless condition. R4872:5
Unforgivable sins. R723:4
Wilful, intentional sin against clear knowledge. R1250:1, 5440:2; HG305:6; NS162:3; Q638:2; SM772:1
Deliberate, willful sin; against the holy Spirit. R5453:1, 3132:1, 2612:2, 1699:1; F166; NS244:1
Against a clear knowledge of the right and wrong of the matter. R1250:1, 2612:2
The result of persistence in that which in the beginning was clearly recognized as wrong, but which, through self-will persisted in, subsequently became a gross deception. F166
The matter comes on gradually, little by little, until the heart is completely turned away from the Lord. SM772:1
This sin is one, though it may be committed in a variety of ways. A wrong course adopted intentionally, with a full desire to have it so. R1250:1
Eventually manifesting itself outwardly, either in a denial of the atonement or by gross immoralities. F302
The sin unto death should be looked for to approach us in one of two forms. The first is described in Heb. 6:4-9, a moral retrogression; a SM773:1
This could be committed only by those who have tasted of divine grace. R2286:6; SM775:T
Only those who have been brought to a knowledge of God and his good Word and have received the holy Spirit--in a word, saints, are the only ones who could commit it. R253:2, 1250:2, 383:1; SM775:T
Going back on the blood of the covenant wherewith he was once sanctified. (Heb. 10:29) R4626:1, 138:1*, 44:1; NS162:3; Q653:1
Not simply backsliding, but open apostasy and rejection of Jesus' work of ransom and purchase. R253:2, 44:1
Such a sin would be that of presuming upon the love of God to bring us salvation, even though we should willfully refuse it through the channel which he has appointed--the precious blood of Christ, shed for our redemption. R4835:2, 1296:4
If a wrong course were persisted in, the new will would become so weakened and the flesh so strong that there would be a gradual dying of the new will; and finally it would cease to exist. R4830:2
There is a degree of willful sin, against full light and ability that God will never forgive. R1694:1, 381:3; Q653:1
A little deflection in our attitude toward the Lord, on some point seemingly not so important, may lead farther off, eventually to alienation from the Lord. SM776:1
Let us not only be on guard against the great sins, but let us remember that it is the little deflections from the divine Word that lead astray. The least deflections are very sure to bring us into trouble. SM778:1
By losing the divine will and voluntarily accepting the will of the flesh again, the new creature could commit the sin unto death. If the will sins it has ceased to be a new will, for the new will never sins. R4830:4
Taking on the vicious qualities: backbiting, slander, anger, malice, strife, etc. would indicate a loss of the Spirit of the Lord. R4626:3
If you have lost the Lord's Spirit you will be loveless towards those of his people with whom you come in contact. R4626:5
Recoverable only up to the point where their hearts go wrong. R4626:2
A sin for which no adequate excuse can be found. R2612:2
A matter of willfulness and a turning again to the beggarly elements of the world, from which we once escaped. R4626:2
"Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto them; but a blasphemy against the holy Spirit shall not be forgiven." (Matt. 12:31, 32) NS244:1
Typically, it may be found that the jots and tittles of Israelitish history, as well as of the Law and prophets, have a meaning and point to something. R138:4*
Let us take heed to all the jots and tittles of the Master's Word; the exhortations and instructions given us by himself and the apostles. He who is faithful in the little things will be faithful in the great. SM778:1
Murderers, thieves and blackguards of the world, nor even the world in general, are subjects of this death. They are not on trial yet. SM770:2, 775:T; R1962:2
The Apostle is not referring to the Adamic sin and death, for it passed on all. R382:6
Unto death – The second death. T40; R5264:2, 5100:5, 4830:5, 4345:5, 2759:4, 2658:2, 2612:2, 1250:6, 912:1, 383:1, 381:3, 44:2; HG222:3; Q212:6, 653:1; SM515:1
Destruction, contrary to the Universalist theory. R3083:5, 4345:5
There is no hope of a resurrection from it. R381:3, 5100:5, 4830:5, 44:2; HG334:6
The new creature is dead. R5452:1, 5440:2
Wilful, deliberate, intentional sin unto second death. Q653:1, 212:6; R5264:2, 4830:5, 2658:2, 1250:2, 383:1; NS162:3
A consecrated child of God could not die the Adamic death. His death would be either the sacrificial death or second death. If he should turn away from God, then it would be the second death. R5264:2; Q212:6
The Church is on trial now for either life or death, and there is no future opportunity. R4400:6
Only by intelligent neglect and refusal of the terms and assistances can they cut themselves off from the Lord and from everlasting life. SM772:T
They need not be hoped for, nor prayed for, because it will be impossible to renew them again to repentance. R1250:1
Only those justified who have received divine favor and knowledge, are on trial for life or death everlasting. SM772:T
It behooves us to be on the alert for the beginnings of evil in our hearts, which might ultimately lead on to the complete alienation, which would mean second death. SM772:1; R1250:6
Mortal sin; there is no hope of recovery; it is unto death, second, death, destruction. It is not covered by the ransom because it is not in any sense traceable to Adam's transgression and its consequences. R1250:1,6, 723:4
By far the smallest number, we believe, come under the class as having committed willful sin; unmitigated by ignorance or weakness. R1250:4
It would not be to God's glory nor in the interests of his faithful ones or others for him to admit to eternal life conditions any deficient in love. R4401:1
Typified in one of Aaron's four son's. T40
The conduct of one could not send another into the second death without his cooperation; but whatever influence we have may be used for either the assistance or the injury of another. R4831:1
From our present viewpoint it will not surprise us if the number going into the second death will be a considerable one. It is a high standard which God will require for life eternal at any time and on any plane. R4400:3
Whoever will die the second death will die for his own sins and not through inherited imperfections. R2759:4, 1249:5
No provision is made for sin or sinners beyond the Millennium. R4400:6. 1249:6
Real death, not just sleep. HG14:4
Everlasting destruction, not eternal torment. 334:6
I do not say – It will be useless to pray or to hope for those who commit the sin unto death. F165; Q653:1
A waste of time for Christians to agonize and labor for such. R4626:3
Because "It is impossible to renew them again unto repentance." (Heb. 6:4-6) "There remaineth no more R3260:3, 4835:2, 4078:6, 2738:5*, 2707:1, 2658:2, 1699:1, 1698:3, 1249:1, 723:3, 383:1; F302; T40; HG14:5; NS162:3
To pray for it would be to oppose God's expressed will, which we have no right to do. R912:1, 2612:2, 1983:3, 1249:1,4
It – Greek, ekeinos; also rendered "that," "those," and "he." R2001:2; E172, E204
To ask its forgiveness. R1249:1,4
Those who go so far as to commit it need not be hoped for, nor prayed for. R1250:1
The "holy brethren" should be able to discern cases in which willful sin has been committed, so that they will not pray for such, yet there is great room for patient forbearance and generous judgment in such cases. R1250:4
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| 17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. |
All unrighteousness – All imperfection. R2284:6
Selfishness is unrighteousness. R5307:1
The divine law stands whether we are able to keep it or not; and every violation of the divine law is a sin, in one sense. R5750:3, 1249:2
God's law makes no allowance for sin, but condemns it. SM304:1
God is not the author of sin. R870:6
According to the Scriptures it is sinful for the Lord's people to injure one another in word, act or thought. R5750:6
Is sin – A sin is that which is more or less willfully and intentionally committed. R5750:2
In proportion as he willfully violates the divine law, in that proportion he shall suffer stripes. R5750:6, 5751:1, 2658:2, 1250:1
There is a – Kind of. R3083:5
Sin not unto death – A trespass is a sin committed without intention. Violations of God's law which are the result of our unavoidable weaknesses are not culpable sins, and hence not in the same category with sins more or less willful. R5750:2
Due to weakness, physical or moral. R1250:1
Venial sin. One which may be forgiven. R1249:1, 1983:3, 1250:6
One that may be repented of and reformed from--for which forgiveness and reconciliation may be prayed for, and expected. R1249:1, 1250:6
This should be our attitude toward God: "Gracious Heavenly Father, we cannot do perfectly. We pray thee, forgive our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." R5750:6
In the case of trespasses, which are unavoidable, instead of doing injury, these serve to show what points of character are weak and need to be strengthened. R5751:1
Any one begotten of God could not, so long as he is in possession of the holy Spirit, commit a sin with full intention. R5751:1
While every intentional sin against the holy Spirit must have a punishment, yet the punishment will not be the second death unless the knowledge, the sin, be a full, complete one. R5751:5
To whatever extent they are willful, they must be punished. R1249:6
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| 18 We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. |
We know that whosoever – New creatures. R2721:3, 5491:5; Q141:5
Is born of God – Begotten of God. A196, A278; E235; R5938:5, 5742:2, 4830:2, 4810:6, 4252:3, 3281:5, 2235:5, 2003:6, 1697:6, 1250:6, 837:1, 374:3
Greek, gennao; refers to the beginning and not the completion of our change of nature. R2440:3
To receive the beginning of a new life, a new nature. R5742:5
New creatures. R4830:2
It is not the flesh that is begotten by the holy Spirit, but a new mind, a new will. SM392:1
It is starting a new life. The one receiving it gains a supernatural illumination. Thereafter he is a changed person, a new person, a new creature. He is now in Christ Jesus. R5742:3
Begotten of the spirit of holiness and truth. R5938:5, 2440:4
Those who have experienced a change of nature, who were first begotten according to the flesh, as children of Adam, and who have been begotten again--begotten of God. R5742:2
Sinneth not – Willfully. E461; R5742:6, 4810:6, 4252:3, 3281:5, 2440:3. 1698:2
Does not practice sin. (Diaglott) R5491:6
Willingly--does not approve of nor take pleasure in sin. R2440:3
Could not have any sympathy with sin so as to willfully, knowingly and intentionally engage therein. R5938:5, 2235:5
Could not give himself over to sin--to do so would signify that he had lost the holy Spirit, and had become unholy again. R5742:6
Meaning willful sin, intentional sin; sins that are not merely shortcomings and faults, inherited from our ancestors. R5938:5, 2235:5; E235, E461
Sin in its full or absolute sense, deliberate sin. R5938:5, 2235:5
It is not the new creature that sins. R5903:4
The slightest sympathy with sin would cause the child of God to depart to that extent from the center of purity. R5743:1
Such do not sin willfully, intentionally, and other imperfections are not reckoned sins to such. R1250:6
Such may be overtaken in a fault, may err in judgment, be overpowered by the old nature, but will never sin willfully. R374:3
This text is not a guarantee of eternal salvation to those begotten of the holy Spirit, nor a guarantee of salvation from trials, temptations, difficulties, etc., but the begotten ones are under divine supervision. R4252:3
"The righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Rom. 8:4) R2440:4, 2721:3
This text does not teach that the new nature, cannot corrupt, cannot die; that a convert cannot fall from grace. R1698:1
Is begotten of God – The Heavenly Father is the begetter in the regeneration of the Church, the Bride of Christ. E143
Greek, gennao. When used in connection with God, it should always be rendered beget or begotten. R837:1; A278
We are begotten through the truth--the Gospel. R836:3
Only those begotten of the Father have his Spirit, which is the Spirit of the Son. R5133:3
There are three steps which correspond to the natural generation; begetting; quickening into activity, zeal and labor; and birth into full spirit-power. R836:3
Keepeth himself – By keeping very close to God, and watching our actions, our companionship and our conduct. R5743:4
Picturing to our mental eyes a charmed circle within which God's people may come; not a fence, but merely a line of light which can easily be overstepped. Inside is the Lord's favor; and he as the Head is the center. R5148:4, 5743:1
The Lord himself is the great center of righteousness, purity, truth. All who are on the side of righteousness, purity, truth, will shun sin, will have no fellowship with it. R5742:6
We should conquer ourselves; and control this body which is of the fallen race. R5923:6
From yielding to temptation. R4252:6
Watch our actions, our companionship, our conduct; abide "in the secret place of the Most High" (Psa. 91:1); "Make straight paths for R5743:4
The Spirit of God operating in the sons of God always makes for righteousness and hates sin. R5440:2
By resisting the devil and not allowing his seductive arguments to have weight with us. We have the sure word of prophecy. If we love the Word of the Lord, we shall seek to be guided by it. R5184:3
In proportion as we are near the Lord, we are under divine protection. R5743:4
Each consecrated child of God may see the way of escape which God has provided and may use the same and thus be in line with the Lord's provision and amongst the shielded ones, the very elect. R4253:2
The assurance that we are now in the time of special testing should put us on guard; and we should watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. R2003:6
He will keep constantly on guard, watching himself, just as a watchman guards the castle of the house. He watches all the doors, all the avenues of access. R5742:6
"Keep yourselves in the love of God" (Jude 21) was never a more necessary command than at present; and we may expect that the temptation of this hour will be considerably along the line of abiding in God's love. This in turn will imply a love for the brethren. R4253:3, 1889:5
"Abide in him," "Abstain from all appearance of evil," "Take heed to yourselves," "Forget the things that are behind," "Mortify your flesh," and earthy desires and ambitions. Keep close to the Master. R5148:5
Our Lord Jesus, the first begotten of the Spirit, will keep all the younger brethren begotten of the Spirit, keep them from the injury which Satan would otherwise do them. R4252:3
The Church has been beset by the great Adversary and had fiery trials, but have also had the protection of him that was begotten of God, the Lord Jesus, who is keeping the faithful from the power of the Adversary. R4253:1
And that wicked one – Satan, whose very existence is now denied by many. F609
The Adversary. R4870:4
The Evil One. R4252:6
Satan is represented as a wily foe. R5743:1, 1889:2, 1684:6
The Adversary is ever ready to drag us into the darkness of sin, doubt and despair. R5148:5
In proportion as we waver in our loyalty, we come nearer to the Adversary. R5743:4
The new creatures are to keep themselves from the wicked one. R4830:2, 5923:6
We are not to suppose that every trial or difficulty which besets us is of the devil, but rather to remember the Apostle's words, "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own desires and enticed." (James 1:14) R4810:6
In order to deceive the child of light, Satan transforms himself into an angel (messenger) of light; for well he knows that he would not deceive them if he were to present himself as a representative of sin. R5184:2
All who so love sin and willfully do it and approve it after they have a knowledge of the truth, are children of darkness, who love darkness and who thus show that they have the spirit or disposition of Satan. R5938:6, 2235:5
The evil day with which this age shall end will have the severest trials ever known to God's people, and they will have the greatest need known for the armor of truth and righteousness. R4253:1
Toucheth him not – Catcheth them not. R2161:1, 1697:6
Does not injure. R5742:6, 4252:6
To ensnare us mentally, morally or otherwise. CR441:2
The Little Flock are so heartily opposed to sin and so earnest about the keeping of their garment unspotted that the Adversary gets no hold on them. R2161:1, 4870:4, 1799:6
The Adversary can never touch our real selves as new creatures, save by our own unfaithfulness. R5540:4, 2, 5742:6, 4252:6, 1799:6; Q649:1
We are to keep near to the Lord, near to the truth, that thus the Adversary touch us not. CR441:2; R5148:5
We are not to enter into a personal combat with the devil. We are no match for him. But we are to resist him. R5923:6, 5184:3
In the midst of temptations of the Adversary the Lord provides such protection, defense, and assistance, as is not only necessary for us to come off victors but to keep us from yielding to temptation. R4252:6
We pray, "Abandon us not in temptation, but deliver us from the evil one"--suffer him not to touch, injure, overthrow, or destroy us. R4252:6
Any sympathy with what is not in fullest harmony with the mind of the Lord would carry us closer to the place of danger; and we would be in danger of being caught by the great Adversary and his demon host. R5743:1, 5148:5
Outside our charmed circle are the powers of evil. These are sometimes allowed to touch our earthly interests and temporal affairs, but the demon influence is not permitted to really touch the new creature. R5148:5
The mortal body is counted as being dead, and his mind, his will is reckoned as the new creature adopted into the family of God. From this standpoint we can say of the new creature that he is holy. R5035:3
The Little Flock will not fall under the pestilences and arrows of Spiritism, Higher Criticism, Christian Science, etc. "Because thou hast made the Lord thy Refuge, no plague shall come nigh thy dwelling." (Psa. 91:9) SM289:2
Satan can have no power over God's people, except by divine permission, and in such cases all things which he permits will work for their good, if they abide faithful to their covenant with him in Christ. R1684:6, 4660:5, 2721:3
While obedient to the Lord, we are entirely safe--but the slightest yielding of the will, as through curiosity, is dangerous. R5355:1
For any one who may be touched by the Adversary and temporarily ensnared, God is full of loving-kindness and his mercy endureth forever for all those who desire to live in harmony with him. R5148:5
One might endanger himself without actually sinning. His heart might still be true to the Lord, yet he might be touched by sin by being involved with others in some way. R5743:4
While the Lord is abundantly able to work miracles for the protection of his faithful followers, and for their deliverance from the Evil One; he usually uses human instrumentalities. R4252:6
The Lord's special provision for keeping us from the power of the Evil One is the present truth, which he has supplied largely through the Watch Tower publications. R4253:3
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| 19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
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The whole world – They are still children of wrath. SM334:T, 348:1; R3458:1
Satan does not need to make attacks on the world. He attacks only those who have escaped from his thraldom and who have new hopes and aspirations, and those who are trying to get free from him. R5896:4
If our Redeemer had made an application of his merit for the world when he ascended, it would have taken away the sin of the world; but he did not do this. R5621:3; CR490:6
Lieth in – Lies under. (Diaglott) E610
Under control of. R1684:6
Ever since Adam fell. R5167:2, 5093:1, 1316:1
Still lieth. This declaration was made not before, but during, the Gospel age. SM240:1
After six thousand years it is still true. NS768:2
The world is still not redeemed in a judicial sense. Q375:3
Wickedness – In the wicked one. R5896:4, 5621:3, 5352:5, 5299:5, 5167:2, 5115:2, 5093:1, 4832:2, 4574:4, 4546:2, 3365:6, 97:5; NS88:1, 548:4; OV152:1; SM240:1
In the Evil One. (Revised Version) CR490:6
In darkness. R4987:6
Under Satan's influence; under the powers of darkness. SM240:1; R5352:5; T90
So strong are the powers of the prince of darkness influencing the minds of the world. R5352:5
Under the curse, the sentence. Reconciliation has yet reached merely believers. R3708:6
Man is fallen, and has lost much that he once possessed; Satan is now his master and prince. R1685:2
The standing of all in God's sight is that of children of the devil. "Ye are of your father the devil." (John 8:44) R1005:6, 761:2
Slaves of sin and death. R5299:5
The Church alone has escaped the condemnation upon the world. SM348:T; OV152:1; R5769:6, 5621:3, 4546:2
Because our Lord did not apply the merit of his sacrifice to unbelievers. R4310:4, 5079:1, 4546:2
Only a few are yet free from condemnation. The wrath or condemnation of God abideth on all others, and will end in final destruction, if not removed, either in this age or the next. R606:3, 5115:2; NS548:4
By nature mankind are all children of wrath. (Eph. 5:19) They cannot fall any furt R5093:1, 5079:1, 3365:6
The world of mankind will not be children of wrath after the application of our Lord's merit. Q445:T, 375:3; R5079:1, 4832:2
Jesus, the appointed Mediator between God and men, has not yet taken up his work for them. R4574:4, 4832:2; Q375:3
Satan has the power of death--including disease--subject, no doubt, to some divine regulations; but just what his limitations are we may not clearly distinguish. R1684:6
The devil has men in such a condition that they cannot think of God as being good. R5769:6
"The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not." (2 Cor. 4:4) R4901:3; T90; CR424:2; NS548:4
"Darkness covers the earth--gross darkness the heathen." (Isa. 60:2) SM240:1; T90; NS88:1, 768:2
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| 20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. |
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| 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. |
Yourselves from idols – Permit no person or thing to supplant God himself in your affections and reverence. E284
Only God is worthy to be enthroned in our hearts; only principles of righteousness and truth are worthy to control our lives; only incentives which his wisdom and goodness present are worthy of our ambition and effort. Everything that is short of this partakes of the spirit of idolatry. R1836:4
Not by loving husband, wife, child, parent, brother or sister less, but by loving the Lord more. R3863:1
Some idolize husband, wife or child; some wealth; some worship fame; others set up selfishness as their idol; and some worship a sect, a party, a faction. R3386:5, 5298:5, 1836:1
Allowing such to take the place in our hearts which properly belongs to the Lord only. R3386:5
In many respects the idol of self is the most horrible one of all, the meanest looking. Some serve self, minister to self, comfort self, please self etc., instead of God. R3386:6
The tendency to formulate and reverence the creeds instead of the Bible has been manifest ever since the first one was made--the Nicene Creed--AD 325. R5298:5
Idolatry is not the blind reverential adoration of a superior dignity or power or moral worth; but it is willful and sinful devotion to degrading self-gratification. R1835:6
Idolatry is the synonym of evil; it precludes the recognition of the one true God, whose purity and holiness are directly adverse to the spirit of idolatry. Paul gives an apt description of it in Rom. 1:21-32. R1835:6
The making of images, and allowing them to divert and absorb our worship of God is one of the greatest trials and tests which come to spiritual Israelites. The love of money and of the things which money can procure leads into idolatry. R5298:4
The sin of idolatry is most prominently set forth in the Jewish Law, the very first commandment being, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me--for I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God." (Exod. 20:3, 5) R1836:1
Before we judge Israel harshly let us see to it that no semblance of the same sin lies at our own door. R1836:1
All covetousness is idolatry. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24) The sin of covetousness, sin of Christendom, the antitype of fleshly Israel. R1836:1
Moses' return from Mt. Sinai corresponds to the second coming of Christ; marking the idolatrous worship of the golden calf as corresponding to the present worship of mammon on the part of Christendom. R1836:4
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