The Sin that Leads to Death Error (5:16-21)

16 If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.

18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

1. This passage suggests that we should pray for our fellow Christians when we see them commit a sin. How often do you pray for your fellow Christians?

2. What is the distinction John is making between sin that does not lead to death and sin that does lead to death? Aren’t all sins equal?

Various opinion about the sin that leads to death…
1. People who have sinned sins punishable by death (1 Cor. 5:5)
2. People who have blasphemed the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12)
3. People who have committed total apostasy (Heb. 6:4-6, 10:26-31)
4. People who have sinned and are unrepentant
5. People who have died (Steve Gregg, don't pray for the dead)

3. What does 18b mean? (notice difference b/w NIV & KJV)

4. Why does the Epistle end like this (21)