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Book of 1 John - Chapter 3 - Verse 6

3:6
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

Meaning

This verse from the first epistle of John emphasizes the importance of abiding in God in order to live a life free from sin. In this context, "abiding in him" refers to having a close, intimate relationship with God through faith and obedience. The verse suggests that those who truly abide in God will not continue to live a life characterized by sin. This does not mean that they will never sin, as all humans are prone to sin due to our fallen nature. However, it does mean that they will not habitually and unrepentantly engage in sinful behavior. On the other hand, those who persist in sin are characterized as not having truly seen or known God. This implies that a genuine encounter with God should result in a transformation of one's character and behavior, leading to a life that reflects God's righteousness and holiness. Therefore, this verse serves as a reminder for believers to continually seek to deepen their relationship with God and strive to live in accordance with His will.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse from 1 John 3:6 emphasizes the importance of living a life free from sin as a mark of true faith in Jesus Christ. The phrase "whosoever abideth in him sinneth not" speaks to the idea of remaining connected to Christ through a personal relationship and continuous obedience to his teachings. This connection enables believers to resist the lure of sin and live in a way that is pleasing to God. On the contrary, those who continue to sin are described as not having "seen him, neither known him." This indicates a lack of true understanding and relationship with Christ, resulting in a life characterized by disobedience and separation from God. Word studies on terms such as "abideth," "sinneth," "seen," and "known" offer deeper insights into the significance of abiding in Christ and the consequences of sin in the life of a believer. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of abiding in Christ and the righteousness that comes from a life rooted in Him.

American Standard Version

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither knoweth him.
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