Book of John - Chapter 16 - Verse 9

When Jesus said, "Of sin, because they believe not on me," he was highlighting the ultimate sin: rejecting him as the Son of God and Savior of the world. Belief in Jesus is crucial because it is through faith in him that we are saved from the consequences of our sins. By refusing to believe in Jesus, individuals are essentially choosing to remain in their sins and rejecting the forgiveness and redemption that he offers. This verse reminds us that the root of all sin is unbelief in Jesus Christ. It underscores the importance of acknowledging and accepting Jesus as the source of salvation and the only way to reconcile with God. By placing our trust in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross, we are able to find forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life.

When examining the phrase "Of sin, because they believe not on me," theological interpretation suggests that this statement by Jesus in John 16:9 points to the primary sin of unbelief. This verse highlights that rejecting Jesus as the Son of God and Savior is ultimately the root of all other sins. The Greek word used for sin in this verse is "hamartia," which generally means missing the mark or falling short of God's standard. In this context, it emphasizes the failure to believe in Jesus as the way to eternal life and forgiveness of sins. The phrase "believe not on me" underscores the importance of faith in Christ as the foundation of salvation according to the Christian belief. By rejecting Jesus, individuals are persisting in sin by refusing the path to redemption and relationship with God. Therefore, this verse serves as a reminder of the crucial role that belief in Christ plays in the forgiveness of sins and the reconciliation with God.