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HomeBible Commentary1 JohnChapter 51 John 5:18

1 John 5:18 meaning

In the concluding verses of 1 John, the Apostle John expresses a profound certainty regarding the believer's relationship with God. The transformative experience of being "born of God" bestows upon believers an inherent resistance to sin. This new birth grants them a divine nature that empowers them to guard themselves against falling into the traps set by evil. The assurance is that while they may still face temptations, the "wicked one" cannot ultimately harm their eternal standing in Christ. This reflects the intimate dynamic of the Christian faith, where the believer's identity as a child of God shapes their conduct and spiritual resilience.

John's assertion that genuine believers do not habitually sin speaks to a deeper reality: the presence of the divine within them alters their relationship with sin. The emphasis on the inability of the evil one to touch them underscores God's protective role. This sets a stark contrast between those who belong to God and the world that lies in wickedness, fostering a sense of spiritual confidence and stability among believers. As John writes, “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” (1 John 5:18, NASB95)

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • 1 John 2:1-3 meaning. 1 John 2:1-3 restates John’s purposes for writing this letter: that we may not sin. He explains that if we do sin, Jesus is both our advocate and propitiation, which means that He has turned away God’s wrath and petitions for forgiveness on our behalf. Avoiding sin allows us to know God, obey His commandments, and experience the fullness of eternal life.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 meaning. Paul continues in the defense of his ministry to the Corinthian believers. Rather than draw attention to his competence as a preacher, teacher, or writer, he lists his qualifications in terms of what he has and is going through to fulfill his calling as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He becomes vulnerable and open to his church, again declaring his love and affection for them.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 meaning. 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 contains Paul’s explanation for why exiling a sinful believer is healthy. He turns his attention to the Corinthian congregation, making note that their pride has led them to diseased spirituality. By approving of the man’s sin, they have allowed a corrupting presence in the church which could ruin the spiritual health of everyone. Paul uses leaven and the Passover as illustrations of how sin is to be rejected and not tolerated. We must live in the truth, not in the welcomed presence of wickedness.