John is simply straight forward in meeting the philosophic reasonings emerging from among the Greek theorists in his later days. They threatened to undermine the solid base for Christianity he and the other apostles and prophets had laid after the descent of the Holy Spirit on that day of Pentecost, following the Lord’s ascension
1 Corinthians 3:10 “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Satan was immediately active in undermining that foundation. John calls him the Wicked One. A key part of his deceptive apparatus is what New Testament scripture calls “the world.” John writes of it as he closes the letter. Overcoming by faith is a key part of the believer’s walk while left here on earth to glorify God.
One thing distinguishes that walk. Love! God’s love. That love flows out through the believer to others. The fact we love others of His children and that we keep His commandments, proves we are His. Doing so doesn’t make us his children but doing so demonstrates we are His children.
The statements in the KJV in verses 6-8 contain some words which all authorities agree are not in the original inspired letter by John. The best reading is found in the Darby translation, NAS, and the NIV. While probably well intentioned, and added to “clarify” the truth, they imply a greater reliance upon baptism for salvation than warranted by the Lord. Jesus.
The fact that some sins are worse than others is clear in the scriptures and widely held by most people. The problem is that ranking sins may give rise to pride – or despair. Some think they haven’t been bad enough to be sent to Hell. Others may think they have been too bad to ever “make it” to Heaven. While ranking sins by severity or by numbers committed is common, the fact remains that just one “little” sin is enough to require the judgement of Holy God. The judgement Jesus bore in His own body on the tree. Choose Life! (Deuteronomy 30:19.) Accept His immense, indescribable gift now! 2 Corinthians 9:15.
John’s statement near the end of his letter that there is a sin unto death is frightening. It should be. But he is not speaking of some so called unforgivable sin that who ever commits cannot be forgiven. John is showing that a person may commit a sin that leads to physical death. This death may come at the hands of a civil authority as just punishment for a crime. Or, death may result from an injury or disease suffered as a result of one’s reckless or careless behavior, or even from revenge by a victim. God is not mocked!
Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
But the believer in this case is ushered into heaven and the arms of Jesus. What grace! What security! What heartfelt devotion we have in response to such grace.
Should we ever decline to pray for someone especially if they are in danger of dying? This passage seems to grant permission to. How do we decide? The one we are concerned about may realize his illness is because of a personal sin worthy of death. James encourages such to confess their sins to one another
James 5:14 “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. 19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
John ends his first letter rather abruptly, with an urgent plea. (The translators added their “amen,” “so be it.”)
21 “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen”
The term “idol” brings to mind some icon made of metal, wood, or ivory, etc., having religious significance. But the warning is far broader – against anything that replaces Christ in our hearts or lives. It may be an ambition, a position, an achievement, possessions, an overriding desire to obtain or to cling to something or somebody. Such could include children and spouse, whether yearned for or doted upon. Even “good things” have their place below Christ. The Lord laid this upon His disciples when they started looking about. And He Himself was their Example.
Luke 14:26 “lf any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”