This reinforces that it is the sin of a brother those already dead in their trespasses cannot sin unto death because they are already dead. The “death” in view by John is not physical death, but spiritual death, or separation from God. Seldom do Christians observe overt sins on the part of their brethren. Most Christians who live ungodly lives put on their Sunday conduct like they do their Sunday suit – they clean up their act when in the presence of brethren. It does not literally require that such a sin be “seen.” In fact, it is probable that such a sin will not be sin. That expression is most likely, if not certainly, figurative. What is the sin that is “unto death”? Note that John says that a brother may “see” the sin unto death.
Third, several matters are clear from these verses: 1) a child of God can sin 2) there is a sin “not unto death” 3) we are to pray for those who sin “not unto death” 4) God will hear and answer our prayers 5) there is a sin “unto death” 5) John does not say that we are to pray for the brother who sins “unto death.” An example of this is that if a brother sees a brother sin a sin not unto death and asks forgiveness for the erring brother, God will give the brother life. Second, in the immediately preceding verse John had spoken of the Christians ability to “know” that he has eternal life, 1 John 5:13-15, which gives rise to confidence that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us and that we have the petitions that we have asked of him. John is writing to Christians and the passage does not apply to those outside of Christ. He says that if “any man see his brother sinning a sin that is not unto death.” Thus, the expression “any man” does not refer to all men, but to one who has a brother in Christ. Neither passage uses the term “unpardonable sin.” Matthew speaks of a sin that “shall not be forgiven,” Mark uses the expression “never hath forgiveness” and John speaks of “a sin unto death.” There are two passages (and parallels) that generally arise in discussions of what is commonly referred to as the unpardonable sin – Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:22-30, and 1 John 5:16-17. The following answer also applies to Question # 150.
I believe that I have thought bad thinks about the Holy Spirit of truth in my mind and cursed the Spirit in my mind. Next Question Previous Question List of All Questions Question #144 Have I committed the unforgivable sin?
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