“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin” (1 John 3:9).
Because of a misunderstanding of this verse, some sincere Christians have struggled to arrive at a place of absolute perfection where they will never make another mistake for the rest of their lives.
This struggle to avoid sin by self-effort is doomed to failure. It creates a tension within the believer that eventually traps him into committing the very sin he is trying to overcome. Demoralized, he tries again and again to reach the top of Mount Perfection only to realize that he will never be able to make it on his own.
Using this verse as a guide, Christians can spend a lifetime sliding up and down the mountain – which can be very frustrating, to say the least.
Others live on the cutting edge of guilt because of this verse. Every time they make a mistake, the old spirit of condemnation comes back to taunt them: “How can you call yourself a born-again Christian when you still commit sin?”
In the original Greek text the work translated commit has to do with a behavior pattern, a mode of conduct, and a way of life rather than a single action.
Literally the Greek reads “He that is begotten of God does not make a practice of sin.” In other words, it is not in the nature of a Christian to sin. He has a new inclination, a new desire, and a new tendency.
Be encouraged, then, to know that this verse simply means that the Christian does not make a habit of sin. Sinning is not in his makeup; it is foreign and repugnant to him. He does not make a practice of sinning, rather he practices righteousness because of a renewed nature!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.