What is the meaning of 1 John 5:16? If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death When John speaks of “a brother,” he is clearly addressing believers witnessing another believer’s misstep. Scripture assumes we will notice when family in Christ stumbles (Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1–2). The phrase “sees his brother” reminds us to be watchful—not judgmental, but lovingly attentive. This is not a theoretical sin; it’s observable and current. The “sin not leading to death” indicates wrongdoing that, while serious, has not provoked God’s final disciplinary measure of physical death. In other words, the erring Christian is still open to restoration. he should ask God Our first response is prayer, not gossip or condemnation. John has just affirmed that “if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14–15). Interceding for a brother’s repentance is always within God’s will. Instead of lecturing, we begin by carrying the matter to the throne of grace (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6). This keeps our own spirit humble and invites the Spirit’s conviction in the offender’s heart. who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin God’s answer to such intercession is “life”—a fresh infusion of spiritual vitality, forgiveness, and restored fellowship (Psalm 51:12; John 10:10; James 5:15). The promise is remarkable: your prayers can become the channel through which God revives a faltering believer. While the sin did not forfeit eternal life, it hindered abundant life; God gladly reverses that damage when asked. There is a sin that leads to death John now sounds a sober warning. Scripture records instances where believers persisted in flagrant rebellion and were taken home by the Lord—Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Spirit and “fell down and died” (Acts 5:1–11); some Corinthian believers abused the Lord’s Supper and “many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 11:30). Hebrews 10:26–31 echoes the danger of willful, ongoing defiance. Such sin does not revoke salvation, but it can terminate earthly life under God’s righteous discipline. I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin John does not forbid prayer altogether; he simply withholds the same assurance of answered petition. When someone has crossed the invisible line where God has already decreed physical judgment, intercession for restoration to earthly ministry is no longer promised. Jeremiah was once told, “Do not pray for this people” when judgment was settled (Jeremiah 7:16). The principle: keep praying for restoration unless the Spirit unmistakably indicates the matter is closed. Even then, we entrust the situation to God’s perfect justice and mercy. summary • John urges believers to act when we see a fellow Christian sinning—our first action is intercessory prayer. • God pledges to answer such prayer with renewed life for sins that have not incurred His ultimate earthly discipline. • Some sins, persisted in defiantly, can lead to physical death; for these, prayer for reversal is not assured. • The passage balances compassion with sobriety: we pray boldly for restoration, yet we remember God’s holiness and right to discipline. |
    |