1. A Sin Unto Death What Does 1 John 5:16-17 Mean?

2. Background: I John 5:14-17 John is addressing prayer requests in the immediate context; note the word “ask” in verses 14, 15, and 16 God hears our prayers (v. 14) God answers our prayers (v. 15) Proper and improper intercession (prayers for others) is dealt with in verses 16 and 17

3. What Sin Is This? It is not… A sin leading to the death penalty (Rom. 13:1ff) A sin punishable by death from God (Ac. 5:1ff) A sin punishable by excommunication from the church (1 Cor. 5:1ff) Suicide

4. What Sin Is This? It is not… Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Mk. 3:29) A “mortal” sin that brings death (in contrast to a “venial” sin that does not bring death) A specific sin; the general “a sin” or “sin” is used here (without the Greek article)

5. What Sin Is This? A “sin not unto death” is any sin that is confessed, renounced, repented of and forgiven by God, not leading to eternal death – the “second death” (1 Jn. 1:7-9; Prov. 28:13) A “sin unto death” is any sin that is never renounced, never repented of, leading to eternal death – the “second death” (Heb. 6:4-6)

6. For What Sinner Do We Pray? There are many examples of the faithful praying for sinners (Job 42:7-9; Gen. 20:7; Psa. 106:23; 2 Chron. 30:18-20; Ezek. 22:30; Amos 7:1-3) We pray for sinners who are humble and repentant (Jas. 4:7-10; 5:16-20) We do not pray for sinners who are hardened and unrepentant and have no intention of forsaking their sin (Jer. 7:16; 11:14; 14:11; 15:1-2)

7. Death or No Death? All sin is wrong and leads to immediate spiritual death (1 Jn. 3:4,14; 5:17; Gen. 2:17; Isa. 59:2; Rom. 6:23; Acts 8:22) All unrepented sins will lead to future eternal death – the “second death” (Rev. 2:11; 20:6,14; 21:8) The choice is yours: Isaiah 1:16-20; Ezekiel 18:26ff

8. Two Great Needs Today First, take the responsibility for the spiritual well-being of fellow-Christians. Do you “see your brother sinning” (v.16) and do anything about it? Second, take sin seriously, knowing that it can and will lead to fatal consequences if persisted in