“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”– 1 John 5:18 (KJV)
“We know that God’s children do not sin, but those who are born of God keep themselves safe, and the evil one cannot touch them.”– 1 John 5:18 (NLT)
“We know that anyone born of God does not sin; the one who is born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.”– 1 John 5:18 (MSG)
What Does 1 John 5:18 Mean?
This passage, found in 1 John 5:18, speaks about the profound relationship we have with God as His children and the impact that relationship has on our lives. The verses remind us of the powerful security we possess when we are born of God. The underlying message is that true believers, those who have genuinely accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, do not continue in a lifestyle of sin. This does not imply that we will never sin again, for we know from other parts of Scripture that everyone falls short (Romans 3:23). Instead, it highlights a transformation that takes place in our lives. When we accept Jesus, we are given a new nature, and our desires are changed. We start to cultivate a desire to please God rather than ourselves or the world.
When the verse mentions that “the wicked one toucheth him not,” it reassures us that the influence and domination of evil cannot overpower us if we are rooted and grounded in our faith. Rather than living in fear, we can live boldly, knowing that we are under God’s protection. This protection does not mean that we will escape all trials or temptations, but it does signify that we have the tools necessary to resist them effectively. We will encounter challenges, but when we lean on God and His Word, we are equipped to withstand, just as Ephesians 6:10-18 calls us to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
1 John 5:18 Explanation and Commentary
Expounding on the meaning of 1 John 5:18 requires us to explore the context and theological implications behind it. The phrase “whosoever is born of God sinneth not” emphasizes that those who genuinely belong to Christ can no longer see sin as their way of life. Of course, this doesn’t mean we won’t stumble and fall; instead, it signifies a heart transformation. Once we are born anew (John 3:3), our hearts are changed to align with God’s desires. Our perspective on sin alters, and we become increasingly repellent to the idea of sinning deliberately.
The second part of the verse reminds us that “he that is begotten of God keepeth himself.” Here, we are called to actively participate in our faith. Our salvation is a gift, but we have a role in maintaining our spiritual well-being. This signifies the importance of staying close to God through prayer, reading the Bible, fellowship with believers, and living out our faith in actionable ways. When we keep our focus on God, we remain insulated from the negative influences of the world.
The last part, “that wicked one toucheth him not,” reflects the assurance of God’s protective hand over our lives. The reference is to Satan, who roams like a lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Our relationship with Jesus establishes a barrier. While we may face temptations and assaults, ultimately, they cannot overwhelm us because we are under God’s care. This assurance gives us peace, knowing that we are not alone in this spiritual battle.
Understanding this verse propels us into a living faith, a faith that arms us with confidence and security. Knowing that we belong to God shapes our interactions, decisions, and our hearts’ desires as we live out our faith through love and obedience.
Context of 1 John 5:18
To truly appreciate 1 John 5:18, we must consider the broader context of the book of 1 John. The Apostle John writes this letter to a community of believers, likely addressing concerns about false teachings and the importance of assurance in faith. Chapter 5 discusses the victory that comes through faith and emphasizes that those who believe in Jesus Christ are genuinely born of God.
In the broader scope of 1 John, this verse’s placement highlights the importance of living out our faith authentically. Earlier, John outlines what it means to truly love others, live in obedience, and have fellowship with God. The connection is clear: living as children of God means rejecting sin and embracing a lifestyle that pleases Him. John’s teaching breaks down the essential nature of salvation, love, and truth.
Furthermore, contextually, the references to being born of God and keeping oneself safe resonate with earlier verses that speak about loving one another (1 John 4:7) and the assurance of eternal life (1 John 5:13). When we grasp our identity in Christ, it shapes how we love others, live in the world, and resist temptation.
Overall, the apostle encourages believers to renew their understanding and reaffirm their faith, reminding them of the security they have in Christ and their call to live according to that truth. As we engage with 1 John, we are challenged to deepen our connection with God and reflect that love outwardly.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 John 5:18
The beauty of 1 John 5:18 lies in its depth and simplicity. Breaking down its key components reveals rich truths that can transform our understanding of our faith. The first key phrase, “whosoever is born of God,” signifies an invitation to anyone and everyone. This broad access reminds us that anyone willing to come to Christ and accept Him can experience this new birth. It emphasizes a personal relationship with God rather than a rigid set of religious rules. We are invited to embrace a new identity.
Next, we see the phrase “sinneth not.” This indicates a departure from habitual sin. It emphasizes that our lives should reflect our new nature in Christ. While we may falter, the overall trajectory of our lives changes. The call is to recognize those tendencies and work against them through God’s power rather than resigning ourselves to defeat. By focusing on living a life that pleases God, we demonstrate our commitment to our faith.
The statement “but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself” could rightly be perceived as self-responsibility. Remaining vigilant in our faith journey is crucial. We cannot disregard the need to cultivate our relationship with God. This involves being proactive—praying, studying the Word, and engaging with fellow believers. By actively focusing on spiritual growth, we develop a stronger resistance to the temptation and sin that surrounds us.
Lastly, “that wicked one toucheth him not” delivers a rich promise. We can find comfort in knowing that God’s protection surrounds us. It signifies that evil cannot dominate our lives; we have an advocate in Christ who stands between us and the influence of darkness. This assurance is paramount in navigating a world full of distractions and challenges. By resting in God’s promise, we develop a mindset of confidence and security.
Lessons to Learn From 1 John 5:18
Every passage of Scripture has valuable lessons for us, and 1 John 5:18 is no exception. These verses demand reflection on our identity as children of God and how that shapes our response to sin and temptation. The reminder that we are born of God is fundamental. It instills a sense of belonging to a larger family and underscores the value of understanding our new identity in Christ. This identity shapes our actions, motivations, and perspectives.
From the notion of “sinneth not,” we are urged to examine ourselves continuously. Recognizing the areas in our lives where we struggle with sin helps us become intentional about seeking God’s help to overcome those obstacles. This process is not about guilt but growth. We should strive for a heart that desires to align with God’s will and actively chooses paths of righteousness.
The responsibility to “keep ourselves” emphasizes our role in partnering with God. We cannot wait passively for changes to occur; rather, we must engage with God and intentionally guide our spiritual journey. We should foster practices that sharpen our hearts, such as prayer, worship, and community involvement. Remaining connected to God builds our spiritual immunity against temptation.
The promise that “the wicked one toucheth him not” encourages us to confidently trust in God’s protection. Knowing we are shielded by God allows us to face trials without fear. Our faith reassures us that we can withstand challenges because God is greater. Such confidence helps us approach life with an attitude of peace and assurance.
Final Thoughts
1 John 5:18 surrounds us with fundamental truths about our identity in Christ and the salvation we have as God’s children. The promises of protection and transformation urge us to live authentically in response to God’s love. As we embrace what it means to be born of God, we are drawn into a deep relationship with Him that shapes our character and desires.
Let us actively resist the temptations that come our way and be certain that we are protected by God’s love and grace. This journey involves constant growth and vigilance, so let’s remain engaged with God, His Word, and our fellow believers. Reflecting on this verse renews our spirit and encourages us to nurture our faith actively. If you’re eager to explore further, you might be interested in reading more about 1 John 5:1 or dive into the theme of love in 1 John 4:21.