4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
1 JOHN 3:4-6 ESV
No one wants to drink water that looks murky because it may mean the water is contaminated and it is unsafe to drink. For water to be drinkable, it needs to go through a purifying process, and it is crucial to confirm our water has been purified or treated before drinking.
In verse 1 of this chapter, John drew our attention to the great love that God lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And for that reason, John reminded God’s children to purify themselves just as God is pure. (1 John 3:3) And sin, like the substances that cloud the water, attacks the relationship between God and His children.
How do God’s children remain pure? Is it possible for us not to sin?
Praise the Lord that He purifies us, and He keeps us pure.
Jesus purifies us
You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
1 John 3:5
The Son of God appeared. Once and for all, He took away our sins. His name, Jesus, speaks for His mission – to save His people from sin. And by taking our place on the cross, He cleansed us. He is the One who purified us and freed us from the bondage of sin. As a result, sin can no longer have power over us!
Jesus keeps us pure
Purified water needs to be stored properly to maintain its quality. How do God’s children remain pure when sin still exists in our world? Christians would still struggle against temptations and sin, and these are real challenges we face every day. Just as people would store their precious clean water, Jesus also keeps us in Him。
No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
1 John 3:6
“Keep on sinning” means a settled, continued lifestyle of sin. If we abide in Christ, we will not keep on sinning. This does not mean we will not be stumbled by sin. Galatians 6:1 tells us that there will be times we are caught in sin. However, the new life we received from Christ does not give in to the pattern of sin, and it won’t let sin dominate our lifestyle. How is that achieved? We can remain pure by abiding in Christ. Just like the branches need to be connected to the vine to bear fruit (John 15:5). When we abide in the Lord, He also abides in us. He became our strength and help, empowering us to choose to live a holy and victorious life.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
He is the one who purifies, and He is also the one who keeps us pure. Give thanks to Him, and trust in Him.
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