1 John 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.
This verse simply says that we should not continue in sin after being born again because we have the Son, the Way, Truth, Life, and Light, with us through the Holy Spirit. The link between abiding in the Son and the Son abiding in us (see John 15) is linked to our response of faith and obedience. This verse shows that we have a new identity and new power source to overcome the problem of sin. Walking in faith and obedience to the commands of Christ will begin to transform us from the deepest part of our being and our worldview, values, and behaviors begin to change to conform more to his image. The important thing to remember on this journey of faith is that we do not do this alone. We cannot walk in the light of Christ without his help. His help is available to those who seek it. As Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:22-23: “May God sanctify you completely . . . the one who calls is faithful and will do it.” There is a contradiction between being a child of God and still living in the darkness of sin. There is no reason to walk in darkness if the light is within us. John is essentially saying what is found in other parts of the Bible: Become who you are! We are children of God. His light is in us. The Light of the world is changing us. Let’s be obedience and open to what the Triune God wants to do in our life.
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