Bible Reading: Ezekiel 47, 48, 1 John 3.
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” – 1 John 3:9 (KJV)
When a tree bears fruit, it bears its kind. So also when human beings give birth to children, they also are of their kind. This is in line with the commandments of God in Genesis 1:11 (KJVS), “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.” That is the order of God and so anyone who is a true child of God must behave like God. This is why the bible says in Psalm 82:6 (KJVS), “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”
So it is expected that every one who gives his life to Christ is truly born again and has a seed of God planted in him and so should grow to be like God. The Holy Ghost is resident in the life of every true believer. 1 Corinthians 6:19 KJVS confirms “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” So with this, a true child of God should have the Holy Ghost live in him and directing him on what he should do. This is why 1 John 3:9 (KJVS) says; “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” This is why some preachers say once saved is forever saved! But this is wrong! Judas Iscariot was saved but he lost his salvation! Anyone who does not guard his salvation with fear and trembling will lose it. ( Phil 2:12 ).
However 1 John 3:9 refers to Jesus Christ who was born of God and so could not commit sin (2 Cor 5:21) while every born again child of God has the grace to be like Christ. Anyone who is like Christ cannot commit sin but whosoever is not like him yet can still commit sin. Hence the charge that we need to work our salvation out with fear and trembling. Jesus Christ was image of God on earth and that gave him victory over sin ( 2 Cor. 4:4 ). So we should all work by grace to be the image of Christ so as to be above sin!
Action Plan:
Examine yourself to identify the little sins in your life and call upon God to show you the way to overcome them in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero