WHATSOEVER IS BORN OF GOD CANNOT SIN.
DOES this text teach that it is impossible for a true Christian to commit sin? That were to contradict observation, experience, and Scripture. A misunderstanding of the word "cannot," lies at the basis of such an interpretation. When Nehemiah was engaged in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, his enemies sought to allure him to a conference. He replied, "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down" (Neh. 6:3); which language, of course, means that he was, not physically, but morally unable to do so. In 1 Cor. 10:21 we read, "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils." So far as physical ability was concerned, these persons could do both. The idea intended to be expressed is obviously that Christian consistency placed them under moral constraint not to do so. In like manner if I, a total abstainer, were asked to take wine with a friend, I might reply, "I cannot do so." He, and everyone would understand me as meaning, "My principles do not allow me to do so, and therefore I will not." I submit that it is in this sense that the word "cannot" is used in the passage under consideration. So explaining it, whilst it does not teach that it is impossible for a Christian to sin, it does teach that he is under the strongest possible obligation to avoid sin, and that so long as acting in character, he avails himself of the strength which is in Christ Jesus, he will not sin.—Selected.