Children of God, and children of the devil
Let us allow the apostle to interpret his own words, by the whole tenor of his discourse. In the fifth verse of this chapter he had said, "You know that he," Christ, "was manifested to take away our sins, and in him is no sin" (1 John 3:5). What inference does he draw from this? "Whoever abides in him does not sin (1 John 3:6). Whoever sins has not seen him, neither known him" (1 John 3:6).
To his pressing of this important doctrine he adds a highly necessary caution. "Little children, let no one deceive you" (1 John 3:7). For many will try to do so, to persuade you that you may be unrighteous, that you may commit sin, and yet be children of God. "He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous (1 John 3:7). He who commits sin is of the devil, for the devil sins from the beginning" (1 John 3:8).
Then follows: whoever is born of God "does not commit sin, for his seed remains in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." In this, the apostle adds, "the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil" (1 John 3:10). By this plain mark, the committing or not committing of sin, they are distinguished from each other.
To the same effect are those words in his fifth chapter (1 John 5). "We know that whoever is born of God does not sin, but he who is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one does not touch him" (1 John 5:18).
1771 text
6. Suffer we the apostle to interpret his own words, by the whole tenor of his discourse. In the fifth verse of this chapter he had said, Ye know that he (Christ) was manifested, to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. What is the inference he draws from this? Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. To his inforcement of this important doctrine, he promises an highly necessary caution: Little children, let no man deceive you, (for many will endeavour so to do; to persuade you that you may be unrighteous, that you may commit sin, and yet be children of God.) He that doth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. Then follows, 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. In this, adds the apostle, the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil. By this plain mark (the committing or not committing sin) are they distinguished from each other. To the same effect are those words in his fifth chapter, 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.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 18 in the 1771 Works. John 3:8.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.