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This study explores the idea that some believers can stumble over the tension between verses like 1 John 5:18, which states that one born of God “does not sin,” and earlier statements in the same letter that acknowledge the ongoing presence of sin in the Christian life (cf. 1 John 1:8-9).
At first glance, these passages can seem contradictory, especially without an awareness of John’s concise writing style and the theological framework of the believer’s two natures. Understanding the distinction between the new nature that cannot sin and the old nature that still can not only resolves the apparent conflict but also brings clarity, comfort, and confidence.
Therefore, rather than creating fear or confusion, these verses highlight the believer’s secure position in Christ, the resources God provides for daily victory, and the assurance that the evil one cannot ultimately touch the child of God.
Is there a Scripture that states that one who is born of God does not sin – as specifically found in First John, chapter five?
Yes, there is a Scripture that states this. First John 5:18 says, "We know that no one who was born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him." This verse is often understood to mean that the new nature given to a believer at regeneration does not sin.
The phrase "no one who was born of God sins" refers to the new nature within the believer, which is incapable of sinning. However, the believer still has an old sin nature that can sin, and Christians do sin in practice. This verse emphasizes the reality that the believer is kept and protected by God, and the evil one cannot ultimately harm the believer's soul.
It is important to understand that this verse does not teach that Christians never sin. Other Scriptures, such as 1 John 1:8, clearly state that believers do sin. The new nature is holy and cannot sin, but the old nature remains in the believer until glorification.
When a believer sins, it affects fellowship with God but does not affect their eternal salvation, which is secure by faith alone in Christ alone. So, the statement that one who is born of God does not sin refers to the new nature within the believer, not to the believer's entire experience or practice.
- 1 John 5:18 — “We know that no one who was born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.”
- 1 John 1:8 — “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
- Romans 6:6 — “Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin.”
“No one who is born of God practices sin … ‘when abiding in Him’…” Dr. Woods discusses the need to maintain the context from 1 John 3:6 when later expounding on 1 John 3:9. He further explains how ubiquitous shorthand was often used by John and many New Testament writers due to limited resources such as ink and parchment. Without awareness of this, some may misconstrue what is being communicated.
Housekeeping Note: This video had to be linked to YouTube™ due to a malfunction in the SLBC™ video player when attempting to advance to the 56:45 timestamp.
“The new nature cannot sin… Now the old nature can sin… Have you noticed that?…” Dr. Woods explains the difference between the two natures a believer possesses after conversion, and how these natures compete for dominance throughout the believer’s life.
He further expounds on God’s protective work (e.g., Christ’s intercession), and how God may remove protective hedges to teach believers to rely on His resources by faith. These resources include:
- Our baptism into Christ’s death and life
- The indwelling power described in Romans 8
- The full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–20)
“If you go over to 1 John chapter five, verse 18… John says ‘we know that no one who is born of God sins’… Now, that’s the context of the new nature…”
Dr. Woods explains that if John meant Christians never sin, he would not have written 1 John 1:8–9. The point is that the new nature does not sin.
He also discusses how believers sometimes return to the old sin nature—not because they are enslaved to it, but because they want to—and how this leads to negative consequences.