Question:  Dear Greg,

            Could you please explain 1 John 5:16-17?  What is this sin that is not unto death?  Also explain 1 John 5:7.  Is it true that this verse is not found in some of the earlier manuscripts?  If this is true, what are the implications of this?

            David

Answer:  Dear David,

            The meaning of the phrase “not unto death” is understood in a variety of ways:

1.      Some believe that some kind of categorization of sin is being referred to, though other biblical passages contradict such delineation.

2.      Some think that any distinction about sin would be merely about those that lead immediately to our physical death, as we break health laws, laws of gravity, etc.—as opposed to our spiritual condition, which is another matter.

3.      Some feel that John is briefly alluding to the difference between deliberate and willful sin versus unintentional sin.

4.      Some believe that John is talking about the apostasy—those who are leaving the faith to follow heresy, not accepting the deity of Jesus Christ.  This sin, though not “unto death” on its own merits could fall within the category of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (see Matthew and Luke 12)—a willful disregard of God’s desire to accept and forgive all who repent and turn to him.

            The fact that 1 John 5:7 is what is described as a gloss has no implications for any major doctrine of the Christian faith, certainly not about the Trinity—if that subject motivates your thinking about this passage.  The Trinity does not stand or fall with 1 John 5:7.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht