The Sins of the Regenerate
Bp. Hackett. 1 John 3:9 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. The apostle having exhorted the saints to whom he writes in the former chapter to abide in Christ and to do righteousness (vers. 28, 29), follows on this exhortation with several arguments that a true Christian is not only bound to do so, but that he indeed doth so. 1. From that hope which hath eternal happiness for its object (vers. 2, 3). Where this hope is truly founded it will inflame us with a desire after holiness. 2. From the contrariety of sin to the law of God. A Christian who is guided by this law will not transgress it. 3. From the end of Christ's coming, which was to take away sin (ver. 5). 4. From the communion they have with Christ; abiding in Him. 5. From the first author of sin, the devil; he that sins hath a communion with the devil (ver. 8), as he that doth righteousness hath a communion with Christ. 6. From the new nature of a Christian, which hinders him from sin (ver. 9). (Bp. Hackett.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. WEB: Whoever is born of God doesn't commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he can't sin, because he is born of God.