1 John 5:18 We know that whoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not. 1. He "sinneth not." As regenerate, he has a new nature. The power of sin is broken in his soul, and therefore its influence over his character and conduct is subdued. 2. He "keepeth himself." The Holy Spirit, indeed, regulates his mind. But still, his own faculties and affections are in exercise; he voluntarily and earnestly endeavours to avoid sin and to practise righteousness; he steadily and energetically sets himself in opposition to the temptations by which he is beset, and, by the grace of God, he is successful. 3. The "wicked one toucheth him not." The devil may stand up against him; he may even sometimes gain an advantage over him. But to overpower — to conquer — him, is beyond the utmost of Satan's arts and efforts. (A. S. Patterson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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