The identification and meaning of “sin leading to death” (1 John 5:16-17)

Abstract

The study explores the identification and meaning of “sin leading to death” in 1 John 5:16-17. The phrase “sin leading to death” is interpreted as a grave postbaptismal sin, intentional sin, persistence in sin, apostasy and rejection of Christ. If it is one of these then John is telling his community members not to pray for such a sinner for that sin leads to death. This study examines the meaning of the phrase in the first century from the Bible and extra-biblical literature. The first task was to evaluate the various interpretations of the phrase in relation to the general and specific historical setting of the epistle including the theology of the author. In surveying relevant background of the text in the OT, Intertestamental period and in the NT first century, the paper realizes that the apostle defined sin according to his worldview.The analysis concluded that sin leading to death in the first century was the rejection of Christ’s divinity and humanity in the Johannine community. To some it resulted in physical movement from the community of believers, the realm of life into the world, the realm of death. Believers can commit this sin but there is hope on a conditional basis.