THERE IS SIN UNTO DEATH
"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it." 1 John 5:16.
I have omitted the indefinite article "a" in the "heading"as translated by W. Kelly, and found in italics in Newberrys' text of the A.V.
This scripture has been on my heart for a little season. I believe the reason I have been exercised by it is in view of the fact that "among us" there are "many weak and sickly and many are fallen asleep." 1 Corinthians 11:30. I hasten to add that I am absolutely unable to read hearts, or to judge situations, those prerogatives belong unto the Lord alone. Nor am I suggesting that many of Gods' servants have been "taken away" as a disciplinary measure on His part. No doubt in His sovereignty He determined that He "wanted" them more than we do or deserve! But there is nevertheless a considerable lack of discipline exercised in many Assemblies where it is quite apparent such action must be taken! Where we fail in this, the Lord acts in chastening those who need to be dealt with AND those who fail in their responsibility to uphold the honour of His name; "For the time is come that judgment must begin from the House of God." 1 Peter 4:17.
But it is precious to know that it is only those "whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." Hebrews 12:6.
For my part, I confess that I have known the Lords' hand in severe chastening tempered with long-suffering mercy. Thus I believe any saint will realise such divine dealings. My "sin" was not "unto death," but I believe if it had been otherwise I would have known that too; I have heard of a case, if not more than one where this obtained, and the smitten saint asked that others would NOT "pray for it." We must leave the matter with God.
Without the indefinite article the force seems to refer to a state or condition, rather than some specific "sin." Of course, believers only are being addressed and "death" can only be physical, bodily death!
[We obviously distinguish this verse in Johns' First Epistle from the "unpardonable sin" recorded in Matthew 12:31,32. The "sin," the offender, the penalty, and the dispensation are each and ALL different! Here we have an unregenerate soul whose punishment is the "second death."]
Beloved brethren and sisters in Christ as His followers, "as a Christian" let us "not be ashamed, but glorify God in this name." 1 Peter 4:16.
