A LIFE CUT SHORT

The meaning of the following verse has been explained by Bible scholars in several ways ... 

If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. (1 John 5:16)

There are three camps ...   

• Some believe that God cleanses the church by removing Christians who continue in unrepentant sin. Paul's admonition concerning a man sleeping with his father's wife is used to support this position ...  When you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 5:4-5)

• For those who don't believe in 'eternal security' (i.e. once saved, always saved), the passage refers to a loss of salvation and spiritual death. They justify their stand with these verses ... It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss, they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. (Hebrews 6:4-6)

• Others insist that 1 John 5:16 is simply 'physical death' brought on by the consequences of sin (i.e. alcohol, drugs, or tobacco-related health problems for example). Christians are not exempt from paying a stiff price for carnal behavior. That is why we are given this command ... Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds. (Ephesians 4:22-23)

It is good to read what trusted commentators say, but don't allow them to be the only source of interpretation. Your personal edification is important. Prayerfully study the Word of God for yourself ... for He is not the author of confusion, but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33) 

The Holy Spirit will satisfy your hunger for divine truth ... For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew 7:8)

Take it in, soak it up.