1 John 5:18 - Changed and sheltered lives

Scripture:

1 John 5:18
18 We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.
NASU


Thoughts:

John offers further proof of a true Christian:  a changed life.

The word translated "sins" here in Greek is in a tense that implies the present action of the believer, so that it is best understood to mean "practices sin."  Clearly John did not mean the slip-ups that are the experience of every believer, as he wrote earlier that if we claim to never sin, we are liars (1 John 1:8-2:2).

The point is, a Christian's lifestyle will not be a sinful one. 

And to whom does the credit go for this changed life?  Clearly to the Lord Himself.  It is Christ who both saved and keeps us -- how awesome are these truths!  To think that God protects us from the evil one.  He does not prevent us from choosing sin ourselves, but does all He can to give us safe spiritual passage through this life.


Prayer:

Lord, though satan is defeated in the lives of Christians, he does not give up his methods of intimidation and attack.  Help me to believe the truth and reject the lies he offers.  Your word is true.  Let me walk confidently in You, today.

And keep me from willful sin.  May it never even be thought of me, or anyone else in Christ, that we "practice" sin.  By Your power may I choose to walk in the light, and not in darkness.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.