Our Utter Sinlessness and Sinfulness

Starting with a brief run-through of the section, we examine the issue of John's controversial statement - as translated in the King James Version - that Christians cannot sin. Three of the most common interpretations are considered, and one is highlighted as the most satisfactory: that the new creature, being united to Christ, is incapable of sin, but that our present behaviours are a result of both that influence and the promptings of the flesh and of Satan. This explains why the product of the inner war is so often unrighteous. At the resurrection, we shall be freed from the body of death and live sinlessly forever.