1 John 5:18
“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”
Context:This verse is found in the first epistle of John, which was written by the Apostle John to a community of believers.
In this particular verse, John emphasizes the distinction between those who are born of God and those who are not. Let’s break it down and explore its meaning. “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not”: This statement asserts that those who are born of God, referring to believers who have experienced spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ, do not habitually live in a state of sin. This does not mean that Christians are entirely sinless, for elsewhere in the Bible, it is acknowledged that believers still struggle with sin (1 John 1:8). However, the emphasis here is on the transformative power of being born of God, which leads to a life characterized by righteousness and a turning away from the practice of sin. “But he that is begotten of God keepeth himself”: The phrase “he that is begotten of God” refers to the one who has been born again, who has become a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Such a person is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and receives the power and guidance to live a life that pleases God. The phrase “keepeth himself” means that the believer guards and maintains their spiritual life, relying on the enabling grace of God to resist the temptations of sin and to pursue a life of holiness. It implies an active participation on the part of the believer in maintaining their spiritual well‑being. “And that wicked one toucheth him not”: The “wicked one” refers to the devil or Satan, who is the enemy of God and seeks to lead people astray and undermine their faith. This statement declares that the one who is born of God, who keeps themselves in a close relationship with God, is protected from the touch or grasp of the evil one. This does not mean that believers are exempt from spiritual battles or temptations, but it emphasizes the victory and protection they have in Christ, as well as the power to resist the devil (James 4:7).
