1 John 3:4 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

The truth asserted in the preceding verse is so important, and the apostle knew so well that carnal men would be prone to flatter themselves that they might be admitted into heaven after they die, without being holy while they live, that he here enlarges on the important subject. Whosoever committeth sin That is, as the apostle here means, known sin, whether by doing actions which God hath forbidden, or by omitting duties which he hath enjoined, or by uttering words which are false, profane, slanderous, malicious, passionate, or trifling and foolish; or by indulging tempers contrary to those of Christ; transgresseth also the law The holy, just, and good law of God, and so sets his authority at naught; for sin is the transgression of the law Which is implied in the very nature of sin. The apostle's meaning is, That no one should think lightly of his sins, because every sin, even the least, being a violation of the law of God, if not repented of and pardoned, through faith in Christ, will most certainly be punished. And ye know that he, Christ, was manifested That he came into the world for this very purpose; to take away The guilt, power, and pollution of our sins By his atoning sacrifice, and the sanctifying influences of his word and Spirit; and in him is no sin So that he could not suffer on his own account, but to expiate our sins, and to make us like himself.