And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: (15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (16) If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. (17) All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. (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. (19) And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. (20) And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (21) Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
I shall be very brief, in what remains in this Chapter, having already exceeded my limits. Indeed, what follows are but as so many inferences arising out of what had been said. God's children, quickened, regenerated, and made partakers in Christ of eternal life, may well be supposed to have great interest, from their union with Christ, at the court of heaven. Hence they are here told, that from their confidence concerning Jesus, whatsoever they ask, according to his will, (and never can they wish anything contrary to his will), he heareth them. It is as if Jesus threw the reins of government into their hands, agreeably to that scripture; Isaiah 45:11. And if the Reader remembers, the conversation of Jesus with his disciples before his departure, at his parting supper, and what followed, he will discover, that Jesus's whole heart is with his people. Whatsoever, you shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name, ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full; John 16:23-24
Let the Reader, as he passeth over the verse respecting the sin of his brother, observe, that this is spoken of a child of God. It is a brother in Christ. All sin is justly liable to death. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. And but for Christ, the surety, the whole race of men, both of the Church and out of it, must have died. But by virtue of Christ's redemption, the child of God comes not into the condemnation, or even the commission, much less the guilt of the unpardonable sin. But how blessedly doth the Apostle comfort God's children, in the assurance, that by regeneration he that is born of God, falls not into the danger of it, but keeps. And sweet is this evidence. Reader! if you are taught of God, you have the same evidence as John had. He hath made you also sensible of your lost estate by nature. He hath taught you who Christ is, and what he is able to perform. He hath made you out of love with yourself, and in love with him. And you are coming up out of the wilderness of this world, leaning upon Christ. Is it so with you? Then hath he given you an understanding to know him that is true, and then are you in him that is true, even in God's dear Son Jesus Christ. And then will you subscribe, with full consent of soul and heart, that Jesus Christ is the true God, yea, the only visible Jehovah; for He, and He alone, is come forth from the divine essence, to make known the otherwise unknown God!
I have often been struck at the concluding verse of this Epistle. Little children, keep yourselves from idols! W hat could John mean? Here is his last verse, his last words, his concluding address to the Church. Did he foresee, that in a Church calling itself Christian; idols would be put up? Was John looking so far on, as to many centuries after, when images and saints, and relics would be worshipped? Dear Lord, I would say for the true Church of Christ, in the present hour, do thou keep thy people, (for no man can keep alive his own soul), from the awful delusions all around! Men now may dare to call thy Godhead in question, no law of man preventing them. And others may arise, to introduce idols in the land. Precious Jesus watch over thy true Church, purchased so dearly by thy blood; and rendered so precious to thee, by thy Father's gift, and by the regenerating influence of God the Spirit! Methinks I hear my God and Savior say; Yes, In that day sing ye unto her, vineyard of red wine! I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment; lest any hurt it. I will keep it night and day; Isaiah 27:2-3. Oh! how safe and sure amidst all idols, which may desolate a nation abhorring Jesus, is the Church of Jesus! The gates of hell shall not prevail against it; Isaiah 49:7; Matthew 16:11.