1 John 5:17
The sermon explains that all unrighteousness is sin, but God's mercy and forgiveness give hope for repentance and life.
John Gill emphasizes that all unrighteousness is sin, which incurs God's wrath and is deserving of death. However, he reassures believers that not all unrighteousness leads to death, citing examples like David and Peter, whose sins were grave yet forgiven through repentance and God's grace. This message serves to comfort weak believers who may fear their sins are unforgivable, reminding them of God's mercy and the promise of forgiveness for those who repent.
Text
Ver. 17. All unrighteousness is sin,....
All unrighteousness against God or man is a sin against the law of God, and the wrath of God is revealed against it, and it is deserving of death; yet all unrighteousness is not unto death, as the sins of David, which were unrighteousness both to God and man, and yet they were put away, and he died not; Peter sinned very foully, and did great injustice to his dear Lord, and yet his sin was not unto death; he had repentance unto life given him, and a fresh application of pardoning grace:
and there is a sin not unto death; this is added for the relief of weak believers, who hearing of a sin unto death, not to be prayed for, might fear that theirs were of that kind, whereas none of them are; for though they are guilty of many unrighteousnesses, yet God is merciful to them and forgives, Heb 8:12, and so they are not unto death.
Sermon Outline
- Definition of Sin
- Consequences of Sin
- Exceptions to Sin unto Death
- Relief for Weak Believers
- God's mercy and forgiveness
- No sin is unto death
- Repentance and forgiveness
Key Quotes
“All unrighteousness is sin,.... All unrighteousness against God or man is a sin against the law of God, and the wrath of God is revealed against it, and it is deserving of death;” — John Gill
“and there is a sin not unto death; this is added for the relief of weak believers, who hearing of a sin unto death, not to be prayed for, might fear that theirs were of that kind, whereas none of them are;” — John Gill
Application Points
- Recognize that all unrighteousness is sin and deserving of death.
- Have hope in God's mercy and forgiveness, which gives repentance unto life.
- Do not fear that your sins are unto death, but instead seek God's pardon and forgiveness.