Köstenberger: Conduct in keeping with nature

With this John makes clear the proper foundation of biblical, Christian ethics: the new, spiritual birth, which enables believers to act righteously and to be purified when they sin. “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning” (3:6). Conversely, “no one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him” (3:6). In characteristic black-and-white fashion, John contends that there are only two kinds of individuals—those who are born again and those who are not. The former’s life will exhibit a characteristic pattern of righteous behavior; the latter’s conduct will be sinful in keeping with their unregenerate nature (cf. Titus 1:15–16).

Köstenberger, A. J. (2009). A Theology of John’s Gospel and Letters: The Word, the Christ, the Son of God (p. 267). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

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