effects of sin on fellowship with God examination of Ἁmαρtia in 1 John 2:28—3:9

Abstract

The correct study of 1 John 2:28—3:9 provides the right understanding of sin and its effects hence correcting shallow and erroneous understanding of sin and its effects on fellowship with God. In the African Intigeneous religions (AIRs), one does evil because something is wrong with them, for example, a witch causes harm to people because they have an evil eye.1 This and many others represent shallow and erroneous understang of the concept of sin and its effects to fellowship with God. If beleivers’ understanding of the concept of sin is shallow or erreneous because of the influence of AIRs or other factors, then they are likely to misunderstand the biblical teaching on sin and its effects on fellowship with God. Chapter one of this study has provided an introduction to the study, chapter two has provided a list of Bibliographies that are discussed in the study, Chapter three has given an exegesis of 1 John 2: 28—3: 9 while chapter four has given a summary, cuclussion and application of the study. The researcher has done an exegesis of the selected text based on The Greek New Testament the fifth revised edition.2 This study has found out that, God is light and in him is no darkness at all 1John 1:5. This implies that God is righteus in his nature and he does not coexist win sin. According to this study, all believers sin from time to time and obtain forgiveness from sin and cleansing from all unrightiousness when they confess 1 John 1: 8–9. This study has also established that the seed of God dwell in believers 1 John 3: 9. The incompatibility of the seed of God and sin make it impossible for believers to live a victorious christian life with unconfessed sin. Those who live a life of unconfessed sin are of the devil 1 John 3: 8 and therefore have no fellowship with God.