Definition: Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this really beautiful and profound verse from 1 John 3:6. It’s a complex idea, but we can simplify it to understand its core message. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says that anyone who lives according to God's love is completely free from sin. It’s saying that genuine faith and loving God leads you to a state where you don’t need to worry about breaking God’s rules or doing wrong. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Whosoever abideth in him..." – This is the key phrase. “Abide” means to stay with someone, to be present with them, and to live a life that follows their example. “Him” refers to God. So, "abiding in him" means living a life that's consistent with God’s will. "... sinneth not..." – This means doesn't commit any sins. It's about living a righteous and moral life. "...whosoever sinneth hath not seen him..." – This is the surprising part! It means that anyone who lives in God’s love hasn’t actually seen God or experienced God’s presence. It's like saying, "Anyone who loves God doesn't have a direct experience of God." "...neither known him." – This is the final, and perhaps most profound part. It means that you don’t know God in the way we do – you don’t have a deep, personal understanding of his nature or how he works. You don't know God on a level of complete comprehension. In short: This verse is saying that genuine faith and love are so powerful that they make us completely free from temptation and sin. We don’t need to try to understand God – we simply are in his way. Why is this important? It's a message of ultimate peace and security. It suggests that God's love is sufficient for our souls, making us safe from the consequences of our actions. --- Analogy: Think of it like this: You are walking down a path. If you’re truly living in God’s love, you don’t need to study the rules of the path; you simply follow it. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its connection to other Bible passages?