We find many hard problems in the first Epistle of John. They arise from the sweeping statements he makes, and the sharp line of division he draws between light and darkness. He appears to know no middle ground, to make no allowance. He most certainly leaves no room for compromises between Christ and the world, nor for lukewarm lives. In this there is no difficulty; but the problem comes in when we remember that the best of us has his faults; and while there is no inherent necessity for it (as some seem to think), yet the fact remains that true Christians are known to stumble at times. But while John makes his statements so absolutely, and draws such sharp lines, we must note two facts that throw light on the whole Epistle. First, he constantly exhorts them to fulfill the conditions necessary for this perfect approval of God. If in 3:9 he says that the begotten of God "doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him," he exhorts them in 2:24 to "let" it abide [92] in them. He utterly condemns those who love the world and those who love not their brethren; yet he exhorts those whom he regards as God's people not to love the world, and urges them to love one another. Secondly, though he entirely shuts out sin and sinners, he not only admits the possibility of a Christian's sinning, but makes provision for his restoration. (Chapter 2:1, 2; 5:16.) The Savior's teaching in Matt. 7:16-20 presents the same difficulty. Both are sweeping in their statements, and demand a pure goodness which indeed is answered perfectly by that new nature created within us, that new man who is begotten of God (cf. John 3:6) and who is perfectly good, but as yet encumbered and hindered by the old man "who waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit." The flesh does its evil works when it gets a chance; and the Spirit brings forth his fruit. Our business is to put off the old man, to put to death the members which are on earth, by the Spirit to put to death the deeds of the body, to crucify the flesh, so that the perfect man begotten within us, who is after the image of him that created him, may have entire control.

[TAG 92-93]