Beginning of Essay
The question at hand is "?" At first glance it seems like a relatively simple question. Of course Christians sin. I've been taught my whole life that Christians sin and God forgives. But as I begin to read 1 John, the question becomes a bit less clear. As I begin ....

Middle of Essay
.... we have all sinned and that there is sin in us. Chapter 2 begins with an admonition to not sin, "but if anyone does sin," there is forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Sin in this passage is something within us that we have all at one time acted on, but now, as followers of Christ, must flee from. Chapter 5 brings yet another complication to this whole process. Here in v.16 is brought in the difference between mortal and not-mortal sin. The Johannine community believed that one could intercede for a brother or sister for forgiveness of a sin that is not mortal. The author goes so far as to say that you should not pray about the sin that is mortal. The ....