Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 John 3:9

"Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God." — 1 John 3:9 (ASV)

John summarizes what he has said. In v.6 he stated that no one who “lives in him” can practice a life of sin. Here he adds that “no one who is born of God” or has “God’s seed” in him can “continue to sin.” Both elements are necessary for understanding John’s theology of community. Believers must “live” in him. The Father in turn must live in the believers (3:24; 4:12; cf. Jn 14:20; 17:21–23). If we do live in him, “we are removed” from life under the dominion of Satan. And if he lives in us, then our life will be his life in us and we will live even as he lived.