In this difficult and often misunderstood passage John is considering the seriousness of continuing in sin. The outline of the passage: Originating with Satan Vs. 8 and practiced by men Vs. 4, 6-10 sin is lawlessness against God Vs. 4 . Christ came to take away sin Vs. 5 and destroy the work of the devil Vs. 8 . The logical conclusion is that whoever is born of God Vs. 9 and consequently abides in Him Vs. 6 does not go on sinning and whoever does go on sinning has not seen God and has not known him V. 6 ; he is not of God Vs. 10 .
