Section 7
in 1 John 3:10, we have the term "the children of the Devil." Because the Devil is the father of sin ners, the sinners are "the children of the Devil." The Devil is the old serpent (Rev. 12:9; 20:2), and the sinners are also the "serpents, the gen eration of vipers" (Matt. 23:33; 3:7). Hence, they need the Lord to be lifted up for them in the form of the serpent on the cross (John 3:14).
THE SLAVES OF SIN
Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin (8:34). A slave is always under a certain bondage. Satan, the Devil, has brought all humankind under the bondage of sin by imparting himself into man as the sinful nature that compels man to sin. It is impossible for anyone to free himself from such a slavery.
THE RESULT OF SIN—DEATH
The result of sin is death (8:24, 51-52). In verse 24 the Lord said, "Unless you believe that I am, you shall die in your sins." Death came in through sin. "Death passed to all men because all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12). As long as one has sinned, he is destined for death. Thus, the result of sin is death.