forgiveness of sins through confession and repentance. It seems, then, that John may be thinking of a type of person rather than a type of action, specifically the nonbeliever who is not a “brother” (v. 16). Combining these preliminary conclusions, it seems that John’s reference to a “sin that leads to death” (v. 16) builds on the condemnation of idolatry at v. 21. Several OT passages pass the death sentence on those who practice idolatry and witchcraft (Ex 22:18; Lev 26:27–30; Dt 17:2–5; 18:9–13).