MSJ 1:1 (Spr 90) p. 27 of sin was not actually observed on a continual basis. In light of the above evidence, the most plausible explanation for the sin which leads to death is that it refers to habitual and continual sinning of a professing brother. The apostle probably has no particular sin in mind, for the present participle, hamartanonta, denotes not an act of sin but a continuing state. The second issue which confronts the interpreter in 1 John 5:16 is the nature of the