In this passage, the apostle John reinforces the tests of faith he has already established. True believers have the Holy Spirit living within them and He will never be comfortable in sin. The Christian can grieve the Holy Spirit, quench the Holy Spirit, and resist the Holy Spirit, but He cannot deny the Holy Spirit. The apostle John gives three reasons as to why true Christians do not habitually practice sin. Sin is incompatible with the word of God, the work of Christ, and the will of the Holy Spirit. Although the child of God may willfully and rebelliously choose to sin, he will not escape the chastening hand of God, the compassionate commands of Christ, or the convicting counsel of the Holy Spirit.