9:31Does this mean literally that no prayer from any sinner will ever be answered by God?
9:31 Does this mean literally that no prayer from any sinner will ever be answered by God?
No! This statement by the blind man is meant to be understood only in the context of what was said - that if Jesus were not from God He could have done nothing to heal the man's blindness; God does not work miracles through sinners (CP V 31-34 also 10:19-21).
There is a record throughout Scripture of God answering prayers of sinners (CP Judg 3:9, 15; 6:7-10; 10:6-18; 20:18-28; 1Ki 1:25-29; 2Chr 33:9-13; Lu 7:36-50; 18:9-14; Jn 5:46-53).
God will especially answer the prayers of repentant sinners (CP Ac 2:21; 1Jn 1:9). See also comments on 1Jn 1:9.