The Unforgivable Sin Revealed

[Mortis]

There are 4 different places in the Bible where the unforgivable sin is mentioned. Three times in the New Testament. Once in the Old Testament. It's a subject that a lot of people are confused about, because they usually only read the reference to it found in Mark Chapter 3, where Christ calls it "blashpheming the Holy Spirit". But when you compare that reference with the other 3 times it's mentioned, the picture becomes a bit more clear. This thread will address and examine all 4 passages about the unforgivable sin. Once you see all 4 scriptures, you'll know for sure whether you're committing it or not.

Let's start with Mark chapter 3, since this one is the most well known. I'm using the KJV:

And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme.But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

Now, before you read the next reference, keep this in mind. When the pharisees accused Jesus of having a demon, they were making a ridiculous claim. They knew that he had miraculously saved people from demon possession, and performed many other holy miracles. They had knowledge of the truth. And yet they were still slandering him, and saying that he casts out demons by the power of demons, which doesn't even make sense.

Now, read the next reference, and notice that this one also mentions "blaspheming the spirit". This is found in Hebrews chapter 10:

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?

This one is much more specific. Now you see that the unforgivable sin is simply any willful and intentional sin that you insist on committing even though God commands against it. It's true that nobody is perfect, and we all fall short at times. But if you just outright decide not to obey God, and continue to sin whenever you want, there is no longer any sacrifice for that sin. It's mentioned again in Hebrews chapter 6:

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Grasp this. If you don't restrain yourself from sin, and proceed to keep doing it in defiance. You are literally crucifying the savior all over again. This unforgivable sin has existed even before christ's time. As mentioned above, it's found in the old testament too. Numbers 15:

But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

Jesus and the apostles were simply reteaching what was already taught in the torah. If you hate the word of God so much that you have no intention of following His commandments, you can't be forgiven. It's a very clear truth that sin can restrict you from salavation. But only the sins that you refuse to repent for. And to repent means to change your mind about them.

Now, with this mind, you can see that it is possible to be forgiven for all your short comings. Even if you have insulted the Holy Spirit at some point. You just need to be willing to acknowledge sin for what it is, and be willing to change. Refusing to repent is tantamount to rebellion against God.

The last thing I want to point out is the definition of sin. It's very important that everyone understands this.

1 John 3:4- Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Please understand. God knows that nobody is perfect. But a condition of salvation is repentence. Living in denial about what defines sin is tantamount to rebellion against God's commandments. You're not expected to achieve sinlessess like His Son. But the least you can do is try not to sin, and not use the spirit of grace as a door mat for unrestricted sin.

"Jesus abolished his fathers law! Now I can break it as much as I want!"

It always saddens me when I hear dangerous claims like that.

 

[Utah]

"Jesus abolished his fathers law! Now I can break it as much as I want!"

Jesus says He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, so folks who say the above are wrong on two counts.

 

[Mortis]

"Jesus abolished his fathers law! Now I can break it as much as I want!"

Jesus says He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, so folks who say the above are wrong on two counts.

Yes, I know. But I felt I needed to bring it up, because a lot of people are saying that the word "abolish" and "fulfill" mean the same thing. And they don't. According to the websters dictionary, the word "fulfill" means "to bring to completion". And right after Jesus made that statment, he began to expand God's law, and teach things about it that weren't previously known. For example he said: "You know it written not to commit adultery. But I tell you that if you even look at a women with lust in your eyes, you have committed adultery with her in your heart." This would be fulfilling the command of not to commit adultery.

 

[sparkman]

Mortis is Eliwood is Gespent.

He is a "Torah observer" who keeps coming back under phony IDs and pressing 119ministries.com and Restored Church of God materials and teachings. I loosely use the phrase "Torah Observer" because he obviously doesn't mind lying.

Eliwood has set up yet another user ID Mortis to evade bans, using false information.

I highly suggest that you don't view his cultic videos from 119Ministries.

I sent an email to him about this and confronted his deceitful behavior in this regard.

Here was his reply:

Originally Posted by Mortis Abraham lied to the egyptians about Sarai being his sister. David got his wife to lie to Saul's soliders about where he was, so that he could escape from Jerusalem. One of the kings of Ephraim lied to the worshippers of Baal to lead them into a trap, and wipe them all out. David also got his adviser to trick Absalom during his rebellion.

Would you say lies could be used for good sometimes, when they're used against God's enemies?

 

[sparkman]

Basically, he repeats 119ministries.com teachings almost verbatim from videos. If we wanted to get indoctrinated by them, we'd watch the videos ourselves.

 

[directline2iam]

So to put it in simple unconfusing terms: Jesus Himself defined blaspheming the HS ...because they said He Jesus Had an unclean spirit.
Case closed.

 

[KennethC]

Yes, I know. But I felt I needed to bring it up, because a lot of people are saying that the word "abolish" and "fulfill" mean the same thing. And they don't. According to the websters dictionary, the word "fulfill" means "to bring to completion". And right after Jesus made that statment, he began to expand God's law, and teach things about it that weren't previously known. For example he said: "You know it written not to commit adultery. But I tell you that if you even look at a women with lust in your eyes, you have committed adultery with her in your heart." This would be fulfilling the command of not to commit adultery.

You are right that some take and try and make "abolish" and "fulfill" say the same thing.

From here though now we must learn to teach others the difference in the 613 Mosaic written ordinances (that don't apply), and the moral laws of God contained within the 10 Commandments and the other commandments that the Lord Jesus gave (that do apply).

Until one learns the truth in this the debate about the law will be fruitless, and unprofitable !!!

 

[Willie-T]

How confusing we often try to make the Bible seem.

The "sin" spoken of was no more than continually denying who the Holy Spirit said Jesus was.

 

[Viligant_Warrior]

... Now you see that the unforgivable sin is simply any willful and intentional sin that you insist on committing even though God commands against it ...

Wow. That is just such an amazing conclusion! I say this with all love, my friend, but it also a very wrong conclusion.

How do you justify that statement in light of the fact that Jesus died to pay the price of sin on behalf of all men? If the price is paid, how then, for one who believes in Him as that sacrifice and in His resurrection to bring us eternal life, is his/her sin "unforgivable"?

But the least you can do is try not to sin, and not use the spirit of grace as a door mat for unrestricted sin.

Christ has left us no victories to win. We rest in Him. We have no ability to "try." Our salvation is by faith alone, through His grace, and our obedience to Him -- to love God, and love others -- is not obligation required to "hold on" to anything. It is out of our great love for Him and our desire to glorify Him in all we do, because He first loved us.

 

[KennethC]

How confusing we often try to make the Bible seem.

The "sin" spoken of was no more than continually denying who the Holy Spirit said Jesus was.

Not exactly, as Apostle Paul shows examples of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
And he shows that by denying His guidance, gifts, and fruits is denying Him and thus blaspheming Him and His purpose in our lives. You can not walk in the flesh and the Spirit both and still have eternal life is the example that Paul made many of times.

 

[Willie-T]

Not exactly, as Apostle Paul shows examples of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
And he shows that by denying His guidance, gifts, and fruits is denying Him and thus blaspheming Him and His purpose in our lives. You can not walk in the flesh and the Spirit both and still have eternal life is the example that Paul made many of times.

Have you ever done any of these? Of course you have... as have I, and as has everyone else on this forum. So, are we to believe, as you say, that those times cannot be forgiven?

You have just condemned every single person who has ever lived. (Trouble is, you have no power to do that, no matter how much you might want to.)

 

[Viligant_Warrior]

Not exactly, as Apostle Paul shows examples of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
And he shows that by denying His guidance, gifts, and fruits is denying Him and thus blaspheming Him and His purpose in our lives. You can not walk in the flesh and the Spirit both and still have eternal life is the example that Paul made many of times.

Like or not, Ken, this is advocating living by the Law. If we attempt to "do" according to the Law, are being foolish.

Galatians 3, NASB
1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
4 Did you suffer so many things in vain -if indeed * it was in vain?
5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?​

Has it occurred to you that even attempting to "do right" is walking in the flesh? Any effort that comes from within you -- and all effort to "do right" comes from within -- is denying Christ's once-for-all sacrifice and taking the burden of sin yet again upon one's self. Paul very explicitly says we do not have to do that.

Romans 8
3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.​

We can easily vacillate between walking in the Spirit or the flesh. No where in Scripture does it say our "dead man" is regenerated. What it says is that we are a "new creation." Our "old man" is dead, but "dead" doesn't mean inactive. Look at the spiritually dead around you. They are still active, they still "will" and "do" but only according to the flesh. They have no choice.

We do. Our "new creation" gives us that choice. We can "will" and "do" in the dead man, or we can "will" or "do" in the new creation. A single thought can be sin, and when we have a sinful thought, we have "willed" and "done" in the dead man. We must repent, and begin acting in the "new creation," which is the only part of us that will see heaven.

 

[KennethC]

Have you ever done any of these? Of course you have... as have I, and as has everyone else on this forum. So, are we to believe, as you say, that those times cannot be forgiven?

You have just condemned every single person who has ever lived. (Trouble is, you have no power to do that, no matter how much you might want to.)

I have done no such thing so please do not take and say things that I did not say !!!

The thing that you need to understand is that a person who stumbles at one time or another and then repents of what they have done is not denying the guidance, gifts, and fruits of the Spirit. People need to get away from a stumbling point in a believers walk and comparing it to a constant denial of the Holy Spirit. I do not deny His guidance, believe the gifts still apply, and walk in the fruits of the Spirit.

I don't condemn anybody and have never said those words, but what I do do is show by the bible that a person can not continue to walk in the flesh and walk in the Spirit both. Apostle Paul states their is no condemnation to those in Christ who walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh. You can not serve two master's is stated by God (Joshua 24:15), Jesus (Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13), and the Apostle Paul (Romans 6:16). Apostle Paul says if you still are obeying your sins to continue walking in them those are your masters, and they lead to death and not eternal life.

Like or not, Ken, this is advocating living by the Law. If we attempt to "do" according to the Law, are being foolish.

Galatians 3, NASB
1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
4 Did you suffer so many things in vain -if indeed * it was in vain?
5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?​

Has it occurred to you that even attempting to "do right" is walking in the flesh? Any effort that comes from within you -- and all effort to "do right" comes from within -- is denying Christ's once-for-all sacrifice and taking the burden of sin yet again upon one's self. Paul very explicitly says we do not have to do that.

Romans 8
3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.​

We can easily vacillate between walking in the Spirit or the flesh. No where in Scripture does it say our "dead man" is regenerated. What it says is that we are a "new creation." Our "old man" is dead, but "dead" doesn't mean inactive. Look at the spiritually dead around you. They are still active, they still "will" and "do" but only according to the flesh. They have no choice.

We do. Our "new creation" gives us that choice. We can "will" and "do" in the dead man, or we can "will" or "do" in the new creation. A single thought can be sin, and when we have a sinful thought, we have "willed" and "done" in the dead man. We must repent, and begin acting in the "new creation," which is the only part of us that will see heaven.

 

[KennethC]

Like or not, Ken, this is advocating living by the Law. If we attempt to "do" according to the Law, are being foolish.

Galatians 3, NASB
1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
4 Did you suffer so many things in vain -if indeed * it was in vain?
5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?​

Has it occurred to you that even attempting to "do right" is walking in the flesh? Any effort that comes from within you -- and all effort to "do right" comes from within -- is denying Christ's once-for-all sacrifice and taking the burden of sin yet again upon one's self. Paul very explicitly says we do not have to do that.

Romans 8
3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.​

We can easily vacillate between walking in the Spirit or the flesh. No where in Scripture does it say our "dead man" is regenerated. What it says is that we are a "new creation." Our "old man" is dead, but "dead" doesn't mean inactive. Look at the spiritually dead around you. They are still active, they still "will" and "do" but only according to the flesh. They have no choice.

We do. Our "new creation" gives us that choice. We can "will" and "do" in the dead man, or we can "will" or "do" in the new creation. A single thought can be sin, and when we have a sinful thought, we have "willed" and "done" in the dead man. We must repent, and begin acting in the "new creation," which is the only part of us that will see heaven.

Also I would like to add that I in no way ever said we have to obey walking in the 613 Mosaic written ordinances !!!

I am against that teaching as it contradicts the teachings of the NT, but with that being said Acts 15 does show what ordinances we are still to uphold. And Apostle Paul shows in Romans 13:9-11 that the 10 Commandments as well as any other commandment given by the Lord Jesus will also be upheld by true born again believers. This is because born again believers lead by the Holy Spirit will be guided to walk in God's moral laws as an everyday way of life.

And yes it does say the old person we were is done away with as Apostle Paul says this;

Ephesians 4:22
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Colossians 3:9
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Apostle Paul clearly says over and over again how a believer in Christ can and can not continue to walk, and the Apostle John also shows the same thing in 1 John chps. 2-4.

 

[Viligant_Warrior]

Also I would like to add that I in no way ever said we have to obey walking in the 613 Mosaic written ordinances !!!

I am against that teaching as it contradicts the teachings of the NT ...

But Ken, by demanding "right doing" -- i.e., not sinning -- of the believer, you put them back under the Law, even if that isn't what you call it. I know you've been told that before. It is time to see it as the truth.

... but with that being said Acts 15 does show what ordinances we are still to uphold.

James' only judgment was that they write the Gentiles and tell them they should abstain from eating meat sacrificed to idols, from sexual sin. Claiming that "ordinances ... are still to [be} upheld" ignores Peter's question early in the chapter.

Acts 15, NASB
10 "Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?"​

Why do you wear that yoke, Ken, or want to put it on others' necks?

... and from And Apostle Paul shows in Romans 13:9-11 that the 10 Commandments as well as any other commandment given by the Lord Jesus will also be upheld by true born again believers.

Taken out of context, perhaps. But again you ignore a verse, this time the one just before.

Romans 13
8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.​

Love is only possible in Christ. Christ fulfills the Law, and we, being in Him, have fulfilled the Law.

This is because born again believers lead by the Holy Spirit will be guided to walk in God's moral laws as an everyday way of life.

Yes, out of love, as Romans 13:9 says, not out of a need to grasp desperately to obedience -- "doing right" -- to keep one's salvation.

And yes it does say the old person we were is done away with as Apostle Paul says this;

Ephesians 4:22
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Colossians 3:9
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Apostle Paul clearly says over and over again how a believer in Christ can and can not continue to walk, and the Apostle John also shows the same thing in 1 John chps. 2-4.

Not true, Ken. The words your translation render "put off" and that the NASB renders "lay aside" means just that. The Greek is apotiqemi (apothithemi). It means just exactly what either translation says it means. You can "put off" or "lay aside" your coat. You haven't "done away with it." You can reach over and pick it up again.

In fact, that is the exact meaning here, laying aside the old, dead man and putting on the new creation. But you can always change clothes, and like it or not, we all do every day -- you included. Thanks be to the grace of God, we don't remain in that state, or lose that state, ever.

 

[KennethC]

But Ken, by demanding "right doing" -- i.e., not sinning -- of the believer, you put them back under the Law, even if that isn't what you call it. I know you've been told that before. It is time to see it as the truth.

James' only judgment was that they write the Gentiles and tell them they should abstain from eating meat sacrificed to idols, from sexual sin. Claiming that "ordinances ... are still to [be} upheld" ignores Peter's question early in the chapter.

Acts 15, NASB
10 "Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?"​

Why do you wear that yoke, Ken, or want to put it on others' necks?

Taken out of context, perhaps. But again you ignore a verse, this time the one just before.

Romans 13
8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.​

Love is only possible in Christ. Christ fulfills the Law, and we, being in Him, have fulfilled the Law.

Yes, out of love, as Romans 13:9 says, not out of a need to grasp desperately to obedience -- "doing right" -- to keep one's salvation.


Not true, Ken. The words your translation render "put off" and that the NASB renders "lay aside" means just that. The Greek is apotiqemi (apothithemi). It means just exactly what either translation says it means. You can "put off" or "lay aside" your coat. You haven't "done away with it." You can reach over and pick it up again.

In fact, that is the exact meaning here, laying aside the old, dead man and putting on the new creation. But you can always change clothes, and like it or not, we all do every day -- you included. Thanks be to the grace of God, we don't remain in that state, or lose that state, ever.

No it does not because as once again you need to make a separation of the 613 Mosaic written ordinance laws and God's moral laws. A true born again believer does have standards they still have to walk by, and Apostle's Paul, John, and James all show how you can and can not walk in order for eternal life.

No it does not go against what Peter said earlier, as Peter was referring to the whole 613 written ordinances that can not be kept. Then they came together under one accord with the Holy Spirit's approval (Acts 15:28) what standards from the Mosaic laws still applied.

I don't put a yoke on nobody as all I do is the same as the Apostles did, and state what things are still to be done by believers in Christ.

Romans 13:9-11 is not taken out of context as Apostle Paul clearly shows that by walking in love we will uphold the commandments of the Lord, including the 10 Commandments.....
Jesus said the same thing by obeying the 2 Commandments to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves upholds and thus fulfills the law. Walking in love fulfills the law !!!

Once again yes obedience to the faith is necessary for salvation, and the NT states the importance of obedience, and here is a couple links to many of those verses that shows how important obedience is;

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT OBEDIENCE TO GOD


What Does the Bible Say About Obedience?


2 Thessalonians 1:8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
So if you are saying obedience is not necessary then you are not being taught what the word of God says, as it has well over 100 verses on the importance of obedience. Apostle Paul constantly shows that we are to put off, stop walking, and not continue to do the sinful things we did before. Paul and Hebrews gives strict warnings to those who continue to live those sinful ways they previously walked in, and it is not eternal life they say these people get.

 

[Budman]

It is by the Holy Spirit that God the Father draws men to Jesus (John 6:44). The Holy Spirit also reproves men of sin. A person who has blasphemed the Spirit of God will have no desire to be saved because the Spirit will never come to him to reprove him of his sins - to convict him of his unrighteousness.

Therefore, if one has a desire to be saved, they may rest assured they have not committed the unpardonable sin.

In other words, the very act of being concerned about the possibility of having committed this sin Jesus speaks of, is a clear giveaway that one's heart has not been hardened in sin. Like Willie said, to commit this sin, one must persistently reject the testimony of the Spirit to the Deity and saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ. If a person keeps doing that until death, there is no hope for forgiveness. The unpardonable sin is not some particular grievous sin committed before or after accepting Christ, nor is it thinking or saying something terrible about the Holy Spirit.

It is deliberately resisting the Holy Spirit's witness and invitation to turn to Jesus until death ends all opportunity.

The Bible never teaches that God will refuse to forgive anyone who wants forgiveness. God's word never teaches that a sinner can beg for salvation, but that the Lord will refuse to hear, or to save.

Why would God give you a desire to be forgiven if He did not want to forgive you? Repentance and faith are the special gifts of God, which He would not bestow on any man if He were determined never to pardon him.

Acts 10:43 says, "To him give all the prophets witness, that through His name (Jesus) whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins."

Because you have believed in Jesus Christ as savior, you have received remission, that is, forgiveness of your sins. This verse leaves no sin out. It does not say that you will receive remission of some of your sins, or all sins but one. It says plainly, that you will receive remission of sins. If we could commit a sin that prohibits or causes us to lose the gift of salvation, then that sin was not dealt with on the cross and Jesus could not say the work is finished.

Also, nothing is said about this particular sin after Calvary. There is no scriptural support that this sin can be committed today.

Anyone who wants to be saved has not committed the unpardonable sin. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin for one reason - " because they believe not in me." (John 16:7-11) It seems that if blasphemy against the Holy Spirit was to be the greatest sin of this age, Jesus would have used this opportunity to warn us about it, but He warned us against unbelief instead.

Jesus did not endure the agony of the cross to not save anyone who sincerely asks for salvation.

(Romans 1:16, 10:13, Acts 2:21, John 6:37)

 

[KennethC]

It is by the Holy Spirit that God the Father draws men to Jesus (John 6:44). The Holy Spirit also reproves men of sin. A person who has blasphemed the Spirit of God will have no desire to be saved because the Spirit will never come to him to reprove him of his sins - to convict him of his unrighteousness.

Therefore, if one has a desire to be saved, they may rest assured they have not committed the unpardonable sin.

In other words, the very act of being concerned about the possibility of having committed this sin Jesus speaks of, is a clear giveaway that one's heart has not been hardened in sin. Like Willie said, to commit this sin, one must persistently reject the testimony of the Spirit to the Deity and saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ. If a person keeps doing that until death, there is no hope for forgiveness. The unpardonable sin is not some particular grievous sin committed before or after accepting Christ, nor is it thinking or saying something terrible about the Holy Spirit.

It is deliberately resisting the Holy Spirit's witness and invitation to turn to Jesus until death ends all opportunity.

The Bible never teaches that God will refuse to forgive anyone who wants forgiveness. God's word never teaches that a sinner can beg for salvation, but that the Lord will refuse to hear, or to save.

Why would God give you a desire to be forgiven if He did not want to forgive you? Repentance and faith are the special gifts of God, which He would not bestow on any man if He were determined never to pardon him.

Acts 10:43 says, "To him give all the prophets witness, that through His name (Jesus) whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins."

Because you have believed in Jesus Christ as savior, you have received remission, that is, forgiveness of your sins. This verse leaves no sin out. It does not say that you will receive remission of some of your sins, or all sins but one. It says plainly, that you will receive remission of sins. If we could commit a sin that prohibits or causes us to lose the gift of salvation, then that sin was not dealt with on the cross and Jesus could not say the work is finished.

Also, nothing is said about this particular sin after Calvary. There is no scriptural support that this sin can be committed today.

Anyone who wants to be saved has not committed the unpardonable sin. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin for one reason - " because they believe not in me." (John 16:7-11) It seems that if blasphemy against the Holy Spirit was to be the greatest sin of this age, Jesus would have used this opportunity to warn us about it, but He warned us against unbelief instead.

Jesus did not endure the agony of the cross to not save anyone who sincerely asks for salvation.

(Romans 1:16, 10:13, Acts 2:21, John 6:37)

Hebrews 6:4-6


For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.


This scripture here alone shows that it is possible for one who has received the Holy Spirit can later fall away from the faith, and do to this and continuing to walk improperly refusing to give up their ways they will refuse to repent and return to the Lord. Thus like it later says they trample on the blood of Christ by continuing to walk in willful sins !!!

 

[ember]

This one is much more specific. Now you see that the unforgivable sin is simply any willful and intentional sin that you insist on committing even though God commands against it. It's true that nobody is perfect, and we all fall short at times. But if you just outright decide not to obey God, and continue to sin whenever you want, there is no longer any sacrifice for that sin. It's mentioned again in Hebrews chapter 6:

no. Not so at all.

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is what Jesus said it was...attributing to the devil the works of God

This case you present has been argued here before and it's more of the same

Grasp this. If you don't restrain yourself from sin, and proceed to keep doing it in defiance. You are literally crucifying the savior all over again. This unforgivable sin has existed even before christ's time. As mentioned above, it's found in the old testament too. Numbers 15:

You can restrain yourself all day long to the point of handcuffing yourself to a coconut tree....you still won't be righteous and all your efforts will never be enough to earn your salvation which is basically what you are advocating

Having begun in the spirit, it seems you would now like us all to follow the flesh

Well, the flesh stinks of corruption and the only One I know who died and did not suffer corruption is Jesus

So, yeah, I'm going to depend on Him for salvation, for keeping me and for giving us the Holy Spirit to seal us for eternity

I hope this thread is recognized for what it is....another works based salvation attempt with a 'new' member

they just don't give up

 

[Budman]

Hebrews 6:4-6


For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.


This scripture here alone shows that it is possible for one who has received the Holy Spirit can later fall away from the faith, and do to this and continuing to walk improperly refusing to give up their ways they will refuse to repent and return to the Lord. Thus like it later says they trample on the blood of Christ by continuing to walk in willful sins !!!

With the idea of an unpardonable sin in mind, many people then go to Hebrews 6:4-6 and are convinced that they have fallen away from God and that it is now impossible for them to be saved. A closer look at Hebrews 6:4-6 will show the problem with this thinking. The text reads:

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame (Hebrews 6:4-6)
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Notice what the text does not say. It does not say it is impossible to forgive a person who has fallen away. This is in contrast to the unpardonable sin. The gospel writers describe that sin as an “eternal” sin, for which there was never any forgiveness. The text in Hebrews says that if people fall away it is impossible to “renew them again to repentance.” The difference between forgiveness and repentance is profound. The message in Hebrews 6 is not that those who fall away have committed sins that God will not forgive, it is that their hearts have become so hard that they will not repent. Thus, if a person is willing to repent, he or she cannot be one of those who have fallen away according to Hebrews 6:4-6. A similar idea is found in 1 Timothy 4:2, where we read about those who have “their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” Again, it is not that God will not forgive these people, it is that they will not repent and come back to God.

An excellent example of the difference between forgiveness and repentance is seen in the lives of Judas and Peter. In a very real sense, both of these apostles betrayed their Lord. Judas sold Him to the Jewish leaders, and Peter denied three times even knowing Him. Their actions after their sins, however, show that Peter was willing to repent and come back to his Savior, but Judas’ heart was so calloused he would not repent. Peter was forgiven and Judas was lost, not because Judas’ sin was so much more grievous than Peter’s, but because Judas had allowed his heart and conscience to be so seared that he would not repent.

In summary, any person who reads Hebrews 6:4-6 and wonders if he or she is a person who is without hope and has fallen away from God can easily answer that question. If that person is willing to repent of sins and obey God, that passage cannot apply to him or her.

Apologetics Press - Hebrews 6:4-6 and the Unpardonable Sin