The Unforgivable Sin
June 18
The Unforgivable Sin
Luk_12:10
One of the enduring mysteries for Christians is the "unforgivable sin." To some, it is a land mine. They tiptoe around, not knowing where it might be planted, but knowing that stepping on it is eternally fatal.
The clue to the real answer is found in the "forgivable sin" - the one against the Son of Man (Jesus). Why is this one forgivable?
· Jesus is a human like we are; as Son of Man he claimed no honor on this planet (though he was due all honor). By his humility (and not our merit), sin against him can be forgiven, for he forgives.
· He is tested like we are. He knows what it's like to have the authorities on your back. He understands our weakness, and he is compassionate.
· Most important: Jesus came to seek and save the lost. What does it matter if a man blasphemes him, if he later repents and comes home?
But with the Spirit matters are different. The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost; the Spirit came to convince the world of sin and judgment.
· If you are not a Christian, and you refuse to be convinced—refuse to see that you are in need of Gods forgiveness. You deny this truth, or even say as the pharasees did "That must be Satan's work" - then you are blocking off Gods forgiveness. Matters are much the same for the "Christian." If you call yourself a Christian, but refuse to hear the Spirit prompting you to confession and repentance, your refusal is your own condemnation.
God condemns no one to hell. Neither does he bar the road for those who defiantly march down it. In the most real sense possible, those who go to hell are volunteers.
Examine yourself. This passage was written in the context of warning against hypocrisy. The heart of the hypocrite is so hard that it rejects all the tender pleas of Christ, and all the stern warnings of the Holy Spirit. When was the last time you admitted—to God or anyone else—that you had sinned? Or do you think that you are such a saint that God is in your debt? If so, drag yourself back to the foot of the Cross and see if the books still seem so unbalanced. Do not quench the Spirit; be forgiven.