What is the Unforgivable Sin?
The concept of the unforgivable sin is one that has been debated and discussed for centuries. Some believe it to be a literal sin that cannot be forgiven, while others view it as a metaphorical concept that speaks to the state of the human heart.
At Jesus Without Religion, we are frequently asked by Christians what is an unforgivable sin. In this article, we’re going to give you a popular answer, as well as our answer to the question, “what is the unforgivable sin?”.
OUR ANSWER:
All through the scripture we only find one sin that leads to hell.
It’s not lying, adultery, cheating, or even murder. The death of Christ on the cross is more than sufficient to pay for even the most heinous sin.
Nowhere in all of the scripture, do we see someone suffering, eternal punishment, as a result of outward sin. The fact is, the only send that is not forgivable is rejecting Jesus. To be clear, that means even if someone committed the same sin over and over, didn’t confess it, committed adultery, and got drunk every day of their life, if that person is in Christ, he is completely and totally forgiven. There’s not a single Bible verse that would refuse this.
POPULAR ANSWERS: Now let’s talk about how many others view this unforgivable sin.
At its core, some view the unforgivable sin is a sin that is considered so heinous, so egregious, that it cannot be forgiven. The sin is often associated with blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and is referenced in the Christian Bible in the book of Matthew, chapter 12, verses 31-32. In this passage, Jesus speaks of the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, saying that it is a sin that will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
But what does this mean, exactly? Some interpret this passage to mean that a person who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit is condemned to hell, with no hope of redemption. Others view it as a warning against willful and intentional rejection of the Holy Spirit, rather than a statement about a specific sin.
Regardless of how one interprets the concept of the unforgivable sin, it is clear that it is something to be avoided at all costs. Some believe that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit involves denying the existence or work of the Holy Spirit, or attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan. Others see it as a broader warning against rejecting the work of God in one’s life, and becoming so hardened to the truth that repentance becomes impossible.
So how can one avoid committing the unforgivable sin? First and foremost, it is important to cultivate a heart that is open to the truth, and that is receptive to the work of the Holy Spirit. This involves a willingness to listen to God’s voice and to submit to His will in all areas of life.
Additionally, it is important to avoid becoming so entrenched in sin that repentance becomes impossible. This requires a constant vigilance against temptation, and a commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God.
Ultimately, the concept of the unforgivable sin is a sobering reminder of the importance of taking our spiritual lives seriously. It is a call to turn away from sin, and to embrace the truth of the gospel in every area of life. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of spiritual rebellion, and can instead walk in the freedom and forgiveness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
But I want to circle back to where we started. I don’t believe there is any weight to the argument that the unforgivable sin is anything beyond denying Jesus. Unbelief. It’s that simple. It may make for a great behavior improvement sermon on Sunday morning to go down rabbit holes about what it means to have committed the unforgivable sin, but I don’t think God has ever intended it to be confusing. He sent his Son to rescue us. Anyone who believes in Jesus will not perish. No, I said anyone. That includes people who make a lot of bad decisions. The only sent that will not be forgiven, will be those that have chosen to willfully reject Jesus. My friends, that is the unforgivable sin, and it really is that simple.
John 3:18, NASB: The one who believes in Him is NOT judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
Author: Mike Cynar
Mike Cynar was raised in a church setting where he frequently noticed that many attendees would eventually drift away. The church labeled these individuals as ‘back sliders’ or ‘fake Christians’ just looking for ‘fire insurance’. However, Mike realized the issue was rarely with these individuals but instead with the church’s message itself. The teachings heavily emphasized behavior improvement and one’s flaws, with only a fleeting mention of one’s identity in Christ. It felt as though every sermon was tailored to the church of Corinth, who as we know or committing sins that even unbelievers don’t partake in. This trend was noticeable not just in one denomination, but across Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and many other churches. Upon understanding the true essence of the gospel – that our righteousness comes from Jesus’ actions, not our own – Mike was inspired to liberate believers from lifeless sermons and reconnect them with the genuine teachings of Jesus. He believes that one can nurture a vibrant and growing bond with Jesus, unhindered by rigid religious practices. And thus, “Jesus Without Religion” was born.
It turns out that it is grace that leads to repentance. And if our heart is to get others to walk in the Spirit and live a godly life, then the best approach is not a beat down sermon, but rather to remind other that it is only when we understand our true identity in Christ that we will live it out. Yes, it’s true, if you’re convinced that God thinks you’re a dirty sinner, you will ultimately continue a lifestyle that mirrors that view, but if you truly believe that even on your worst day, you are called holy, sanctified, justified, and will be presented blameless in the end, well, it turns out this is the secret to living out on the outside what has been worked in to the inside.
