Where I’m at in wrestling with that text: Could it be that the unforgivable sin is to think that there is such a sin that God cannot forgive or deems unforgivable (which would be to deny, to some degree, the work of Holy Spirit/Christ who came to destroy the works of the devil)?
I’m also thinking along the lines of Matt. 6:14-15, where one cannot receive forgiveness from God if it’s not extended to others, in tandem with Paul’s words in Romans about grace abounding more plentifully than sin.
This is a good overview of the positions and a great pastoral point about the person concerned about it.
Personally, I take a bit of a different position. It's merely calling good evil and calling evil good. That's mentioned fairly often in the Bible. It both happens in individual situations and becomes more prevalent over time as you continue to do it. It's unforgivable both because it can't be excused or overlooked (you can be mistaken about the nature of the father and the son but not about what is good and evil) and because you can't receive grace and forgiveness if it's given when you get it mixed up. So it's both a warning and a declaration. We've all done it - the key is to repent and turn back before it's too late.
Great piece! I appreciate that you offer the varying views. I think you’re spot in what you said. Regardless of how you interpret that passage, if you’re the person laying in bed at 3 AM worrying about it, you’ve not committed it.
Where I’m at in wrestling with that text: Could it be that the unforgivable sin is to think that there is such a sin that God cannot forgive or deems unforgivable (which would be to deny, to some degree, the work of Holy Spirit/Christ who came to destroy the works of the devil)?
I’m also thinking along the lines of Matt. 6:14-15, where one cannot receive forgiveness from God if it’s not extended to others, in tandem with Paul’s words in Romans about grace abounding more plentifully than sin.
Anyways, appreciate you Jordan!
That's a good nuanced approach.
This is a good overview of the positions and a great pastoral point about the person concerned about it.
Personally, I take a bit of a different position. It's merely calling good evil and calling evil good. That's mentioned fairly often in the Bible. It both happens in individual situations and becomes more prevalent over time as you continue to do it. It's unforgivable both because it can't be excused or overlooked (you can be mistaken about the nature of the father and the son but not about what is good and evil) and because you can't receive grace and forgiveness if it's given when you get it mixed up. So it's both a warning and a declaration. We've all done it - the key is to repent and turn back before it's too late.
Calling good evil and calling evil good, is certianly one of the clarifying marks.
Great piece! I appreciate that you offer the varying views. I think you’re spot in what you said. Regardless of how you interpret that passage, if you’re the person laying in bed at 3 AM worrying about it, you’ve not committed it.
Thanks bro!