The Unpardonable Sin

[babegirl111]

Why is it that I see so many different interpretations of it. What about athiest who are converted?? I remember the first day I read that verse (I had terrible OCD thoughts before I even read the verse) but when I read it, I literally thought my life was over.

Im just a little confused and a little shaken by some stuff I just read, I have found that many people believe differently as to what it means, im pretty sure these people dont have OCD or could possibly ever truly understand what we go through, but honestly, I just dont understand....

 

[kaykay9.0]

Yes, there are many interpretations and people with OCD have trouble shaking it off as easily. Bottom line, the thing which gives me peace is that whatever this sin actually is I think it IS true that if you are still interested in God and you are concerned about it, YOU truly haven't done it. The Bible indicates in many places that if we come to God, He will receive us and forgive. I think if someone has committed this type of sin, they will be so hardened they are unable to even be interested in coming to God. This is what gives me peace about it at the end of the day. Scripture has to be true in light of other scripture if that makes sense.

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

Yes, I have heard many different interpretations as well, just recently I listed to John Piper and John MacArthur sermons on it. Both were very different in interpretation and I disagreed with them both (although I did favor MacArthur's interpretation).

What I have come to realize is that Jesus (and this is plain from scripture) did not intend that warning towards those who would come to Him, but only to the Pharisees of the world that want nothing to do with His salvation.

Jesus said:

"All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37)

He did not say "I will cast you out if you come to me", or, "I might cast you out if you come to me", but, "I will IN NO WAY EVER cast anyone out who comes to me".

I think that all who believe they may have committed this sin can rest assure that they have not, the very fact that they desire forgiveness (contrast with the Pharisees who killed Jesus) reveals that they are still being convicted by the Holy Spirit.

As a side note, nobody knows if anyone has ever committed this sin, that the sin is possible is true, but the fact that someone may have crossed the line of forgiveness is unknown to us. Paul himself was a Pharisee and committed acts that Jesus said were close to the unpardonable sin and yet Paul was still brought to repentance and saving faith in Jesus Christ and used more than any man. Above all God is merciful and desires that we believe in His Son and receive forgiveness through faith, His desire is not to turn us away but to receive us as penitent sons and daughters.

One thing we know for sure:

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

I found this Commentary by Matthew Henry (who is always great) on the subject:

"But humble and conscientious believers, at times are tempted to think they have committed the unpardonable sin, while those who have come the nearest to it, seldom have any fear about it. We may be sure that those who indeed repent and believe the gospel, have not committed this sin, or any other of the same kind; for 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; and those who fear they have committed this sin, give a good sign that they have not. The trembling, contrite sinner, has the witness in himself that this is not his case."

Amen to that!

 

[babegirl111]

Awesome post you guys, Thanks!!!!

 

[OCD=Owie]

Also, you have to take into account that OCD makes you think and feel things that you do not want to think and feel.

I mean after all, if I were afraid that I was on the verge of violently attacking somebody, but I wasn't a violent person at all, then most people on here would tell me "that's just your OCD. You don't really want to hurt anybody. You're not a murderer or anything."

So in other words, such irrational fears that make no sense given other evidence are clearly OCD. The thoughts and feelings are not genuine. So, in my opinion, no matter what interpretation of the unpardonable sin passage you believe, you don't have to worry. Any fear that you might have of committing the unpardonable sin are just your OCD.