Anything is forgivable except . . .

Jesus spoke of a sin that could not be forgiven. Theologians debate the identity of this sin, maybe because the simple answer is too simple? It can be found in this passage:

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:17–21)

Those who refuse the Son of God after being given all they need to know about who He is and His offer of salvation are unforgivable — unless of course their minds are changed and they decide light is better than darkness. God will forgive their unbelief as soon as it is confessed as sin, but while it remains, their sin of unbelief in the face of knowing the truth is unforgivable.

Tozer says that anyone concerned about having committed the unpardonable sin may be sure he or she has not! Consider the opposite, those Pharisees who believed themselves to be righteous. They felt no need for repentance, no sorrow for sin, no guilt for unbelief. They had seen Jesus in action doing what only God can do and still said NO. They were in a state of unforgiveness.

My prayer list has many names of those who do not believe in Jesus. Some of them seem clueless about sin and their need for salvation. Some know the Gospel but insist, “don’t need that.” Not everyone is at the same place, but what can God do with people who know He exists, know that they are sinful, know that Jesus offers salvation, yet they refuse to accept it? they love darkness and are in that place of rejecting the Lord. They might change their minds if certain things happen to persuade them, but only God knows what that would require.

I’m convinced that salvation by grace happens when people hear the Gospel and are granted faith to believe it because the Spirit of God puts in them His new life. This happens in an instant and is totally a work of God. No one earns or deserves it. Grace is freely bestowed, and how God does it and even who He chooses to bless with it is a mystery. None of us deserve it and all of us are oblivious to our need until He opens our eyes. To me, it is also a mystery why anyone would say NO to God’s grace.

This means two practical things. One is to pray to God for people by name. Only He can give them new life. Prayer is part of the battle for that to happen.

The other is to share the gospel whenever I can — because faith comes by hearing. That new life is a gift received through hearing God speak. He might use the mouths or pens of His servants. He can also use the whispers of the Holy Spirit. Whatever He uses, those who love their sin and plug their ears are already condemned.

^^^^^^^^^

Lord Jesus, because of Your great grace, You forgive all sin, except that sin of rejecting this good news, of saying no to the gift. Yet also, because of Your great grace, You are able to overcome all resistance and bring sinners to the foot of the Cross and out of that dangerous place. You are amazing!