Unpardonable Sin Question Discussed in Pentecostal Evangel Article
What is the unpardonable sin and how can I be certain
that I have not committed it?
It is sobering to realize that the One who introduced the subject of a sin that can never be pardoned is the only Person in the world who is capable of forgiving sin — our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of all men.
In Matthew 12:31,32, the Lord Jesus declared that “blasphemy or speaking profanely against the Holy Spirit” is the sin for which there was neither forgiveness in this world or the world to come. Thus, whoever is guilty of committing such a sin is “subject to eternal condemnation” (Mark 3:29, NKJV).
It is vital that we understand the role of the Holy Spirit in God’s plan of salvation in order to grasp the Savior’s meaning of how one sins against the Holy Spirit. Only through the ministry of the Holy Spirit can a person know conviction of sin (John 16:8), be drawn to God (John 6:44; Revelation 22:17), and receive a revelation of the saving work of the cross of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:14).
Those who deliberately reject the only means by which God’s grace is mediated to lost sinners remove themselves from the only source of pardon provided by divine mercy. When Christ is willfully rejected, the Scripture states, “There no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26). Such a sin is called unpardonable because the basis for pardon has been rejected.
Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is described as “insulting the Spirit of grace” (Hebrews 10:29). For when a person with full understanding of what he or she is doing “tramples the Son of God underfoot, and counts the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing,” the Holy Spirit is denied the opportunity to administer the grace and pardon of Christ.
Regarding the unpardonable sin, J. Oswald Sanders wrote in his Bible Studies in Matthew’s Gospel: “These things should be noted: (1) It is a calculated sin, not one of impulse. (2) It is a sin of knowledge, not ignorance, but a sin against spiritual knowledge and light (Hebrews 10:26,32). (3) It is not an isolated act but a habitual attitude. (4) It is a sin of the heart, not merely of the intellect or the tongue. (5) It is a sin of finality — complete rejection of Christ.” The harsh term “blasphemy” indicates a deliberate and godless rejection of the saving power and grace of God.
Unfortunately, the devil has led some people to believe they have committed the unpardonable sin. People who are fearful they have committed such a sin would do well to heed the words of William Barclay: “The person who cannot have committed the sin against the Holy Spirit is the person who fears he/she has, for the sin against the Holy Spirit can be truly described as the loss of all sense of sin” (The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 2, p.50). The capacity to have concern regarding whether or not one has committed the unpardonable sin is a certain indicator the person has not done so.
Do You Have Room?
It’s almost Christmas. That means a busier than usual schedule, jammed parking lots, throbbing stress headaches, and anxiety as the arrival of the “crazy” uncle nears. In the hustle and bustle of the season, one must never forget the central figure of the celebration…Jesus.
Now, it wasn’t by chance that the Bible records there was no room for him in the inn. I mean, this was not incidental and it was not accidental. It was fundamental to something that had been true about the Lord Jesus, was to be true about the Lord Jesus, all of his earthly ministry, and is still true about the Lord Jesus. Born in a stable.
But not only in his birth was no room for him, in his life, as we’re going to see here upon this earth. The only place that Jerusalem had for him was really on a cross. In his death
there was no room for him, he was buried in a borrowed tomb. This world never has had room for the Lord Jesus.
Isaiah chapter 53 prophesied it, “He is despised and rejected of men.” Isaiah chapter 53 and verse 3. And don’t think for a moment, ha, ha, ha, not for a moment that the world has changed. Don’t think that they had no room for Jesus then, but we have room for the Lord Jesus today. The world that had no room for Jesus has not gotten better, and the world has no room for Jesus today.
Now why, was there no room for Jesus in the inn that day? I want to suggest some things. I think one reason that uh, there was no room for the Lord Jesus that day was ignorance.
I don’t think the innkeeper knew that he was the Son of God, about to be delivered, and about to be born. I don’t think he knew that. Well, you say then he’s not to be blamed. Oh, no, I don’t agree with that either. Ignorance is never innocence. There were some who did not know, but there were some who did know.
Mary and Joseph certainly knew. The shepherds knew. The wise men knew. And yet there were some who did not know. Anna and Simeon in the temple knew. Elizabeth knew. But the innkeeper did not know. Don’t excuse yourself today if you don’t know truth. If you want to know, God will reveal himself to you.
I’ll tell you another reason that they may not have known.
Not only ignorance, but I believe just indifference
. Can you imagine what it must have been like? Here’s an innkeeper and he shuttles this pregnant woman about to give birth to a child off into a cow stall. Now, I’ve heard people try to excuse the innkeeper and say, well, you know, I mean, after all, maybe that was the best he could do. Frankly I’ve never agreed with that. I’ve made the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I know the territory. She traveled about 90 miles. You know, the, the only miracle was not the miracle of her conception, it’s a miracle she was able to make that trip at all. I mean just to come on a donkey over that torturous path just to get down to Jericho. She probably came down the Jordan rift along the course of the river Jordan. And then to go from Jericho all the way up to Jerusalem. And then from Jerusalem, to turn left and go down to Bethlehem.
And here she is, she’d shuttled off to a cow stall. You say, what if he really did not have room. He had room. You say, where? His own room. That right. He could’ve given that. You know the old story ‘bout the man goes into the hotel and he says, I need a room and, and, and the man says, Well, there are no rooms. You can’t give me a room at all? He says, No. He said, I want to ask you a question. If the President of the United States were coming, would you have a room for him? Well, he said, Yes. And he said, Well, he’s not coming, I’ll take that one. I mean, he could’ve given his own room.
Ignorance, indifference, maybe involvement.
Maybe he was so busy, he just did not have time. Like so many of us today, we are so busy doing all of these others things. His rooms are being filled with guests, and his purse is being filled with gold. And like so many of us today, we have no room for the Lord Jesus because the Christmas bells are the ringing of the cash register, and the spirit of the King of kings has been replaced by the spirit of King Midas (Greek mythology god…everything he touched turned to gold).
Do you have room for Jesus this Christmas? Merry Christmas!
Trick or Treat at Tech Center
Last Thursday evening was an amazing opportunity for the WFA family to be involved in the community. I want to personally thank each person who contributed to the success of this outreach. As you know, originally, it was scheduled to be out at Village Creek State Park. A much needed rain forced postponement and re-location. I appreciate the flexibility of everyone to make the adjustment.
This was a church-wide event from the beginning. Some brought candy, some brainstormed ideas that were developed into our theme of “It is so Sweet to Trust Jesus”. A work night at the bus barn probably brought 30 people together to put the design together. A crew help move it to the Tech Center, a crew did the last minute detail work before the event started. Estimates as high as 5,000 people went through the Tech Center that night. Then a crew disassembled and returned it all to the church afterwards. The day finally ended around 11:00 p.m.
WFA I can assured you that I have never been more blessed by your willingness to serve our community. You did an incredible job. There are a lot of churches that worry when their community is going to accept them. I believe when the church accepts the community the other part pretty well takes care of itself. Blessed to be a blessing!
A+A+A=PG
Jackie and I recently attended a conference where the speaker emphasized the formula above.
Assessment
Paul admonished the Corinthian believers to examine themselves. Often 21st century believers get so good at assessing others that they neglect to self-examine their own journey. I believe Jesus alluded to this idea when he mentioned digging a speck of sawdust out of someone’s eye while a beam is sticking out of our own eye. Daily we must reflect and inspect.
Action
If all we do is assess, we have failed miserably. We must take corrective action steps to become more fully devoted followers of Jesus. Most of us are already aware of the areas in our lives that need some improvement. Do not try to correct everything that needs re-calibrating all at once. Work on one or two areas where you are currently struggling and work diligently until you see the desired improvement in your life through the filter of Scripture.
Accountability
If you write down your action step there is a 40% chance you will “stick with it” until the desire result occurs. That percentage increases to 70% if you ask another person to hold you accountable for follow through on your desired action step.
Several years ago, I mentored a young man who had struggled with pornography. He and I agreed on a “code” so the subject could be discussed in a public setting. The word we agreed upon was the word “golf”. Any time, any place, in any setting I could ask him about his “golf game”. I do realize that a struggle of this magnitude is not a game but it was a workable method of accountability. I knew by his response whether he was continuing to progress in his recovery or if a lapse had occurred (assuming his answers were honest). Let me just insert here accountability on any level assumes a level of trust. Frankly, if there is no trust then there is no accountability.
Personal Growth
The long-term desired outcome in the context of following Jesus is personal growth. Personal growth does depend on the working of the Holy Spirit but you and I must do our part as well. There must a timeline attached to any lasting personal growth. I have heard people say, “Look at the past ten years of your life.” Really? What if I can’t recall what I had for lunch yesterday? I say, “Honestly reflect on the last month and ask ‘Am I a better person today than I was thirty days ago?'” Answer the question honestly, then monitor and adjust accordingly.
A little boy and his father had to walk around a huge rock on their way home. One day the boy said, “Dad, do you think I could move that rock if used all my strength?” Dad encouraged his son by replying, “I know you can son, if you use all of your strength.” So the boy begins pushing on the rock. He works feverishly to budge the rock to no avail. Finally, in frustration, the son said, “Dad, you said I could move this rock if I used all my strength.” “Yes, I did Son, but you are not using all of your strength.” “Son, I am part of your strength, but you never asked me to help.” The boy and his dad moved the rock together.
Lasting personal growth, even with assessment, action, and accountability, on happens with the help of our Father.
BEAST FEAST 2015…
The name could imply at least a couple of meanings. Those who are feasting are beasts or those feasting are consuming beasts. In some cases, if I may say so, both definitions would be accurate. This writing is about another definition of Beast Feast.
I believe church is a place to believe and belong. More often than not, the believing part happens much faster than the belonging part. When new people start attending, they are excited and eager to help by serving. If there is no place to serve, their excitement often quickly wanes. I realize it may not be wise to ask a brand new believer to teach a class or lead a group. That’s where a HUGE benefit to having an event like Beast Feast is found. Beast Feast is a great meal, yes. Beast Feast is work, definitely. Beast Feast is outreach, no question. But Beast Feast is also an environment where “Iron sharpens Iron.” Men are able to develop lasting friendships with other men while gaining the reward of accomplishing something together with other members of the “team.” Some are well seasoned in their faith while others are still developing their newfound friendship with Jesus. Beast Feast makes no difference between the young man, middle aged father, single dad, grandfather, lifelong member, or first time friend. The true lasting benefit of Beast Feast is a place to belong!
Evie’s Episode…
At first glance it was a normal Sunday morning. The buzzer sounded dismissing Life Groups, people begin to find their seats in the Sanctuary, the countdown was at 1:47. It’s almost time for church then everything suddenly became abnormal. The message reached me that there was a problem in the nursery. I had no idea what to expect, but as I reached the lobby, there was obvious pandemonium. I peered into the doorway of the Nursery, three of our ladies all of whom work in the medical profession working with one of our children. I also noticed a grandfather on his all fours crying out to God in fervent prayer. This was not just any child, this was our “church mascot baby.” The first thing I heard was, one of the ladies said, “This baby is turning purple. We have got to do something.” With panic, fear, and desperation, all written on her face she instructed someone to call 9-1-1. The child’s mother arrived on scene in understandable hysteria. Unity, like I have not recently witnessed wrapped the congregation like a warm blanket on a cold night. Everyone was praying earnestly. Dad was at work in Forrest City. He made it to the church in record time.
After what seemed like forever, the ambulance arrived. I know it was only a brief time but it seemed much longer in the crisis. By the time the ambulance arrived little, Everly Cook, was crying and calling for her parents. She was transported to a Memphis hospital for a thorough evaluation. The medical diagnosis was that she apparently became startled and fainted. Side note, she has two older siblings, a dog, and a railroad track near her house. I’m not sure she could be “startled” to the point of fainting in the church nursery. Nonetheless, she was discharged mid-afternoon in time to attend evening worship with her family.
Back to what I saw when I arrived at the doorway of the Nursery. In addition to what I have already stated, I saw those purple cheeks and a little lifeless body. The thing that demanded my attention was the shade of Everly’s complexion. While her cheeks did have a distinct tint of purple, the remainder of her face was a gray ashen shade that is only associated with the icy fingers of death gripping a body whether young or old.
It is not my job to convince anyone of anything that happened; however, it is my responsibility to report what did happen. I am thoroughly convinced that on August 23, 2015 the enemy levied an attack against little Everly, her family, and the WFA family. Jesus said, “…the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came to give you abundant life.” (John 10:10). Due to fervent prayer, unwavering faith, and divine sovereignty, the enemy was defeated, God was exalted, and Jesus is LORD!
I’m a blogger now…
I am excited to make this new ministry opportunity available to each one of you. Please visit the site frequently so you and I can stay in touch. I look forward to your comments as the blog develops. I plan to post things related to life and my walk with Jesus, some will be funny, some will be serious. Who knows? Those who know me personally are aware of my passion for bike riding. It’s just for fun and a little physical exercise. I’m not headed across the country anytime soon.
Here’s what I promise to do through this blog: I will love you regardless. I will lead you as we learn to follow Jesus. I will always tell you the truth regardless of how bad it hurts you or me. Until next time…keep peddling!