God is faithful and just, and He forgives every sin, for
which we repent. Unrighteousness is sin. God cleanses us from all
unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). This sin does not lead to our
eternal death (1 John 5:16-17). When we sincerely repent, God casts
our sin as far away as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He
remembers it no more (Hebrews 8:12).
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
is the only unpardonable sin mentioned in the Bible (See
former post); however, there is also a "sin unto death" (1 John
5:16-17). This person chooses to abide in a sinful lifestyle rather
than living the holy life, where God calls us to reside, and he/she refuses to
repent (1 Peter 1:16).
God will continually convict and draw this individual back
to Himself, but if there is no repentance, then God will take this person out
of the world, cutting his/her life short. This is not referring simply to
spiritual death, because we are all already born with our spirit dead in sin. 1
John is not simply referring to spiritual death, but also to physical death (1 John
1:1-2; 2:25; 3:14-15; 4:9; 5:11-13).
Authentic believers do sin occasionally (1 John
1:7, 1:9, 2:1, 5:16); however, we do not persevere in disobedient
behavior (1 John 2:4). Those who persistently walk in
sin and darkness, while claiming to know the truth and to be in the light, who
hate Christ and His followers and who deny that Jesus is God who came in the
flesh as our Messiah, are in danger of committing the sin unto death (1 John
1:6, 2:9, 2:22).
Prayer:
Father God, we live with the confidence that You will
answer our requests when they are prayed according to Your will (1 John
5:14-15). You always answer our fervent, effective prayers (1 John
3:21-22, 4:16-17). Teach us to honor You with our thoughts, words and
actions, so that we will never bring shame on Your name. Thank You for the multitude
of blessings that You share with us each day.
Thought for the Day:
We tremble before the Lord in reverence and awe,
worshiping Him in the beauty of holiness. - Psalm 96:9
