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Is Repentance from Sin Required for Forgiveness?

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In a previous post we learned that confession of sin is not required for the forgiveness of sin, but is important for maintaining our fellowship with God, and with one another (1 John 1:7-10).

What about repentance?

Several passages in Scripture seem to indicate that repentance is necessary to receive the forgiveness of sins.

For example, in Luke 3:3 we read that John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Does this teach that forgiveness is dependent upon repenting and being baptized?

Yes and no.

repentance forgiveness

Part of the difficulty with the word “forgiveness” is that modern English speakers have put a slightly different twist on the word than how people would have understood the equivalent Greek or Hebrew words in the Scriptures when they were written.

“Forgiveness” doesn’t mean exactly the same thing it did 2000 years ago.

The word “forgiveness” today describes a vague, psychological state that exists within the mind of a person. It is kind of like peace or joy. These exist, but they are primarily mental states of being.

Forgiveness = Release

The word “forgiveness” comes from the Greek word aphesis. In a previous post about the two kinds of forgiveness, we saw that while aphesis can be translated as “forgiveness,” it is closer to something like “liberty,” “freedom,” or “release.” It is used of the release of captives and slaves, of the cancellation of debt, or even of divorce (LXX: Isa 61:1; Jer 34:8-17; Ezek 46:17; Matt 6:12; Matt 13:36).

So when New Testament authors write about repentance for the forgiveness of sins, they have in mind the cancellation of debt or the release of a slave from captivity to sin. See my sermon “What is Repentance?”

Therefore, repentance for the forgiveness of sins has nothing to do with gaining eternal life and entering heaven, but about freedom from the captivating and addictive power of sin.

The Purpose of Repentance

God wants us to admit that we have sinned, and deal with it, not because sin is a big issue with God, but because He sees how much sin is hurting and damaging us.

God wants us to repent of our sin so that we can be liberated from it, and released from its addictive power in our lives.

Sin damages us, and God reveals our sin to us, not so that He can threaten us with hell if we do not confess and repent, but so that by agreeing with Him that we have sinned (confession), and taking steps to move in the opposite direction (repentance), we can be released (forgiven) from any sin that holds sway over our lives.

Do you fear that you have committed the Unforgivable Sin?

Fear not! You are forgiven. You are loved.

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Can God Forgive Me?

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Forgiven

If there is a sin which you believe God cannot forgive, just remember that there are a whole host of sins mentioned in the Bible that true believers have committed, and yet they are still part of God’s family.

The Bible talks about believers who commit idolatry (1 Kings 11:1-10).

Others believe only for a while and then fall away (Luke 8:13).

We read of some who do not continue in the Word of Christ (John 8:31), do not abide in Christ (John 15:1-8), become disqualified in the race of the Christian life (1 Cor 9:24-27), or resist God’s correction up to the point of physical death (1 Cor 11:30-32).

Still others stray from the faith (1 Tim 1:5-6), shipwreck their faith (1 Tim 1:18-20), fall away from the faith (1 Tim 4:1-3), deny the faith (1 Tim 5:8), cast off initial faith to follow Satan (1 Tim 5:12-15), stray from the faith by loving money (1 Tim 6:9-10), teach false doctrine (1 Tim 6:20-21), and deny Christ and live faithless lives (2 Tim 2:11-13).

We have the examples of people in the Bible who murdered and yet are part of God’s family (Jacob’s sons).

Other men like Solomon, Amaziah and Uzziah will most likely be in heaven, but did not live faithfully to God during their lives.

There is Lot who committed incest with his daughters, Ananias and Sapphira who lied to the church and to the Holy Spirit and who died as a result, but will still be in heaven.

Scripture is full of examples of people who committed almost every sort of sin, and yet by every indication, were still forgiven by God and will spend eternity with God in heaven.

The grace of God runs deeper and wider than most of us will ever know. The ocean of God’s grace never runs dry. The limits of God’s grace are never reached.

No matter what you have done, there is forgiveness for all your sins through the grace and mercy of God.

And not only is there forgiveness, but you have already been forgiven. See here and here.

Do you fear that you have committed the Unforgivable Sin?

Fear not! You are forgiven. You are loved.

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Is Attributing the Works of God to Satan the Unforgivable Sin?

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Unforgivable SinMany believe that the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit — or the unforgivable sin — occurs when someone attributes the works of the Holy Spirit to the works of the devil. This view is based on Matthew 12:31-32, where some of the religious rulers state that Jesus was casting out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of demons (Matthew 12:24).

This is one of the most popular views about the unforgivable sin.

Attributing the Works of the Spirit to the Devil

It is often taught that this sin is committed when a person sees a miraculous work of the Spirit, and rather than give glory to God for what was done, gives credit to the devil instead.

It is believed that this sin is committed when people see the works and miracles of God, but state that the miracles are being performed the power of Satan rather than by the power of God.

This view is commonly held in Pentecostal charismatic circles where miracles, healings, and demonic exorcisms are a frequent occurrence. Leaders of these ministries sometimes state if other people write off supernatural healings, demonic exorcisms, and the gift of tongues as possibly coming from the devil, such people deny the power of the Holy Spirit and commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which supposedly is the unforgivable sin.

Of course, in some charismatic circles, the behavior goes way beyond healing and prophecy and speaking in tongues. Some churches engage in holy laughter, barking like dogs and braying like donkeys, getting slain in the Spirit, rolling in the isles, and having tooth fillings changed to gold.

Yet when non-charismatic Christian leaders state that these sorts of activities are unbiblical and therefore not of God, they are sometimes condemned by charismatic leaders as having committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

So essentially, those who believe that that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is attributing the works of the Holy Spirit to the devil use the fear of this sin to keep other people from challenging or questioning whether are not their miracles really come from God.

In other words, those who hold to this view use it to quell any challenges and quiet any questions about their ministry. They tell others to not question and not challenge them, because if they do, they might be committing the unforgivable sin.

Problems with this View on the Unforgivable Sin

Though this is a popular view, it is not the best interpretation of Matthew 12:31-32.

First, Scripture is clear that not everything that appears spiritual is from the Holy Spirit. Satan can and does counterfeit the work of God.

Second, we are supposed to test the spirits and see if they are from God (1 John 4:1). If we believe a certain activity is not from God but is a counterfeit deception, it is our obligation to denounce it. It does not seem that God would tell us to test the spirits and denounce those that were false if doing so could accidentally cause someone to commit blasphemy against the Spirit. The warning of Jesus against this sin in Matthew 12 seems to indicate that one commits it intentionally; not accidentally.

Furthermore, many religions and cults other than Christianity see miracles, signs, wonders, speaking in tongues, ecstatic experiences, dreams, visions, healings, and other such things. Certainly charismatics would be quick to denounce these practices as not being from the Holy Spirit, for they are not performed within “Christian” churches. But since these practices are nearly identical in form and frequency as those done in charismatic circles, these charismatic teachers must be careful about condemning these practices in other religions, for could it not be possible that these other miraculous experiences are also from the Holy Spirit? If so, then these charismatic teachers are attributing a work of the Holy Spirit to the devil, and are therefore speaking blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (according to their own definition).

After all, God works in mysterious ways, and we cannot be certain that the Holy Spirit is not at work in the lives of other religious practitioners—even in miraculous ways—with the intent of bringing them to faith in Jesus Christ.

If charismatics are right, they must not condemn any miraculous utterance, prophecy, sign, miracle, answer to prayer, or spiritual experience of any person or religious group as being of the devil, for there is no way to be certain when and where the Holy Spirit is blowing (John 3:8).

So although this theory is compelling and seems to fit the context of Matthew 12:31-32, the fact that it is impossible to live out in real life indicates that it is not the proper understanding. Theology must not only fit with Scripture, but must also fit with what can be lived out in life.

Fourthly and finally, however, this view does not actually fit the context of Matthew 12:31-32.

While it is undoubtedly true that in the context of Matthew 12:31-32 Jesus is performing miracles and casting out demons, and the Pharisees accuse Jesus of doing such things by the power of Beelzebub, this does not mean that condemning the work of the Holy Spirit as a work of the devil is the same as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

Note that Jesus does not actually say that the religious leaders have committed the unpardonable sin. Instead, He says they are in danger of committing it. They were on the path to committing this sin, and Jesus was warning them about it. After all, if they had already committed it, why would Jesus warn them about it? He wouldn’t have.

Though the Pharisees accusation Jesus of working together with the devil, Jesus warns them that if they continue on the path they are on, they may likely commit the unpardonable sin. They have not committed it yet, but if they persist in denying all the evidence that is before them, they may come to a place where they put themselves beyond the reach of forgiveness.

So this proves that attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to the devil is not the unforgivable sin.

If you make a mistake in testing the spirits, you are forgiven!

Though we should always strive to rightly discern the Spirits and to see when something is being done by the Spirit of God or by an evil spirit, if we make a mistake and discern wrongly, we have not committed the unforgivable sin. We have simply made an error in judgment, for which there is infinite grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

The Holy Spirit is not so sensitive as to condemn forever those who confuse His works with those of the devil.

He understands that we are influenced in many ways by many voices and that sometimes we lash out at Him in anger, saying things that we do not mean, and thinking things we later regret.

It is a serious sin to say that something is evil when it is good, and this is why Jesus warns the Pharisees when they say this about His miracles. So while such a sin is getting close to the unforgivable sin, it is not the sin itself.

If you have attributed to works of the Holy Spirit to the devil, do not think that God has left you or that the Holy Spirit has abandoned you. Neither is the case. God still loves you and forgives you, and the Holy Spirit is still with you, drawing you to be more like Jesus Christ. If this were not so, you would not be reading this post.

So be encouraged. Be comforted. Recognize that you are forgiven. Then ask God to help you move on from whatever you have said or did so that you can know the truth of His infinite love, and be drawn deeper into fellowship with Him.

Do you fear that you have committed the Unforgivable Sin?

Fear not! You are forgiven. You are loved.

Fill out the form below to receive several emails from me which explains how you can know that you are loved and forgiven by God.

(Note: If you are a member of RedeemingGod.com, login and then revisit this page to update your membership.)

 

4 Reasons why Denying Christ is not the Unforgivable Sin

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Denying ChristSome believe that the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a verbal denial of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 12:31-32, which talks about the sin that will not be forgiven, it is true that some sort of denial is taking place by religious leaders who accuse Jesus of performing His miracles by the power of the devil.

Some believe that the religious leaders are actually denying Jesus, and that this is the unforgivable sin.

Further support for this view is sometimes found in the statement by Paul from 2 Timothy 2:12 where he writes, “If we deny Him, He will also deny us.”

Problems with this View

Yet there are numerous problems with the view that the unforgivable sin is denying Jesus Christ.

First, the concept of “denying Christ” is quite vague.

What constitutes a denial of Christ, and what does not? How would one know when they have denied Christ? Do they have to say the words, “I deny Christ”? Do words have to be spoken at all? Could denial be some sort of action or thought?

Second, the most famous example of someone who rejected and denied Christ is Peter.

Peter even used profanity and curses in denying any connection to Jesus Christ. Yet we know that he was forgiven by Jesus. If denial of Christ was the unpardonable sin, then certainly Peter was guilty of it, and yet we all fully expect to see Peter in heaven.

Third, while the passage in 2 Timothy 2:12 does say that God will deny us if we deny Him, it also says that if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

In other words, whatever the denial of 2 Timothy 2:12 is, it is not taking eternal life from someone who already has it, for this would amount to God denying Himself, which He cannot do.

Fourth, denial of Christ doesn’t even fit the context here, since such a denial would be a blasphemy against Jesus, which He says will be forgiven.

If blasphemy is actually a form of denial (which I think it is), it would have to be against the Holy Spirit, not against Jesus Christ.

So in light of these four truths, denying Christ cannot be the unforgivable sin. If you have denied Christ, you are forgiven!

Do you fear that you have committed the Unforgivable Sin?

Fear not! You are forgiven. You are loved.

Fill out the form below to receive several emails from me which explains how you can know that you are loved and forgiven by God.

(Note: If you are a member of RedeemingGod.com, login and then revisit this page to update your membership.)

 

Suicide is not the unforgivable Sin

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hope-suicideIn a previous post, I wrote that suicide is not the unforgivable sin.

In the past when I have taught this in various churches and conferences, I have been warned afterwards that I should not teach such things. Why not? Because even if it is true, I am told, such a teaching will encourage people to commit suicide.

Apparently, some people fear that if we teach that people can go to heaven even if they commit suicide, those who are thinking about suicide will be more likely to go through with it. It is better, they say, to teach that suicide is unforgivable because this idea will hopefully keep people from committing suicide.

I strongly disagree.

We should never use a lie to encourage people to do what is right.

Nor should we use fear as a basis for obedience.

If God is any guide, truth and love always provide the best motivations for obedience.

The truth, if properly taught with love, encourages right living and behavior. This also goes for the truth that suicide is forgivable.

The Truth Prevents Suicide

When a person is contemplating suicide, there are numerous things going on in their minds and lives which lead them to think that taking their life is the best solution to their problems.

They may be dealing with deep depression, or feeling that nobody loves them, or that their best years in life are behind them, or that every day is worse than the one before and it would be better to just end it all right now before things get even worse.

I have dealt with suicidal depression in the past, and these are some of the things I thought and felt.

One thing that helps people overcome suicidal depression and anxiety is the knowledge that they are loved, needed, and wanted. People struggling with suicidal thoughts need to know that there is hope for their future, that life will get better and is worth living.

While there are numerous possible sources for such love and hope, the greatest source of all is God.

God loves us more than we can possibly know, and He has plans for our life and our future that are far beyond anything we can ask or imagine. He has a grand purpose for each one of us in life, and this purpose never includes ending our life through suicide. He has a goal and purpose for our lives on earth, and if we commit suicide, we will miss out on fulfilling His perfect plan for us.

This is the truth presented in Scripture, and this is the view of God which will help people work through their depression and anxiety about life without giving in to suicide.

Lies Do Not Prevent Suicide

But when we tell people that God will not forgive them if they commit suicide, we are giving them a terribly dangerous and destructive picture of God.

By teaching people that God does not forgive suicide, we are teaching them that God only loves and forgives them as long as they do not sin. But as soon as they do sin, they must go begging to God for forgiveness, and if they fail to ask for forgiveness, He will send them to hell for eternity.

Such an idea is more likely to create and amplify suicidal depression than help it! Which is more likely to help a person out of suicidal depression: The idea that God loves you and is on your side no matter what … or the idea that God might love you, but only if you can obey Him completely and hold your life together as He demands?

I submit to you that it is only the first portrayal of God, the God of unconditional love and forgiveness, which helps people through the deep sadness, the great despair, the black hunger, the dark night of the soul, and the feeling that nobody loves, nobody cares, and nobody wants you around.

The second portrayal of god, the god who only loves the obedient and only cares for those who don’t make mistakes, is a petulant god, like a spoiled child who wants everything to go his way all the time, or he won’t play. This is a power-hungry god, who wants to keep people squirming under his ever-watchful eye as he waits for them to mess up so he can pounce on sinners and condemn them to everlasting hell.

This second view of God confirms to people their deepest, darkest suspicion: God hates them.

And if God hates them, it is no wonder that other people hate them also, and they might as well hate themselves.

Do you see how lying about the complete love and forgiveness of God for those who commit suicide does not actually keep people from committing suicide, but will only make them more likely to take their own life?

Give Hope and Love to Prevent Suicide

hope-love-truthIf we really want to help people through suicidal depression, they need to know the truth about God and how much He loves them and forgives them … no matter what.

When people are dealing with deep depression, the anxieties of life, ruined relationships, lost jobs, the death of a child or spouse, or ongoing health problems, the last thing they need is the idea that God hates them.

How much better it is to know that even though they are going through some of the worst things that can be experienced in life, God still loves them, and is still with them, and will continue to be by their side for the rest of their life and for eternity—no matter what?

The view of God as an ever-loving friend who is on your side no matter what does not encourage people to commit suicide, but rather encourages people to have hope for the future and to believe that there is a purpose in life for them.

So teach people that suicide is forgivable, not just because this is true, but because this it tells others what kind of God we serve.

God is a loving and compassionate God, full of understanding in our times of weakness, tenderness in our times of pain, and present with us in times of abandonment.

The knowledge that God forgives suicide does not encourage people to commit suicide, but helps keep them from it.

Do you fear that you have committed the Unforgivable Sin?

Fear not! You are forgiven. You are loved.

Fill out the form below to receive several emails from me which explains how you can know that you are loved and forgiven by God.

(Note: If you are a member of RedeemingGod.com, login and then revisit this page to update your membership.)

 

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