THE UNPARDONABLE SIN
Background
Occasionally someone will express concern that he or she may have committed the "unpardonable sin." This person may, in fact, be guilty of a truly grievous sin, such as murder, adultery, incest, abortion, or even something not quite so serious. Over a period of time, the person then develops an obsessive guilt, perhaps not unlike David's when he cried out, "My sin is ever before me" (Psalm 51:3). Some people then associate this guilt with the idea that God cannot possibly forgive them for what they have done.
The inquirer's admission that sin is present, and that it is serious, is to the advantage of the helper. With such a humble admission, the battle for the person's soul is nearly won! There are, however, some misconceptions to be cleared up.
Helping Strategy
1. Immediately encourage the inquirer by stating that you want to help in any way you can. Point out that, in spite of what he or she may think, the Bible maintains that God, in His grace, can forgive any sin if we ask Him to.
2. Define the unpardonable sin in the light of Scripture:
When Jesus cast a demon out of a blind and mute man, the people were amazed (Matthew 12:22–23). The Pharisees, however, spoke against Jesus, saying that He had cast out the demon by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons (verse 24). Jesus answered them as follows: "Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men . . . either in this age or in the age to come" (verses 31–32).
Ask the caller if he or she is guilty of this sin. If not, offer the assurance that no "unpardonable sin" has been committed.
3. In emphasizing this, however, take care not to minimize the seriousness of any sin which he or she may confess (Galatians 5:19–21). If such an admission of sin is made, emphasize that "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). To experience God's grace in salvation—which includes forgiveness from sin—a person must admit that he or she is a sinner. See step 2 of "Steps to Peace with God," page 11.