Opponents of Jesus persistently disregarded, disrespected, and condemned him and his message.1 He thus warned against and rebuked the sinful attitudes and behaviors of these hypocritical, evil-hearted, murderous antagonists.2 As Jesus cast out demons “by the Spirit of God” (Matt. 12:28),3 he was falsely accused by hostile Pharisees of doing these supernatural works “by the ruler of the demons” (Matt. 9:34; 12:24). This prompted his stern response, “Truly I say to you, all the sins and the blasphemies will be forgiven the sons of men, as many as they may have blasphemed. But whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness but is guilty of everlasting sin” (Mark 3:28-29; cf. Matt. 12:31-32; Luke 12:10).
The plural noun “blasphemies” (Mark 3:28) conveys the recurring actions of reviling with irreverence, slander, and hostility. The Greek aorist tense of the verbal form (v. 29; cf. Luke 12:10) indicates a state of mind as long as it lasts, characteristic of conscious and deliberate opposition. It involves not only what is spoken but a corrupt heart from which the malicious words proceed (Matt. 15:18-19; Mark 7:21-23).
On this particular occasion the sinful mindset and speech that Christ condemns is the stubborn dismissal of the obvious working of God’s Spirit and attributing it to the power of Satan. It is not a mere slip of the tongue or unintentional lapse in judgment but is indicative of those who are constantly [present tense] against Christ (Matt. 12:30; Luke 11:23). It is essentially the defiant rejection of the will of God (Matt. 15:3-9; Luke 7:30) as revealed and confirmed by God’s Spirit (Luke 4:14-21; Acts 10:38).
Even though these hard-hearted critics ridiculed and rejected Christ and his teachings during his earthly ministry, they would be afforded another opportunity when the Spirit was sent to guide the apostles into all truth to proclaim to the world (John 14:25-26; 15:26-27; 16:12-15; Acts 2:1-38). However, the unrepentant continuance of a defiant heart, evil speech, and disobedient life would not and cannot be forgiven (cf. Acts 7:51; 1 Tim. 4:1-2; Titus 1:15-16).
What is “a Sin Unto Death” and “a Sin Not Unto Death”?
“If anyone should see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall request and he shall give him life, to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say he should ask concerning that” (1 John 5:16-17). How does “a sin unto death” differ from “a sin not unto death”?
Simply put, “a sin not unto death” is forgivable sin for which the Lord provides redemption, whereas “a sin unto death” is unforgiven (cf. 1:7-10; 2:1-2, 12). More specifically, in the context of 1 John, forgivable sin (not leading to death) pertains to Christians acknowledging Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (4:15; 5:1-20), who walk in the light and confess sin (1:7-9), love God and keep his commandments (2:3-5; 3:22, 24; 5:2-3), hope and abide in him (3:3-6), do not habitually live in sin but practice righteousness (3:6-7; 5:18), listen to apostolic teaching (4:6), and love one another (3:11, 23; 4:7).
In contrast, unforgiven sin (leading to spiritual death) characterizes those about whom John is particularly concerned in this epistle, who deny Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God having come in the flesh (2:22-23; 4:2-3; 5:10), do not love but hate brethren (2:9-11; 3:14-15; 4:8), leave the church (2:19), deceive others (2:26), habitually practice lawlessness rather than righteousness (3:4, 10), and do not listen to apostolic teaching (4:6).
Conclusion
To avoid unforgiven sin leading to spiritual death, may we always have hearts submissive to God’s holy will, availing ourselves of the gracious provision he has made through the sacrifice of his Son. Despite our imperfections, a life of humble obedience to his word allows us to enjoy forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life (Heb. 5:8-9).
--Kevin L. Moore
Endnotes:
1 Matt. 9:11, 34; 12:2, 10, 14, 24, 38-39; 15:1-2; 16:1-4; 19:3; 22:15-18, 23-29, 34-35; 26:3-4, 47, 57-59, 66-68; 27:1, 12-13, 18, 20; Luke 11:53-54; 15:2; 16:14; John 7:32, 48; 8:13; 9:16; 11:57.
2 Matt. 12:30; 16:6-12; 23:1-36; Luke 11:23, 39-52.
3 See also Matt. 9:8; Luke 3:22; 4:1, 14-19; 11:20; John 3:2; 5:36; Acts 2:22; 10:38. Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are the author’s own translation.
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