Blake Jennings Grace Bible Church Southwood

“The Unforgivable Sin” Matthew 12:30-32

Few passages have caused as much confusion, concern, and abject fear as Jesus’ discussion of the unforgivable sin. Is there some sin that can put us beyond hope of redemption? We’ll discover the answer as we survey the context of the book of Matthew and as we study what the New Testament reveals about the nature of our salvation.

The Unforgivable Sin: A Variety of Interpretations

• Didache (~100 AD) – Failure to accept the words of NT prophets • Irenaeus (2nd Cent) – Lack of response to the gospel • Origen (3rd Cent) – Post-conversion relapse into sin • Thomas Aquinas – suicide

John Bunyan’s Fear: “I feared therefore that this wicked sin of mine might be that sin unpardonable… And now was I both a burden and a terror to myself, nor did I ever so know, as now, what it was to be weary of my life, and yet afraid to die. Oh, how gladly now would I have been anybody but myself! Anything but a man! and in any condition but mine own! for there was nothing did pass more frequently over my mind, than that it was impossible for me to be forgiven my transgression, and to be saved from wrath to come.”

Context of Matthew

• Jesus’ purpose: to restore the Davidic Kingdom to Israel as her King and then fulfill all of the Old Testament covenants.

• Chap 1-11: the King Revealed • Chap 12-27: the King Rejected • Chap 28: the King Vindicated

• Chap 1-11: the King Revealed – Birth of the King (1:1-2:23) – Preparation of His subjects (3:1-12) – Preparation of the King (3:13-4:11) – Unveiling of the King (4:12-11:24) – Offer of the King (11:25-30)

Joshua 21:43-45 So the Lord gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it. And the Lord gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hand. Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.

Matt 12 - the King Rejected

• The miracle (v22) • The leaders’ initial rejection (v23-24) • The King’s rebuke – Proves they are wrong (v25-29) – Warns them of the consequences (v30-37) • The leaders’ final rejection (v38) • The King’s condemnation (v39-44)

So what is this sin?

The choice of a religious leader who witnessed Jesus’ miracles to publicly accredit them to the power of Satan

Why was it unforgivable?

• Because the King said so! • But why did He pick this sin? – Still hope if you doubted Jesus – No hope if you rejected the miracles – No more destructive sin ever committed

Can a person commit it today? NO!!

Who: religious leaders of Israel When: after personally witnessing Jesus’ miracles

Can a non-Christian commit any other unforgivable sin?

1 Timothy 1:15-16 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst . But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners , Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Can a non-Christian commit any other unforgivable sin? NO!!

Can a Christian commit an unforgivable sin?

1) We can commit sins that have serious consequences 2) But loss of salvation is NOT one of them!

How do we know we can’t? 1) By the nature of our salvation

Colossians 2:13-14 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions , having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Hebrews 10:10-14 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all . Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time , sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified .

2) By our new nature • A new creation (2 Cor 5:17) • We’ve become sons of God (Gal 3:26) • We have been born again (1 Pet 1:3)

3) By the nature of our Savior • John 10:27-29 • Romans 8:35-39

So what should we do?

• Live with confidence (not complacency) • Express our gratitude • Share this great news