A Bible lesson by Ivor Jefferies
1. What sins can and cannot be forgiven?
Read Num. 15:27-31, Matt. 12:31-32, Luke 23:34-43, Acts 3:14-17, 4:4, 6:7, 1 Tim. 1:13-15.
Some people think suicide can never be forgiven, because the person had no chance to repent. Yet the Bible does not call suicide the unpardonable sin. In general I would say that those who are continually planning to murder themselves are children of the devil; they are unsaved (John 8:44, 1 John 3:8, 15).
At the same time I do not think that your last deed on earth determines your final destiny. Samson is an example of a believer who died by suicide (Judg. 16:30, Heb. 11:1, 32-34).
I am thereby encouraging suicide? By no means, for “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Heb. 9:27).
2. What is the unpardonable sin, and what does it look like in practice?
Read Prov. 29:1, Mark 3:22, 28-30, Heb. 6:4-6, 2 Pet. 2:20-22.
3. Why can’t this sin be forgiven?
Read Heb. 6:6, 10:26, 29, Mark. 3:29, Rev. 16:10-11.
4. Can a Christian commit this sin?
Read Heb. 6:9, 17-20, Rom. 8:29-30, John 6:37, 39, 10:28-29, Tit. 1:1-2.
5. What are some marks that you are on the slippery slope of this sin?
Read Gal. 1:6, 5:4, 1 Tim. 4:2, 2 Tim. 4:10, 1 John 2:19, Rev. 3:15-16.
“In every backsliding there is partial apostasy, with much dishonour done to Christ. Nor does anyone know whether his backsliding will not end in total apostasy.” (John Owen, Apostasy from the Gospel, 122).
“When backsliding begins no one can tell where it will end.” (Iain Murray, Evangelical Holiness, 82).
6. What is the antidote to this sin?
Read Isa. 55:6-7, Heb. 3:12-15, 10:24-25, John 8:31, 2 Pet. 3:17-18, Rev. 2:4-5, 3:19, 1 John 5:16, Hos. 14:4.
7. What would you say to someone who fears that he has committed this sin?
Read 1 Tim. 1:13-15.
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37).
But I am a great sinner, sayest thou. "I will in no wise cast out," says Christ.
But I am an old sinner, sayest thou. "I will in no wise cast out," says Christ.
But I am a hard- hearted sinner, sayest thou. "I will in no wise cast out," says Christ.
But I am a backsliding sinner, sayest thou. "I will in no wise cast out," says Christ.
But I have served Satan all my days, sayest thou. "I will in no wise cast out," says Christ.
But I have sinned against light, sayest thou. "I will in no wise cast out," says Christ.
But I have sinned against mercy, sayest thou. "I will in no wise cast out," says Christ.
But I have no good thing to bring with me, sayest thou. "I will in no wise cast out," says Christ.
(John Bunyan, Come and welcome to Jesus Christ, 150).