SALVATION QUESTION 87

QUESTION 87
Is the sin unto death, in John 5:16,, and the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost, in Matthew 12:31, the same? I think they are?

ANSWER:
With all due respect to you, I must say I don't think you are correct. The "blasphemy of the Holy Ghost" and the "sin unto death" are not the same thing. The people involved are not the same. In Mark 3:22 the "blasphemy of the Holy Ghost," was committed by the unbelieving Pharisees. They were ascribing the miracles of Jesus to Beelzebub, the prince of demons. This sin was not forgivable, because they were apostates. In the age to come (kingdom), Jesus will heal again, as we read in Isaiah 35. If it is said of Him again, that He is doing it by the power of demons, there will be no forgiveness there, either. This is not a sin that can be committed today. It was only so when Jesus was here, performing miracles. It will be so again in the 1000 years kingdom, when Christ will again heal the sick, give sight to the blind, etc.

The "sin unto death," (1 John 5:16) was committed by a believer. It would seem to be the same in 1 Corinthians 5:5, where a certain believer, who was guilty of fornication was to be excommunicated and delivered to Satan, "for the destruction of the flesh,"(physical death). We have the same thing which is spoken of a brother in James 5:19-20, and also in 1 Corinthians 11:30. This sin seems to be where a believer continues to habitually live in sin, and where God decides it is best to take him/her out of the world.

The sin that condemns a person is; "not believing on the Son of God. "He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:18.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

Return to Salvation Questions Main Page

Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen