The Unpardonable sin as contrasted with unlimited forgiveness in the context of the life experience

Abstract

Forgiveness must be regarded as one of the most profound and essentlal of all human needs, because all human beings are sinners. Forgiveness transcends human understanding. The approach of this study to the topic of forgiveness, includes the different phases of forgiveness, the reality of divine grace, and the incomparable value of forgiveness as experienced in the personal life of the sinner.

This research explores the true meaning of divine forgiveness in the personal life of the believer. Divine forgiveness is truly unlimited in terms of the number of people who are forgiven and the number of their mistakes. This unconditional forgiveness testifies of God's unbounded grace to humanity. However, there is a sin which is not included in the category of unlimited forgiveness.

In the approach of this study to an understanding of the unpardonable sin, the definition of forgiveness is first defined, beginning with a study of the essential nature of humankind. This study observes that all human beings are tied with an invislble bond of sin when they are born. This invisible bond influences all relationships in the human experience. In order for God to forgive sins, the bond must be untied to allow a new relationship. How does God break this bond to forgive the sinner? If one is bound irreversibly with death, the condition of such a status is termed in this study unpardonabie sin. Conversely, if one is bound with life, the condition of that status is termed forgiven by God. Therefore, God's resolution for the human bond may mean life or death.

Both sclentific and theologlcal research have been conducted regarding the nature of humanity at birth. This paper focuses on the first Adam and the second Adam in relation to the understandlng of God's condemnation and forgiveness. An understanding of the unpardonable sin is drawn from the conclusion of the study which centers in God's unllmited forgiveness to all human beings in the context of the daily life of the human subject.

Finally, the new birth experience and the believer's ensuing relationship with God are addressed. This relationship originates from the new blrth made posslble by the second Adam. The person who has been recreated in the new image of God may experience a new relationship with God. The newborn person may also have the same loving relatlonship with people.

According to the development of this study, although God's forgiveness for man's transgressions is unlimited, there is also a sin termed "unpardonable" in the life experlence of human beings. This study offers an avenue whereby indlviduals may find release from human bondage and new hope for a life of victory. It parallels God's system of forgiveness with the making of a wedding garment for the salnts. Implicit in this understanding of God's forglveness and the unpardonable sin is God's call to humanity to accept the robe which the redeemed will wear in heaven forever.