Do you think you are beyond being forgiven? Is what you did so heinous that you are beyond God’s hand? Or maybe you fear you may have committed the unpardonable sin? Actually… do you know what the unpardonable sin is? Regardless, I believe that every serious Christian, at some time, becomes concerned that they may have gone over the line and are beyond redemption. In essence – you are doomed. Now what? How will you live the rest of your life?
First, if you are concerned then I think that there is an excellent body of proof that can prove that you aren’t damned. There are a number of scriptures that assure us that we aren’t. I believe that one of the best examples that you aren’t beyond forgiveness is that you are aware you did something that would be displeasing to God and you are concerned. Scripture (1 John 1:9) tells us that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us. So forgiveness is based on: confessing sin which means that we know our behavior/words were wrong and we are also resolved not to commit them again.
Another scripture (1 Corinthians 12:3) tells us that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed and no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. So if you believe Jesus is Lord, your Lord, then you are still in the family. The evidence is that the Holy Spirit still abides in you. Undoubtedly, for me, the scripture that strengthens me in these times is Romans 8:35:
” Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? … (38) For I am persuaded that neither
death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to
come, nor height nor depth, nor any other create thing, shall be able to separate us from
the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
That statement covers everything… unless you willingly and willfully renounce Jesus as your Lord. God will never force you to accept but don’t forget the ending…Philippians 2:10-11.
“Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver?” (Isaiah 50:2) The answer to this rhetorical question is a resounding – NO! Deuteronomy 10:12 (God speaking to Israel) “… what does the Lord you God require of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul…” Though this is spoken in the Old Testament, this admonition continues to apply. If this is your heart then you are never beyond forgiveness. Caution though… one of the biggest errors that can be made is based in (my) belief that if you have no intention to change you can’t continually ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness is never license.
