"My Pardonable Sin" February 23 Readings: Leviticus 24-25, Mark 3:13–35, Psalm 27:5–14, Proverbs 6:30-31

Today's Readings - Leviticus 24-25, Mark 3:13–35, Psalm 27:5–14, Proverbs 6:30-31 

Devotional -  MyPardonable Sin

"Pastor, I think I may have committed an unpardonable sin." 

Pastors have heard that fear expressed repeatedly since, I suppose, the Scriptures were first written. This passage (Mark 3:22-30) articulates something fearful, something awful - a sin that cannot or will not be forgiven. 

"But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin." Mark 3:29 

As a lifelong (and professional caliber) sinner, that bothers me. What is this sin that stands above every other sin? What does it mean to blaspheme the Spirit? Have I committed that sin? Have you? Let's agree to this fact - if there is a sin that is eternal and can never be forgiven, it would benefit us to understand what it is and NEVER to commit it. Right? 

Theologians have argued about that sin forever, and will probably continue to do so. However, I think the answer to the question, "What is the unpardonable sin?" is found in the next verse. 

"Because they were saying he had an unclean spirit."

The unpardonable sin, in my understanding, was something that could only be committed during the earthly ministry of Jesus. If your heart was so hardened that you saw the pure and holy Christ, listened to his teachings and observed his miracles, and then you ascribed his power to the work of demons, your heart was gone beyond repair. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit was the sin of attributing Jesus' work to demons.

The fact is, dear reader, your sins can be forgiven. Paul called himself the worst of sinners, but he found grace in Jesus Christ. So will you. Whatever your sins, your wickedness of heart, your depravity of soul, your sexual vileness or materialistic wretchedness, you are not beyond the grace of Jesus Christ. If you come to him in repentance, you will find forgiveness.

The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sins! You may have sinned a lot, but God's grace is greater than your sin. Come to God today in humility seeking repentance and you will find forgiveness.

Have no fear that you have committed an unpardonable sin.

Father, I have sinned against you more often than I wish to consider. But your grace is always stronger than my sin. No matter how serious my sin, your blood washes them away. Thank you for the sacrifice of your Son. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Remember two things about your sin:

1. You cannot never out-sin the grace of God.
2. You should never try!

Are you resting in God's grace and striving for holiness?