Jesus says our Father will forgive our sins? Do you personally believe that, or do you think there are sins to big for God to forgive?

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2001

Answers

There is nothing whatsoever that we can do that God is not willing to forgive. There is, however, one sin that humans commit that God is unable to forgive. That is, suicide. For once a person has ended his life, he has no opportunity to ask forgiveness of the Father.

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2001

Bro. Richardson,

I respectfully take issue with your statement that the sin of suicide cannot be given. I disagree that the sin of suicide cannot be forgiven because most of the time, the disease of major depression leads to suicide and an individual is so distraught at that point that their emotions severely cloud all judgement if not reality itself. I have known some christians who committed suicide and I am certain that Jesus will have mercy upon them during judgement. However, I don't believe anyone will be forgiven of the sin of failing to accept Jesus as his savior. Even though, I am not exactly certain what Jesus meant by the " unpardonable sin" described in the Gospels. Failure to accept Jesus as ones saviour is the only unforgiveable sin that I can identify at this time.

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2001

JazzMan,

I see, and accept your point. I would push your point further, however, to suggest that the person that commits suicide has not accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. If they had, they would find that the anointing of Christ removes burdens and destroys yokes, and that earth has absolutely no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. By that logic, suicide would be unpardonable because the person that commits this act has not accepted Christ, and is thus outside of the arc of protection.

I know that those of you counselors that deal with depressions and addictions and the like would say that that is a simplistic statement and not based in the reality of the hell that these victims go through. However, I stand by my assertion. I welcome more discussion on the issue!

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2001

Bro Richardson,

According to scripture there is a sin which cannot be forgiven. That is the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. "Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men."Matthew 12:31. The question of forgiveness would have to be moved to What is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. All of this is to say, that suicide (in my opinion) does not fall under this sin.

In no way do I condone suicide, but I believe what Jazzman has said about the burdens that some may have carried that became overwhelming to the point of depression and uncloudy thinking, is reasonable.

Over two thousand years ago our Savior Jesus Christ took upon himself our sin. The chastisment of our PEACE was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. For Jesus' obedience, all power was given to him. The judgment of our souls is in his hands. He is a faithful and just judge. The security of man rest on the shoulder's of Jesus. I don't know about you, but I'm glad it doesn't rest on my hands or on those of like manner. Because as fair as we try to be, we are incapable of casting or excusing one's soul to eternal damanation.

When we make judgement calls we have to remember the scripture that tells us "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." Matthew 7:2

Truly we don't know what lies ahead. We walk in faith and have hope in Christ.

If we say all suicide is unforgivable, then what do we say about those that suffer from mental breakdowns, and have lost their ability to reason.

In Christ, Carmen

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2001

You've almost persuaded me. Why would suicide not fall under the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2001

And I feel honored that you are almost persuaded :-). Seems I remember King Agrippa (I believe) being almost persuaded.

Seriously, the scripture that comes to me is "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." I John 3:20.

Since God sees our heart beyond our pain, he also sees beyond our intensions.

I can't honestly say that all suicide is not a form of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. Since it is the Holy Ghost that calls us to Christ and to repentance; and if you are no longer living you cannot answer the call. You deny the power of God and place your own provision for your life over that which has been ordained by God. But I do believe some have commited suicide out of a condemnation they've endured placed upon themselves. And have been influenced by the adversary not to see beyond the circumstances. Since the word says God is great than the heart and knows all, again I will glad leave that judgment call to His Son Jesus Christ.

In Christ, Carmen

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2001

Now I am fully persuaded! Thanks, Carmen.

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2001

You are very much welcome Bro Richardson.

In Christ, Carmen

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2001