A.One of the puzzling statements in John's writings is our subject of discussion.
1. Many equate the sin that leads to death to the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
2. What does the Bible say about this sin that leads to death? John 8:32
B. This discussion will be divided as follows:
1. What is the SIN that does not LEAD to DEATH?
2. What is the SIN that leads to ETERNAL death?
3. No child of God keeps on sinning
Discussion
A. What is the sin that does not lead to death?
1. Initially, the sin that does not lead to death ( eternal damnation) is any sin committed but is confessed and repented of.
2. I John 1:9 says " If we confess our sins to God, He will forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
3. In any nation, there are many sins not punishable by death.
4. But the apostle wrote " all wrongdoing is sin but there is sin which does not lead to death."
5. The mature Christian's duty is to pray for this kind of sinner that God will give him LIFE ( physical/ spiritual)
B. What is the SIN that leads to DEATH?
1. Unrepented and continuous sin like smoking, alcohol and drug addiction can lead to physical death
2. But the " wages of sin is death," ( physical/ spiritual) Romans 6:23
3.Also repeated and unrepented sins can lead to eternal damnation
4. Examples of People Whose Sins Led To Death
- Galatians 5:19-21 " sexual immorality, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, wrath, factions, envy, drunkenness,.orgies..those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
- Revelation 21:8 " The coward, unbelieving, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters and all liars- their place will be in the lake of fire, which is the second death."
4. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3:29.
C. No child of God keeps on sinning
1. " anyone born of God does not continue to sin because the Son of God keeps him safe and the Evil One cannot harm him."
2. This passage is used to prove the false teaching that " once saved, always saved."
3. This teaching is denied by I John 1:10 " if we claim that we have not sinned, we make Him ( God) a liar.."
4. In other words, a baptized believer still commits sin ( as all human beings do) but he pursues " righteousness, holiness and sanctification" to obtain eternal life
- Revelation 2:10 ( to receive the crown of life)
- Romans 6:12-13 (don't let sin reign in your mortal bodies)
D. Examples of People Whose Sins Led to Death
1. Achan - Theft and Lying, Joshua 7:16-26 ( stoned to death)
2. Nadab and Abihu- Offered Strange Fire, Exodus 30:9; Leviticus 10:1-2 ( Fire from God consumed them)
3. Uzzah- Unauthorized holding of the Ark of Covenant, 2 Samuel 6:7 ( God struck him dead)
4. Herod Agrippa- Claimed God's glory and honor, Acts 12:21-23 ( angel of the Lord struck him down)
5. Ananias and Sapphira- Lying and Covetousness, Acts 5:1-10 ( Both died immediately)
6. Apostates- Impossible to renew; reached point of no return, Hebrews 6:4-6
Conclusion
A. To obey Christ is the only way to avoid committing the sin that leads to death
1. He is inviting you to come to
Him, Matthew 11:28-30
2. The time to accept Him now, for TODAY is the Day of Salvation, 2 Corinthians 6:2