The unpardonable sin

[CoAspen]

Interesting how, at least in SDAism, people ave tried so hard to define an 'unpardonable' sin. Yes, I was brought up that way, to live in fear of doing such. I see some changes in the concept being talk about here, but still read the 'old' definitions with in, just modified. The only river you can't cross, is the one you choose to not cross. Not complicated, but much time is spent expounding on it and trying to be exact, maybe to impress with 'insight'? Don't know, but not sure any of this is productive.

 

[CoAspen]

Quote

They refused to allow Christ to change their hearts (minds). 

We make the choice to believe or not believe, change or not change. We go to God and say, "change me", magic wand and zap we are changed?

We can choose to take a better path, but God is not going to do it for us,  programmable robots. We are not going blindly.

To me, the beauty of the mind, given that it may not be pristine, can still make a choice to trust God for the better path, follow that even though we do not fully understand. It is all about trust.
 

[LifeHiscost]

9 hours ago, Robert said:

Think what you wish....The sin of unbelief is the only sin that can't be forgiven.  

    The righteousness of Christ will not cover one

cherished sin

. A man may be a law-breaker in heart; yet if he commits no outward act of transgression, he may be regarded by the world as possessing great integrity. But God’s law looks into the secrets of the heart. Every act is judged by the motives that prompt it. Only that which is in accord with the principles of God’s law will stand in the judgment.

{COL 316.2}

[/quote]

Sounds like a person needs a new heart, something only the Creator can provide.

God is Love!~Jesus saves!  

 

[Robert]

5 hours ago, LifeHiscost said:

The righteousness of Christ will not cover one cherished sin. A man may be a law-breaker in heart; yet if he commits no outward act of transgression, he may be regarded by the world as possessing great integrity. But God’s law looks into the secrets of the heart. Every act is judged by the motives (the thought) that prompt it. Only that which is in accord with the principles of God’s law will stand in the judgment.

Here's the context:

"Many who call themselves Christians are mere human moralists. They have refused the gift which alone could enable them to honor Christ by representing Him to the world. The work of the Holy Spirit is to them a strange work." [COL 315]

Ellen White is referring to the unbeliever who have refused the gift of salvation and who see the work of God's Spirit as something strange.  

That's why she says, "Every act is judged by the motives that prompt it. Only that which is in accord with the principles of God's law will stand in the judgment." [COL 316]

And then on the same page she states: "

"Those who reject the gift of Christ's righteousness (salvation) are rejecting the attributes of character which would constitute them the sons and daughters of God."

So she's referring to the unbeliever. The unbeliever has committed the unpardonable sin and hence even their thoughts will used against them in the coming judgment.  But the believer is not under the law and therefore the law can't touch him.

 

[LifeHiscost]

11 hours ago, Robert said:

 

So she's referring to the unbeliever. The unbeliever has committed the unpardonable sin and hence even their thoughts will be used against them in the coming judgment.  But the believer is not under the law and therefore the law can't touch him.

 

It is the enemy of souls who uses those thoughts to destroy men's souls. God is Love. He died for the souls of the lost and the only reason men will be lost is because they refuse to accept the

Savior's solution to their salvation.

  

I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done (I have kept My Father's commandments) to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for self, to seek the highest place; and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit. The ordinance preceding the Lord’s Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve his brother. {DA 650.4}

The holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one of soul searching, of conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven. Christ in the fullness of His grace is there to change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels. The Holy Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord. As the Saviour’s humiliation for us is remembered, thought links with thought; a chain of memories is called up, memories of God’s great goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends. Blessings forgotten, mercies abused, kindnesses slighted, are called to mind. Roots of bitterness that have crowded out the precious plant of love are made manifest. Defects of character, neglect of duties, ingratitude to God, coldness toward our brethren, are called to remembrance. Sin is seen in the light in which God views it. Our thoughts are not thoughts of self-complacency, but of severe self-censure and humiliation. The mind is energized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation. Evil thinking and evilspeaking are put away. Sins are confessed, they are forgiven. The subduing grace of Christ comes into the soul, and the love of Christ draws hearts together in a blessed unity. {DA 650.5}

As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned, the desire is kindled for a higher spiritual life. To this desire the divine Witness will respond. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ’s righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We “behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. {DA 651.1}

 

17"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18"For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19"Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.…Matthew 5

God is Love!~Jesus saves