The Unforgivable Sin

By Rhonda Hafley

Some have said that the Unforgivable Sin does not exist and I want to offer up another perspective. What does that mean? Since Jesus introduced it by speaking about it, was he just saying something he didn't mean? I don't think so! Does it not exist in our day, whereas it did in the First Century? If we take his words as truth then we want to examine what he said very seriously, especially when it comes to a sin that wouldn't be forgiven, in that age or in the next one. 

That is another reason, by the way, that the fulfilled lens is important to me as I view Universalism. There's no reason to throw out scri pture because it doesn't happen to fit my perspective in other ones -- but rather understand all of God's Word, because every "word" is important in our understanding the Plan of God.

The message that Jesus brought, following after John the Baptizer was this: "Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at hand!" Those acquainted with the Law and the Prophets knew (especially from the book of Daniel) that the "time" was at hand. Jesus, the King of that coming  Kingdom told the religious leaders: "The Kingdom of God isn't coming with great observation, for Look! The Kingdom of God is in your midst."  I want to stress here, he didn't say "The Kingdom of God is "within you"--as so many believe from bad translations, but "in your midst." It was "in their midst" because the King was in their midst, but they weren't recognizing him. And because the King was in their midst, the opportunity to inherit that kingdom as joint heirs with the King (to inherit crowns and thrones with him) was AT HAND.

So, when he was doing miraculous works and healings, the religious leaders accused him publicly of using the power of Beelzebub (the ruler of the demons, according to their beliefs) rather than recognizing that these works were from God, manifested by the Power of His Spirit. So Jesus told them that they could speak a word against him, and it would be forgiven (anyone could come and claim to be the promised Messiah--God wouldn't expect faith based on a man's just  claiming it alone)--but to speak against the evidence provided by God Himself was inexcusable.

By right of birth, these "lost sheep of the House of Israel" were the ones in line to make up the "FirstFruits" class -- the administration of God's Kingdom Government -- and this was the opportunity for the "salvation" that Jesus was offering. But because they rejected their Savior and therefore their Father who sent him -- and spoke out against the Holy Spirit which was undeniable, they MISSED OUT on this opportunity and kept others back as well. 

Like Esau (who would foreshadow this very event), they gave up their birthright -- sold it -- for a physical meal, so to speak. As Paul said about them, their god was their belly. And because they didn't appreciate Spiritual things, or rejoice in them, they sold out for the flesh--they wanted a physical fulfillment--a physical king.  Therefore, they didn't receive this special calling opportunity -- to be seated with Jesus in his administration (government.) They wouldn't be in the marriage supper with the lamb, they would see what they missed out on, weep and gnash their teeth. Jesus told them, "The Kingdom of God is being taken from you and given to a nation that will bear its fruits."

They weren't forgiven for this. They never would be. They would never receive this High Calling, this opportunity again. And this is why also, that Paul likened his life as a race, keeping his eye on "the prize." This wasn't just about everlasting life--but about being in the First Resurrection--about drinking Jesus' cup and accepting a covenant with him and therefore sharing in Jesus' death as well as his inheritance. This is why Jesus said, "Let no man take your crown." This was something one could miss out on--one could lose his crown and be replaced by someone else.

However, a Kingdom has an administration and subjects. The purpose of the Kingdom Government of God is to bring mankind to Life; to restore to mankind what Adam lost. Those who missed out still receive Life and the benefits of the
Kingdom as subjects, but are not rulers in it (and never will be.) So there indeed IS an unforgivable sin, that was for a specific people (the Jews and Gentile replacements) at a specific time. Today, since many believe they are being called to rule with Jesus, this "sin" would still be in effect--if they're to inherit a throne from Jesus Christ, they could lose it--but they wouldn't be losing life.

I don't happen to believe this calling is open anymore, but many do, and its not up to me to judge. Because there was a "High Calling", that indicates that there is at least a Lesser one. Since there was a "Firstfruit" class, Jesus and his bride being that,
it indicates there is also at least a "Secondfruit". There is a firstfruit harvest and then the rest of the harvest that comes.

First Resurrection indicates there is at least a Second. This makes sense because every Kingdom isn't made up of only rulers, but the majority are subjects. So I see it as having been worked out in Government/Subjects; Firstfuits/Rest of the Harvest; High Calling to Inherit the Kingdom/the rest of mankind receiving the blessings from it.