Question #1:
Doc, did I ever tell you about Ron Craig? He's the cult leader of this YouTube "ministry" called The Rooted Word. He preaches the most extreme and most hopeless works salvation I've ever seen (except maybe for one). He says we must completely stop sinning to be saved, and that if we sin after that we lose salvation. He's making his own Bible version and uses verses from it instead of an actual professionally made one to debunk his theological enemies... his worst offense by far is telling people to their face that they've blasphemed the Spirit and will never be forgiven no matter how sincerely they repent...for calling out his lunacy. Honestly, if anyone's never being forgiven, it's HIM.
Response #1:
Never heard of him. But I have bumped into the phenomenon. I just had an extended conversation with a person convinced on not being able to be saved on account of committing some sin which blasphemed the Holy Spirit. It has always been amazing to me how effective a weapon guilt is in manipulating human beings. That is why I call religion "the devil's ace trump" because it operates so heavily on fear and guilt. To believe in no forgiveness while still alive, a person would have completely misunderstand what God – our heavenly Father who is better than any human father could ever be – is like:
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and great in mercy. He will not accuse without end, nor will He harbor [His anger] forever. He does not deal with us in proportion to our sins, nor does He recompense us in proportion to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy on behalf of those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, [so far] has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his sons, [so] the Lord has compassion for those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:8-13
All false teachers have a lot to answer for. But they will definitely receive their comeuppance (much about this in the next installment of the Peter series, coming some time this summer):
Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
2nd Timothy 3:8-9 NIV
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
I'm scared Doc...I spoke against the spirt Ron Craig preaches by and told it "get there behind me Satan". According to him, this ia blasphemy against the Spirit and can't be forgiven. I'm scared he'll turn out to be a true teacher and I'll be irreversibly damned. I saw a Cambly profile he made of himself, and he mentions nothing about being a Pastor or even Christian, and the degrees listed aren't even Bible related like he claims he has. This profile has gone from just possible evidence of him being false to my final hope for salvation. Do you think he just left the important stuff out? Or is it damning evidence of him being a liar and thus not sinless like he claims?
Response #2:
So you need to learn to believe the truth and not false teachers. Paying
attention to them in the first place is a mistake.
Anyone can claim anything. But we believe the Bible – or at least we should.
There's a ton of material on Ichthys about this. Let me know if you have any
trouble locating it.
Did you know Jesus loves you? Did you know He died for you? Did you know that
you are saved by grace through faith – not of works (lest any man should boast).
You can continue this list yourself, I hope.
Link: What is
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Hello,
I committed the unpardonable sin about 2 years ago. I am not a Christian
, but I went to church for over 47 years. I am under the wrath of God. I
can’t take care of myself. I want to repent and receive Christ as my
Lord and Savior, but there is no hope, correct because the sin is
unforgivable.
Response #3:
The so-called "unforgivable sin" is the sin of rejecting the Spirit's
testimony about Christ (see
the link).
As long as a person is living on this earth, if willing to put their
faith, trust, belief in Jesus Christ, God makes that salvation freely
available to all (see the link).
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."
Acts 16:31
In the Name of our dear Savior Jesus Christ,
Bob Luginbill
Question #4:
Thanks , Bob. That is what I did. The Holy Spirit was trying to draw me to Christ back in May 2020. My conscience was so seared that I didn’t realize that it was for salvation and I rejected Christ. He will not let me receive him because I committed the unforgivable sin. I should have received him when the Spirit was working in my life. He left in August 2020 and hasn’t been back. I would really like to repent and turn back to God, but he elect me since I committed the unforgivable sin, Thanks.
Response #4:
With all due respect, you are misreading these scriptures. What our Lord was saying was that unbelievers can't be saved. Only believers are saved:
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18 NKJV
That is the question. Do you "believe in Him"? If you believe in Jesus
Christ, if you have put your faith in Him for salvation, if you trust in
Him for life eternal, then you ARE a believer . . . and all believers
are saved. Only unbelievers, people who do not believe in the deity and
humanity of Christ, who do not accept the truth that He died for our
sins, who do not have any trust or faith or belief in Him, only such
unbelievers are not saved.
I have contact with many people over the years who are determined for
some reason or other to condemn themselves. Please don't do that. This
is not what the Lord wants. Doesn't He say in His Word that He searches
after every lost sheep? If you were unwilling to hear His voice before,
it doesn't prevent you from responding to Him now. Only after death is
the option of salvation curtailed for those who reject Him.
So if you ARE a believer, that is, if you DO believe in Him, then you
are saved. You only need to get straightened out in terms of learning
and believing the truth (that is the purpose of Ichthys). If you are not
(and I honestly doubt that because unbelievers do not care about the
Lord or their eternal status), then you only need to go to Him in prayer
and accept the salvation He offers you. He has already paid for it – you
just need to accept it.
Remember the parable of the prodigal son? When he came to his senses and
decided to return from that "far country" to which many if not most
believers have foolishly traveled at some point in their lives, he
didn't consider himself worthy any longer to be called "son". That is
what you are experiencing. But what did his father – representing our
heavenly Father – say to him?
"But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found'."
Luke 15:22-24a NKJV
In Jesus Christ who died for you and me both, and for the entire world.
Bob L.
Question #5:
Dear Bob,
Yes, you are right. I believe in. Jesus Christ. I believe in John 3:16,
but my problem is that I committed the unforgivable sin Hebrews
10:26-30. Therefore, God won’t send me the Holy Spirit, so I can’t
repent. I am in a Catch 22 situation. I prayed to have my sins forgiven,
but they can’t be because I committed the unforgivable sin. Do you
understand my situation now?
I wish God would have mercy on me, but he won’t because I committed the
unforgivable sin. God will not send His Holy Spirit back to me, so that
I can put my faith trust and belief in
Christ for salvation. I have prayed prayers, but they don’t work because
I don’t have the Holy
Spirit. One cannot be saved or repent without the Holy Spirit.
I still want to repent although it is me and not the Holy Spirit. Do you
hve my idea what I can do? I told him that I want to repent for
rejecting him and Jesus . I want to start over again and live for
Christ. I want Christ to be my Lord and Savior. I want to submit to him.
Amen.
There is nothing I can do. Obviously, I wasn’t chosen by God. He saw
that I would become too wicked to go to heaven and that I would commit
the unforgivable sin.
One article incorrectly says that you can truly repent from the
unforgivable sin. This is not true if you are an unbeliever without
God’s Spirit. God won’t come back. They shouldn’t give people false
hopes. I think I have truly repented, but God won’t forgive me even if I
quote Bible verses
until I am blue in the face.
I have no hope. The Bible says that the unforgivable sin is
unforgivable. I was real psychopath to do what I did. Unfortunately,
there is no second chance. God is keeping me alive to pour out His wrath
on me before I go to hell. This is terrifying. He will not save me now.
I am not included in John 3:16 and Roman’s 9. 10. If I say a salvation
prayer, nothing happens.
[many other emails omitted]
Response #5:
Today is posting day (see the link) so I have
no time to answer emails, but I do promise to give you a detailed
response tomorrow once I'm back to regular ministry work.
In the meantime, let me assure you that you have bought into some really
incorrect teaching (for example, you have been lead to misunderstand
Hebrews chapter ten for sure). Short of taking the mark of the beast
(which does not yet even exist), as long as a person is still alive,
that person has an opportunity to be saved.
Also, from what you've said, it seems to me that you WERE a believer.
What makes you think you no longer are? How do you KNOW you don't have
the Holy Spirit? If you were an unbeliever, you wouldn't care about any
of this, but clearly you do care.
Sin does not end salvation. Only apostasy ends salvation (please
see this link).
It's not about how you feel. It's about God's opinion. The Lord knows
who belongs to Him and who does not (2Tim.2:19).
I'll get in touch with you tomorrow.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Thanks a lot, Bob. I am not a Christian . I just participated in church
activities . I am in terrible trouble because I committed the
unforgivable sin. I am not able to repent because I don’t have
the Holy Spirit. My spirit tells me that I am going to hell. I have no
hope. None of my prayers are answered. The Lord views me as very wicked,
so I am in terrible trouble.
[much omitted]
Response #6:
With all due respect, anyone who is alive can receive the gift of life
in Jesus Christ.
When you say, "If I say a salvation prayer, nothing happens", what do
you expect to happen? If you are already saved, then there is no need
for the prayer; if you were not saved (a little hard for me to
understand, given all you've written), then you would be saved. That is
what "would happen", but that is not something you can see or hear.
Nothing "happens" . . . to the physical eye. But you become a child of
God – which I expect you already are.
This is not about sin. Jesus died already for all your sin.
This is about faith.
There is plenty about all this on the website. I'm happy to answer any
specific concerns. But you seem determined not to listen when I tell you
the truth.
If you are not someone who believes in Jesus Christ (a little hard for
me to understand, given all you've written), if you put your faith in
Jesus Christ, you will be saved.
If you are a believer, merely an upset one, then know that all sins are
forgiven just as soon as you confess them to the Lord (1Jn.1:9; cf.
Ps.32:5).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
There is no second chance with God with the unforgivable sin.
Unfortunately, I am not a Christian. I just went to church and
participated in church activities.
I see now that my situation is hopeless. I cannot receive Christ because
I committed the unforgivable sin. Since it’s unforgivable, I can’t be
saved. I foolishly loved the world more than God. Thanks for trying to
help.
Response #7:
I have to say that I disagree with you completely.
1) The unforgivable sin is refusing the Holy Spirit all the way until
death. As long as a person is alive, they can accept Christ so as to be
saved. As soon as one stops resisting the Spirit, that sin is no longer
operative for that person.
2) You say that you are not a Christian. If true, that is your choice.
If you choose to believe in Christ, then you are saved.
3) You say there are no second chances, but in truth you have free will
as long as you are alive.
I am unclear where this great confidence of yours comes from. I have read
the Bible too – in Hebrew and in Greek many times.
What scriptures give you such confidence that 1) you are not saved and
2) you cannot be saved? I assure you that you are misinterpreting them.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #8:
Dear Bob,
Thanks for your email. I committed the unforgivable sin. If the Holy
Spirit no longer prompts you to repent after you rejected him, you can’t
be saved You can see what happened to the Pharisees. I would repent if I
could. I don’t have the Holy Spirit. He got tired of striving with me.
I choose to believe in Christ, but He won’t accept me because I
committed the unforgivable sin. You can see in Matthew that it is
unforgivable.
I don’t have free will because I committed the unforgivable sin. It’s
all in Matthew and Mark. Hebrews 10:26-30.
I am under the wrath of God now. He is punishing me for my sins. I can’t
take care of myself. That is proof that there is no hope for me. I can’t
do anything. Also, 1 John 5:11-12 shows that I am not saved. I cannot
get Jesus no matter how much I pray. I just get silence .That is the
terrible thing about the unforgivable sin.
I don’t understand why you can’t see that I am in a hopeless situation.
I should have repented
right after I committed the unforgivable sin. I had no idea that I was
in eternal danger due to a seared conscience. Once the Holy Spirit
leaves, you can’t be saved because the sin is unforgivable.
I keep asking God to forgive me, but He won’t since I committed the
unforgivable sin. I say that I truly want to repent, but it doesn’t
help. I can’t get the Spirit to come back.
I keep asking God to soften my heart and let me repent. He won’t though
because I committed the unforgivable sin.
I know I broke God’s laws. I want to truly repent with godly sorrow, but
God won’t hear my prayers because I committed the unforgivable sin. Do
you have anymore advice?
Because I committed Hebrews 10:26-30, there is no sacrifice for my sins.
Do you have any other ideas about what I can do?
[much omitted]
Response #8:
God loves you (Jn.3:16).
Jesus died for you (Rom.5:8).
Your sins are forgiven when you believe and when you confess (Eph.1:7;
1Jn.1:9).
Scripture calls you to Jesus.
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17 NIV
The only thing preventing your salvation and/or spiritual recovery . . . is you.
But what does [scripture] say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
Romans 10:8-11 NIV
Here are some pertinent links:
No, Hebrews does not teach that you lost your salvation.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Thanks, Bob. None of this works for me because I committed the unforgivable sin, so I will have to go to hell. I was a terrible fool to do this. God had given me everything and I threw it all away and chose the world instead of God. I was going over to Satan’s side without even realizing it.
Response #9:
There is no unforgivable sin – not in the way you mean.
The unforgivable sin is CONTINUED refusal to respond to the Holy Spirit
until death takes away the option of any further choice.
So please, do not CONTINUE to refuse God's mercy and God's grace.
Our God is a God of mercy and grace (e.g., Ps.103:8-13). He doesn't act
towards us in the way you seem to think.
When you say, "I can't get the Spirit back", if you had the Spirit, you
were a believer; and only apostasy causes a person to lose the Spirit.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Unfortunately, Bible verses and worship music don’t help at all like
they did 2 years ago.
I rejected the Holy Spirit and Christ because I was a real psychopath
and selfish. I wanted to do things my way which was terribly wrong. God
won’t forgive me because I committed the unforgivable sin. Have you met
anyone, who has as committed it?
I would accept God’s mercy and grace, but I am under His wrath for my
sins. I am in terrible trouble with God. I have to go to hell for
committing the unforgivable sin. I became unpardonable because of my
selfish sin. I say Bible verses, but they don’t help like they did about
2 years ago. I say this prayer to show God I want to repent, but He
won’t accept it. Nothing happens. God won’t accept it because I
committed the. unforgivable sin. Let me know if you have any
suggestions.
I would give anything to get His Spirit back, but it’s impossible like
Pastor Swindoll and others say. I have prayed over and over again for
God to come back, but He won’t because the sin is unforgivable. Jesus
just died for the "whosever" people. I rejected him , so I have to go to
hell.
Yes, there is. When the Spirit stops prompting you after you have
rejected him, you will go to hell. I am not a believer. The Holy Spirit
was trying to convict me of sin and draw me to Christ. You are a
Christian, so God blesses you. I have to go to hell for committing the
unforgivable sin.
Response #10:
1) The unpardonable sin is refusing to respond to the Spirit so as to be saved.
It is NOT being somehow unable to respond. Like any other sin, one can STOP
sinning this sin. The way to do that is to stop resisting and start believing.
You are alive, so you have free will, so you can choose what to believe and what
not to believe.
2) If you are getting your info from Swindoll, well, let's just say I wouldn't
recommend it.
3) If you're getting information and/or support from "worship music", that's not
recommended either.
***4) How do you know you "had" the Spirit? And how do you know that now you
"don't" have the Spirit?
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
[omitted]
He was working in me in a non-saving way. I had a witness with my
Spirit. I had a good life.
I have a terrible life now. There is no witness of the Spirit with my
Spirit. Thank you.
Response #11:
With all due respect, you haven't answered my question.
Your confidence that your situation is "unchangeable" is based upon previously
having and now not having the Spirit. So it's a fair question: "how do you
KNOW?"
I suspect that you have been taught that the Spirit's manifestations are
emotional, but most groups which teach that don't have a clue about the Holy
Spirit in fact.
The unforgivable sin is refusing to accept Christ . . . all the way until the
end of life.
If you rejected the Spirit's witness in the past, that doesn't mean you have to keep
doing it today. Anyone can stop sinning some particular sin. Any unbeliever can
accept Christ.
This is NOT about sin and sinning. Jesus died for every human sin. God wants all
to be saved (1Tim.2:4; cf. Ezek.18:23; Matt.18:14; Jn.12:47; 2Pet.3:9). He wants
YOU to be saved.
So when you suggest that God is so angry at you that He will no longer have any
mercy on you, I have to tell you that this is NOT the God I know:
“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.”
Psalm 86:15 NKJV
When you're ready to believe, He is ready to receive you, regardless of past behavior. Mary Magdalene was a noted "sinner", but what does the Lord tell her after she came to Him?
“Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Luke 7:50b NKJV
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Bob,
Can you please respond to one of my emails when you have a moment.
Sorry, I sent so many. I don’t see how I can get the Holy Spirit to come
back, do you? Thanks for your help.
[many emails omitted]
Response #12:
Saturday is posting day, so I don't have time to respond to emails until I get
back to my desk, usually late Sunday.
I'm mystified, really.
HOW do you know "the Spirit left me" or "I don't have the Spirit". Honestly,
I've never heard of any believer having this sort of discernment. It's an
important question because your "perception" of having/not having the Spirit, as
you say, is at the root of your false confidence that you are not saved and that
"God is not hearing" you.
God is hearing you, I assure you.
Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, undiminished deity and
true humanity in One unique Person forever? Do you believe that He died for your
sins and paid the entire price for them?
If the answer is yes, then you are a believer, and all believers are saved; only
unbelievers – people who do not believe these truths – are not saved (Jn.3:18).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Hi Bob,
Sorry to bother you. . I really want God to forgive my sins and let me
receive Christ as my Lord and Savior. Billy Graham says that you have to
have God’s Spirit in you to be forgiven. Unfortunately, he left me long
ago. What can I would do to get him back! Thanks for listening.
Thanks for getting back to me. I know I am not a believer unfortunately.
The Spirit was not
in me. He was just working in a non- saving way. He was trying to lead
me to repent which I stupidly wouldn’t do. He was also trying to draw me
to Christ for salvation. My conscience was so seared, I didn’t realize
it was for salvation, so I turned away from him. His Spirit stayed
around me until sometime in Aug 2020. If he was trying to convict me of
sin, I couldn’t hear it, my heart was so evil.
I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. However, it appears that he
didn’t die for my sins because he knew that I would commit the
unforgivable sin before the foundation of the world. I am not part of
the “whosoever" in John 3:16. I have to go to hell because God’s Spirit
is gone. There is no witness of His Spirit with mine. I have asked him
to return, but he won’t because I committed the unforgivable sin. I am
under His wrath and am in torment. Thanks for listening.
Response #13:
1) I doubt Billy Graham ever said anything like that. It's not the case
in any case. All believers have the Holy Spirit (Rom.8:9). All believers
are forgiven their sins when they confess (1Jn.1:9).
2) In John 3:16, the Greek says "everyone who believes".
Everyone includes everyone, including YOU.
3) When you say, "it appears that he didn’t die for my sins", you
couldn't be more wrong. Christ died for ALL sins – for ALL the sins of
ALL people (see
the link).
For it is the love of Christ that constrains us, having brought us to this conclusion: One died for [us] all; so then we all have died [in Him]. And He died on behalf of all so that those who are [now] alive might no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised [from the dead].
2nd Corinthians 5:14-15
So sin is not the issue; faith is the issue.
Please stop advocating against yourself. We already have an Advocate who
argues FOR us, our Lord Jesus Christ.
My children, I am writing these things to you so that you won't sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate to [approach] the Father [on our behalf], Jesus Christ the righteous.
1st John 2:1
I assure you that you are NOT hopeless. You have been listening to some
very bad teaching, apparently, and you are holding it tight and refusing
to accept the truth. Please yield to the truth. If you believe, as you
say you do, then you are saved.
I reiterate (fourth time now?), it's not possible to see or hear or feel
the Holy Spirit in a physical way. That is charismatic nonsense. The
experiential proof you are looking for does not exist. What is the
proof? The proof is faith.
(1) It is faith [in the Living and written Word], moreover, that substantiates what we hope for. [Faith] provides proof of things unseen.
Hebrews 11:1
If you want to recover spiritually, you will have to begin listening to
some good teaching . . . and accept it in faith. In addition to Ichthys,
I also highly recommend
Bible Academy (at the link).
So please do not write me back saying, "I'm wicked" (we're all sinners),
or "I don't have the Spirit" (you cannot possibly know that), or "God
won't listen" (He always listens, perfect God that He is). Make up your
mind instead to do the necessary "homework" of spiritual growth. That is
the only road to true peace in the Lord Jesus Christ.
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 NKJV
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Dear Bob,
How are you? I really want to repent for my sins. I am truly sorry for
what I did. Unfortunately, God won’t forgive me because I committed the
unforgivable sin. This is terrifying to have to go to hell.
I know what you said about the Holy Spirit. I can tell that I don’t have
him since I don’t have a witness with my spirit and he isn’t prompting
me or telling me what I should do. I drove him away being the evil
psychopath that I am when I committed the unforgivable sin.
Response #14:
As mentioned many times now, the Holy Spirit is not visible or palpable
or tangible or noticeable in the way you seem to imagine (see
BB
5B at the link).
IF you are an unbeliever, God wants you to be saved (2Pet.3:9). How to
get forgiveness from the unpardonable sin? Stop committing it and trust
in the Lord for salvation instead (Acts 16:31).
IF you are a believer, God wants to forgive you (Is.30:18). How to get
forgiveness from sins committed as a believer? Simply confess them to
the Lord and you will be forgiven (1Jn.1:9).
You have been taught a lot of rubbish, and I'm sorry to hear that you
are determined to keep believing it instead of the truth. This ministry
is all about the truth. I help people by teaching them the truth. But if
you refuse to accept the truth as true, there isn't anything I can do
for you.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Dear Bob,
Don’t forget me. Please respond to my concerns. Thanks.
Can you please respond when you have time? Thanks.
Can you please address the issues I sent to you? I am under
condemnation. I get the message that I am going to hell because I
committed the unforgivable sin. I know I am a selfish psychopath too.
[many emails omitted]
Response #15:
You've been reading a lot of rubbish.
Better would be to read the Bible.
Here is what God is really like:
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:8-13 NKJV
This applies to you too. Please don't go on and say "not to me!" It is
the height of arrogance to think of oneself as so special that God
treats you differently from anyone else. That is rubbish.
You're worried about the unpardonable sin? The way to be forgiven is to
stop resisting the Spirit. It's not a "one time thing". As long as you
are alive, you have free will in the image of God. Don't go on and tell
me that God has taken that away from you. That is rubbish too.
Stop reading rubbish and start reading the Bible. The best advice you'll
ever get.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Dear Bob,
Unfortunately, I pushed God out of my life and let the devil come in. I
ended up loving the world more than Jesus. I was a mentally sick
psychopath and now I have no hope. I committed the unpardonable sin, and
am too wicked to go to heaven. I bought a new car which God told me not
to do. That led to me committing the unforgivable sin. I should never
have bought the car, or at least taken it back. No one else was this
evil. Thanks for listening.
[much omitted]
Response #16:
This is a Bible teaching ministry.
Please give me ONE verse you think supports your misguided view.
I'll be happy to tackle this problem with you one verse at a time. But
if you want to continue, PLEASE just wait until I respond before you
write back.
Question #17:
Hello Bob,
Alright, thanks. I committed Hebrews 10:26. I know you said one verse,
but you need to read through v 30 to show that I don’t have a sacrifice
for my sins etc. I have the wrath of God on me. I am not able to do
anything which shows I have no hope. Thanks for listening.
Response #17:
This verse, Hebrews 10:26, and its context are very frequently
misunderstood. I will give you the gist here, but please do read
carefully through all of the links below.
In a nutshell, if one reads through verse 30 as you suggest, one sees
that the sin here is "trampling the Son of God underfoot, counting the
blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and
insulting the Spirit of grace". This all refers in the context to the
Jerusalem believers – the recipients of this letter – continuing to make
animal sacrifices under the Law. Jesus fulfilled the Law so that their
continuation of animal sacrifices was saying, in effect, that Jesus'
death for sin had not been effective. In other words, it was essentially
denying Christ by participating in a ritual which proclaimed He had not
yet died for sin. That is why in verse 26 Paul says that there is "no
further sacrifice for sin" because Jesus has already been sacrificed for
sin and animal sacrifice is no longer valid for ritual atonement since
its symbolism has now been fulfilled through the actual spiritual death
of Christ.
So this has nothing to do at all with what you have been saying. I am
well aware that many so-called teachers and preachers say otherwise, but
the truth is as represented above and also in these links:
Does Hebrews 10:26 teach loss of salvation?
These will lead to many other links, if interested. The point is that
this passage is NOT saying that salvation can be lost and not be
recoverable even though a person is still alive. As long as we ARE
alive, we have free will, the image of God – which is the entire POINT
of this exercise called creation and human history. You only lose the
ability to chose when you exit this life.
As to what others say, I have little time for apologetics and dealing
with false teaching and false teachers. You can accept the truth – or
you can continue to torture yourself with lies. That is up to you – free
will.
But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.
1st Corinthians 14:38 NIV
In Jesus,
Bob L.
p.s., it will take you at least a couple of hours to read these things
carefully, so, please, I don't expect to hear the same things back from
you immediately.
Question #18:
Hello Bob,
Thanks for your reply and info. Don’t forget that I am an unbeliever. I
am unable to be saved because I committed the unforgivable sin . I was a
terrible psychopath to do that. I have heard of your version of Hebrews
10, but I don’t agree with it. I agree with other people’s
interpretations. I sinned willfully and continually. The Holy Spirit
prompted me in May 2020 to stop sinning and turn to Christ. I rejected
him with defiant irreverence and I turned away from Christ. My
conscience was so seared, I didn’t realize that he was trying to get me
to receive salvation. I believe with the other pastors that I have no
sacrifice for my sins. That’s why I am under God’s wrath for my sins. He
isn’t going to allow me to be saved. It’s been about 2 years now since
this happened. The wrath of God is heavy on me. I am not able to work or
do anything. I think that is the beginning of the fiery judgement
because I am in torment.
The Bible also says the sin of blasphemy is unforgivable, so how can it
be forgiven?
Thanks for your help, but I am destined for hell because I committed the
unforgivable sin .
Response #18:
"I agree with other people’s interpretations."
That is your right.
Question #19:
Dear Bob,
Thanks for your help, but like I said God doesn’t want to save me. I am
too evil. I was a terrible selfish psychopath to commit the unforgivable
sin. There is no forgiveness for it, so I have to go to hell.
Response #19:
God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1st Timothy 2:3b-4 NIV
Question #20:
Hi Bob,
Thanks, but that verse is only for people who haven’t committed the
unforgivable sin. I was a terrible psychopath to commit it. I became too
greedy, selfish and worldly. I have to go to hell. God won’t ever come
back to me. I am happy for you.
Response #20:
It doesn't say that. It says that He wants "all" to be saved.
Believing "other interpretations" is one thing (even if they are wrong, they may
seem persuasive in a vacuum). Refusing to believe what is right there in front
of you in the Bible is another.
You are torturing yourself for nothing.
Question #21:
Hi again Bob,
I hope things are good for you. I'm glad you're feeling better but also
hope your ankle is on the mend and you're able to get your yard work
done and that the protesting/ riots there have now fizzled out.
Things are very tough in my life at the moment and it isn't the
tribulation yet! I am trying to help other people in my life but that in
turn has dragged me down mentally because things are already tough for
me. It worries me though that I have people around me who are prime
candidates for suicide. I've been trying to prop them up and encourage
them and also witness to them. They have become a bit dependent on me
for this and sometimes I feel the strain and can't do it.
The other extreme is that I know people who are manically pretending to
themselves and others that everything is wonderful, whether it is going
abroad on holiday or eating, drinking and being merry. I have a friend
who makes music and I saw the video for it and it was so jolly and
optimistic that I actually found it offensive. It felt so anachronistic
to what we are going through that it actually disturbed me. Not that I
endorse being maudlin and depressed of course but it's disturbing when
people are trying to boost themselves up on all the wrong things, all
the things which we will see crumble over the next few years (and are of
no valuable eternal import anyway).
Bob, I'm worried I've committed the unforgivable sin! I woke up in the
night and in a sleepy stupor blamed God for everything that was going
wrong. I was even on the verge of saying something much worse. I was
about to accuse Him like the Pharisees accused Jesus, I was about to
accuse Him of the same thing!
I immediately repented and confessed and I'm really worried about it. I
don't understand it because I love God very much. I have faith in His
Word and Jesus and I have felt myself progress. Was this a spiritual
attack? I'm confused how it happened as I haven't been angry with God
like that before. I bring all my problems to Him and pray before I go to
sleep. Indeed He is my father that I look to and Jesus is my Saviour to
whom I owe everything.
Why would I have such blasphemous thoughts like this? It was almost as
though they came at me from outside my mind and then inside my mind and
then I caught hold of them and sent them packing. I have tried to repent
and say sorry quite a few times but because I am so unnerved and worried
about it, I don't "feel" as though I am forgiven and so it is leading me
to believe that it is unforgivable.
Is blasphemy against God forgivable? Such as being tempted to accuse Him
of evil? Like I said, I was very drowsy and the thoughts really shocked
me. What should I do about it? Does this mean l'm not really a believer?
Maybe it's because fear has crept into my heart recently with all that
is going on and to be honest I've recently been frightened about the
tribulation, about the mental toll as I have been struggling mentally
lately and it isn't even that bad yet!
I've been really good not looking at conspiracies for quite a while but
recently I looked at a few again. Could this be responsible for my
blasphemous thoughts? Why would I blaspheme God when I love Him and rely
on Him so much?
I am really hoping it isn't the unforgivable sin. I know that you have
written that it is unbelief in Jesus but when the Pharisees accused Him
of being evil then He said they were "close to it". So can a fleeting
thought that I stopped before it was thoroughly thought be it?
It has really got me anxious.
I'm sorry this is a missive but it has thrown me as I felt I was
progressing. When unbelievers go to hell, because all their sins have
been forgiven through Jesus, does that mean it is the unforgivable sin
that sends them to hell? I read though that we are judged on our works
so how does that work out? I'm confused on my understanding of that.
I'm sorry that I am in such a tizz. I know that God will forgive me
because I still love Him very much, I fear Him and I believe in Jesus. I
guess it is that doubt that I have been forgiven this thought and so it
is the "unforgivable sin". It's not "feeling"
forgiven.
God bless you.
In Jesus who died for the sins of the world,
Response #21:
You have NOT NOT NOT "committed the unpardonable sin! Every Christian has "thought battles" to deal with, and this is one of the devil's favorite ways to get under the skin of believers who are actually serious about following Jesus Christ. Here's a very important verse you need to remember and use as a sword against over-reacting to perceived failures on this account:
For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
1st John 3:20 NKJV
God knows you love Him and His Son our Lord Jesus Christ – more than your life!
So you have nothing to worry about. In fact, worrying about this is falling into
the devil's trap. So if you think you may have sinned – at all – then confess
it, and remember that He forgives all sin and all unrighteousness when you do
(Ps.32:5; 1Jn.1:9). And since you have been forgiven, you then need to forget
and move on.
As I say, this is the type of testing that comes mature believers' way, so you
can take some comfort in that too. Here are a few links at Ichthys that also
address this:
Worried about disrespectful thoughts toward God
Who Controls our Thoughts and Emotions?
The Battlefield Within: Fighting the inner spiritual Struggle.
This is just a selection – I hope you'll be able to see from all this that it's
not an isolated situation but that probably all advancing Christians are
attacked in this way sooner or later.
You are in my prayers daily.
Your friend in Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #22:
Brother Robert,
I’m having a hard time with something right now. My pastor preached on
security of the believer this morning. It was an awesome message. He did
speak about apostasy and it made me think of something I did as a young
person. I won’t go into detail but the devil tempted me with something
and I said yes. After that I never really felt the same, felt like I was
in a fog, and was afraid I sold myself to the devil. It still haunts me
from time to time. Did I commit apostasy? My heart is so heavy right
now. There’s no one I can really talk to about this. I also had 2
seasons in my life that I went on a sinning spree. I know that sounds
crazy but it’s what I’ve done. I deeply regret all of this. I am trying
to pursue spiritual growth and trust the Lord for forgiveness. Have I
deceived myself into believing I’m right with God when maybe I’m not?
Thank you so much for reading my email. I look forward to hearing from
you soon.
God Bless
Response #22:
No one can "sell themselves to the devil". Believers are saved; unbelievers are
not (Jn.3:18). Salvation is a matter of faith since we are saved through our
faith in Jesus Christ by the grace of God (Eph.2:8-9). Jesus has already died
for all sin so no one is condemned for sinning. Sin does do a believer great
harm, especially the worse it is and the longer it is indulged in, but the
damage is done to one's faith. No one can "commit" apostasy; apostasy is a
state: the state of reversion to unbelief where the person is now an unbeliever
again, having rejected Jesus Christ, denying Him so as to no longer have faith
in Him.
That is clearly NOT where you are. Since you are a believer, you are saved.
We all have regrets in this life, but, God helping us, we who love Jesus Christ
rise above those weeds and move forward in daily spiritual growth (that is what
Ichthys is for). Our job is NOT to look back (that never does any good and only
ruins today out of guilt about yesterday so that we go backwards into tomorrow).
Scripture tells us to confess and repent (1Jn.1:9); when we do, all our sins are
forgiven us. Then it is our job to move forward.
(12) [It is] not that I have already gotten [what I am striving for], nor that I have already completed [my course]. Rather, I am continuing to pursue [the prize] in hopes of fully acquiring it – [this prize for whose acquisition] I was myself acquired by Christ Jesus. (13) Brethren, I do not consider that I have already acquired it. This one thing only [do I keep in mind]. Forgetting what lies behind me [on the course] and straining towards the [course] ahead, (14) I continue to drive straight for the tape, towards the prize to which God has called us from the beginning [of our race] in Christ Jesus. (15) So as many as are [spiritually] mature, let us have this attitude (i.e., of focusing on our spiritual advance and reward and not getting hung up on what lies behind: vv.13-14), and if in any matter your attitude is off-center, God will reveal that to you (i.e., assuming you are mature and are advancing as you should). (16) But with respect to the progress you have made, keep on advancing in the same way!
Philippians 3:12-16
For more on apostasy,
see the link.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #23:
Brother Bob,
Thank you for getting back with me so quickly. I didn’t find it until
last night. It went to my junk mail for some reason. I guess the devil
really doesn’t want me to get victory over this. But I am getting
victory. I actually spent time Sunday night reading your link to
Apostasy. Believe it or not I am growing (ever so slowly).
Thank you again.
Response #23:
Thanks for the good report!
I do keep you in my prayers.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #24:
My name is ___ and I am 62 and grew up in the church as an unsaved man. Does Hebrews 6:4-6 apply to me can I still be saved? Would you please email me back with an answer please? I am so frightened.
Response #24:
Good to make your acquaintance.
I'm happy to tell you that all believers in Jesus Christ are saved, and
that it is only those who reject Him (who have zero faith in Him) who
are lost:
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
John 3:18 NKJV
Hebrews 6:4-6 is a frequently misunderstood passage. The operative
phrase is "since they crucify again for themselves the Son
of God, and put Him to an open shame" which, from the Greek, is better
translated "while [they are still in the process of doing
it] . . .".
The sin here was for the believers in the Jerusalem church of that day
to continue making animal sacrifices which spoke of the Messiah's future
sacrifice when He had already died on the cross for all sin. It was, in
effect, like saying that Jesus' death didn't matter – a horrible
blasphemy.
And, like any sin, it's no good confessing WHILE one is doing it. I.e.,
a person robbing a bank can't very well be confessing the sin of theft
at the same time he/she is stuffing money into a bag.
But all sin is forgiven when repented of and confessed (Ps.32:5;
1Jn.1:9) – because Jesus has already paid the price for ALL sin.
Here is a link for more info: Are those in Hebrews 6:4 who "crucify the Son of God afresh" lost?
And this week's posting is much concerned with this issue so I recommend that as well (at the link).
Do feel free to write me back.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #25:
Dealing with fear and torment. Has God rejected me?
Response #25:
Dear Friend,
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, God has most certainly NOT
rejected you! All who believe in Jesus, His perfect person (God and man
in one person forever) and His perfect work (in dying on the cross for
the sins of the entire world) are saved:
"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
John 3:18 NIV
"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
John 10:28 NIV
How we believers feel about this truth, especially if we are not in good
shape, spiritually speaking, may be a different issue. Confidence of
salvation, peace, hope and joy in the Lord is a function of spiritual
growth and the application of the truth to overcome what our emotions
may be telling us that is contrary to that truth.
So as a fellow believer in Jesus Christ, I urge you to commit yourself
to a course of spiritual growth through prayer, Bible reading, and most
particularly regularly accessing a good Bible teaching ministry.
Ichthys is one
such (in my humble opinion). I also highly recommend
Bible Academy (at the link).
In Jesus Christ or dear Lord and Savior,
Bob Luginbill
Question #26:
I have read some of the pages on Ichthys about blasphemy, but I still
worry that I may have committed some sin that won't be forgiven.
Regarding Acts 8:18-23, why does Peter say what he said in verse 22?
Does he mean that there was a possibility that Simon would not be
forgiven, even if he repented and asked for forgiveness?
Response #26:
Good to hear from you.
1) On Acts 8:22, Peter, guided by the Spirit (in the way prophets and
apostles specially were) is given to perceive that Simon Magus is still
looking at things in a completely worldly way. It is questionable if he
were really saved – and even if he were, he had at least lapsed back
into evil, worldly thinking. If you are asking about the "perhaps" part
(i.e., "if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you" NKJV),
this is a standard way to translate into English conditionals which are
essentially purpose clauses. Because of the different way we think about
these issues and phrase them, it can be confusing for English readers
(another classic case of this is Phil.3:11 where Paul has no doubts
about being resurrected but the English can make it seem so). I would
translate this part of Acts 8:22 something like, "so that
your intention
may be forgiven" (i.e., the reason to pray is for forgiveness and
one should always do so in confidence that all such prayers are
answered: 1Jn.1:9).
2) The only sin that is not forgivable is rejecting Jesus Christ. That
is because Jesus Christ died for all sins. But our Lord could not die
for the sin of rejecting the sacrifice by which sins are forgiven,
obviously. That is a case of the sin of unbelief for which there is "no
longer any sacrifice that will take away sins" – because only Christ's
sacrifice takes away sins and so is no benefit to those who reject Him.
But the other side of that coin is nothing but good news! He died for
ALL sins – even the ones you worry about (along with the ones you don't
worry about which would equally land you in the lake of fire if you did
not accept Jesus and His work for you on the cross). "All sin"
(Rom.3:23), and all sin is worthy of condemnation (Matt.5:22); but all
who believe are washed clean by the blood of Christ – all who call on
Him for salvation (as you have done). Plenty about this at Ichthys.
Here's one link which will lead to more:
"An extended conversation on the 'unpardonable' sin".
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #27:
Hi there,
I was saved last October; My faith was founded on the historical truths
of the Bible. But this past February I was confronted with spiritual
warfare (spirits of doubt, disbelief, skepticism) over the last three
months. I came from a family of unbelievers, so I was only fighting
alone; the more I tried to answer skeptic thoughts, the more they grew
until the reality of Christ dwindled. By the end of April I noticed the
Holy Spirit depart because I repeatedly did not trust God’s voice to get
me through it; I kept asking others for help and turning to my parents
for comfort repeatedly, repent then out of fear do it again. I did not
know until it was over that he was fighting for me, that I just had to
pray and speak over the unbelief. Because my belief in Jesus was the
root of the warfare, when the Holy Spirit departed (because of my
unwillingness to stop searching for answers elsewhere) I literally did
not have the power to resist sin (i.e. I noticed when I fast, it just
felt like starving rather then giving the Holy Spirit room). Now my
conscience is seared and I lost the fear of God.
I know for a fact that I have committed the unpardonable sin. Even
knowing this, I am unable to fear hell, and not fearing it is what
scared me. I literally cannot repeat, even though I want to and want
that to be the solution. I only feel self-pity instead of conviction. I
can’t understand the gravity of my sins—that it deserves death—nor the
glory of God. I left myself to my own devices and nobody believes what I
have done because they cannot see my mind. It sounds simple in words,
“just repent” but I passed that. I have no idea what to do.
If you can please call me at __ that would be great, thank you.
Thank you,
Response #27:
Good to make your acquaintance.
I don't do telephone (or in person) counseling (or counseling of any
kind), but I do answer Bible questions via email.
If you have been born again / born from above, having put your faith and
trust for eternal life in Jesus Christ, the One who, though He was God,
became a man too in order to bear our sins on the cross that we might be
saved, then you ARE saved, just as long as you persevere in your faith in
Him. All believers are saved; only unbelievers are condemned.
The one who believes in Him is not being judged, but the one who does not believe has already been judged on the grounds that he has not put his faith in the Name (i.e., the Person) of God's only Son.
John 3:18
I can tell you from years of experience in doing this that there are
many believers out there who have been taught things which are not true,
and who, under pressure, come to assume as you seem to be doing that
they are no longer saved because of some sin they have committed. Let me
tell you as emphatically as I can that this is impossible. Christ died
for ALL sin. Even an unbeliever is not condemned for his sins – since
Christ has died for all sins – but "on the grounds that he has not
put his faith in the Name of God's only Son" (Jn.3:18). These
are Jesus' own words, of course, and He makes the issue quite clear: He
died for you; if you believe in Him, then you belong to Him. The only
way a believer can lose salvation is through turning away from Christ –
apostasy – to the point of no longer believing in Him, no longer
trusting in Him, no longer having faith in Him or being concerned about
Him in any way. So that begs the question: if that were true of you, why
would you be writing me this email?
In fact I more than suspect that you are upset with yourself about some
sin or other you have committed and that you are in the grip of
struggling with some repeating sinful activity you cannot seem to shake.
That is a very common thing. And no believer can conquer sin outside of
the help of the Holy Spirit and without serious spiritual growth. Sin
cannot be effectively dealt with by defending against it only: just as
no contest can be won without offense, so no permanent progress can be
made against sin without spiritual growth. This ministry is dedicated to
helping believers grow spiritually, and you are certainly welcome to all
the material here (I generally recommend beginning with
the Peter series; at the link).
Sin is serious, and some sins and patterns of sinning are clearly worse
than others (cf. Ps.19:12-13). But I reiterate: Jesus has already paid
the entire price for ALL of your sins – and mine and everyone else' too.
The problem with sin is that it is a rebellion against Him. But the very
good news is that all sin is forgiven when we confess it to Him:
(1b) Blessed is he whose offense is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (2) Blessed is the man whose iniquity the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (3) When I was silent [about my sin], my bones grew old with groaning all day long, (4) because day and night your hand was heavy upon me. My vigor was drained away as by the heat of summer. (5) [Until] I said, "I will make my sin known to You, and I will not cover [over] my guilt. I will confess my transgressions to the Lord", and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.
Psalm 32:1a-5
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1st John 1:9
This doesn't mean that we suffer no consequences when we sin. Sin
hardens the heart if we don't turn away from it and that alienates us
from the Lord and sours our relationship with Him. But there is such a
thing as divine discipline wherein our heavenly Father "spanks" us to
help us realize there's no profit in sin (Heb.12:3-11); and the Father
definitely knows how to make it sting. And the more sting we need, the
more we receive. Right now, He is NOT rejecting you; He is helping you
get motivated to turn away from sin and to do what is right. No doubt He
sent you here because what you need is not just to stop whatever it is
you are doing but to get started doing what is right, doing what Jesus
wants you to do, namely, to engage in spiritual growth enthusiastically.
There is no such thing as an "unpardonable sin" besides the one our Lord
tells us about in the gospels: the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
What is that? It was saying that Jesus was demon possessed and
attributing the miracles of the Spirit to the devil instead. In other
words, it was rejecting the Spirit's gospel ministry (the miracles were
designed to help people believe that He was who He said He was), and
therefore rejecting Jesus Christ. That's the
"unpardonable sin", rejecting Jesus Christ who is the only way of
salvation (see the link):
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.":
John 14:6
Do feel free to write me back about any of this.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.