Sin and salvation

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The unforgivable sin (a.k.a.
"eternal" or "unpardonable" sin)

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Three passages in the Christian Scriptures discuss a certain class of sin. A literal interpretation of these gospel verses implies that if a person commits one of these sins, God will -- and perhaps can -- never forgive her/him. Thus:

	If an unsaved person committed this sin, the texts seem to imply that she/he could never attain salvation.
	If a saved person committed this sin, the texts seem to imply that their existing salvation would be terminated and could never be reestablished in the future.

The Bible appears to state in numerous locations that without salvation, once a person dies, they will spend eternity in the torture chambers of Hell without any hope for relief or mercy. Thus, these three passages are more than passing interest to those who believe that the Bible is God's word and is inerrant.

From discussions that we have had with Christians, they hold very diverse views on the precise nature of the unpardonable sin. Most of them are confident that theirs is the only valid interpretation.

Topics included in this section:

	Bible passages about salvation & the allegedly "unforgivable" sin
	Panic caused by belief in the existence of the unforgivable sin
	What is the unforgivable sin? Interpretations 1 to 12, all different Interpretations 13 to 24, all different Interpretations 25 to 33, all different
	Wrap-up: Does the unpardonable sin really exist? Is it truly permanent? Our interpretation. Narrowing the definition. Various beliefs

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or: Home > Religious information > Sin > here

or: Home > Christianity > Christian themes > Beliefs > Salvation > here

or: Home > Christianity > Christian themes > Beliefs > Salvation > Lose salvation? > here

Copyright © 2006 to 2011 Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Posted: 2006-OCT-25
Latest update: 2011-APR-15

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