My name is ____, a __ year-old student from the UK. Firstly, thanks for your detailed and impressive breadth of teachings. However, I need to address one particular matter that does concern me, in regards to the Eternal Sin.
To give a brief background, I decided to start a relationship with God a few months ago due to aspects of myself that I was ashamed of, i.e. impulses I had via letting bitterness fester. It was clear to me that I needed to forgive people and to receive God’s forgiveness….My prayer was done as someone laid their hand on me, so I wonder whether I was very briefly saved before succumbing to anxiety and cowardice, as I immediately felt compelled to evangelize to some strangers walking nearby, yet I bottled it and resisted the Spirit’s encouragement– if it was Him- to pray to God, for the sake of going for a meal…. Since you disagree on the Eternal Security idea, it virtually will mean that if I was briefly saved, I have now backslid. Now, I do fully intend to avoid destruction and end up forever in the presence of God in heaven, thus I aim to get to know God properly and allow him to cleanse me. However, the spirit of fear consumes me, partly to do with failed past attempts to recommit and also whether I need to pluck up courage to confess aloud all sins including those I’m most ashamed of, if I cannot find a private enough place and have people overhear me.
My main worry now though is whether I have committed the eternal sin, as though I was well aware that lifelong rejection of Jesus equaled it…. I am concerned whether the fact that I believed them for a second or two to warrant the unpardonable sin. I do hope I am not beyond redemption and will prove that I will not have the mark of the beast, nor end up like the people mentioned in Hebrews 6:6. To clarify, I don’t believe in Hyper-Calvinism and do acknowledge your valid points against the Once Saved Always Saved argument…. I do apologize if this mail if overly long, but if you could advise me on how to go about my self-imposed situation and avoid annulling all hope for salvation, I shall be very grateful. Thanks
[Bible Answer] Greetings in Jesus’ name. NO you didn’t commit eternal sin. When a person is a new convert our enemy, the devil, will take advantage of his inexperience and lack of understanding to hurt and/or destroy his spiritual life, if possible. He has great suggestive powers and seems to be able to confuse most novices easily. Over time and learning the Scriptures you will be better able to stand strong.
To not witness to strangers is not the unpardonable sin. Eternal sin is believing Jesus performed his miracles through the power of the devil (Mark 3:22-30). You are also NOT like the people referred to in Hebrews 6:6. Remember, Peter disowned Jesus three times (Mt. 26:34) and that wasn’t eternal sin! After he repented, God used him mightily as the first half of the Book of Acts proves. So, you can come back. God wants you back and the devil (the father of lies) has been giving you untrue thoughts to destroy you, if possible. We are very glad you found us. Please make a point of it to carefully read truths for new converts and spiritual safeguards. If you are single, read this for Christian singles. Pray for boldness. You must learn to stand alone. Remember Heb. 3:14. GOD BLESS YOU.
