Two Kinds of Sins – One Leading to Death and Another Not Leading to Death
The apostle John wrote, “If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that” (1 John 5:16).
In this verse, John is making a distinction between forms of sin. He is showing two kinds of transgressions—those in which there is hope for the sinner and those in which there is no hope. In the first kind, prayer can be helpful to salvation; in the second there is no guarantee that prayer will be helpful.
It is generally held that the sin unto death is the unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:31, 32). Hence, a transgression not unto death is any other form of sin in which the sinner does. While it is true that all sin, if continued in, will lead to death (Ezekiel 18:4, 24; James 1:15), there is a difference in the degree to which any specific act of violation will bring a person near to death. The sins done by those who are sincerely eager to serve God, but have a weak will and persistent habits, are very different from those ones that are purposely done in determined rebellion attitude against God.
It is more the attitude that decides the difference, than the act of transgression itself. Thus, there are differences in sins. The minor violation that is quickly repented of and forgiven, is a sin not unto death. The serious sin, slipped into suddenly by failing to have a daily connection with God, is still not a transgression unto death, if followed by genuine repentance; but refusal to repent leads to certain death.
The difference is clearly shown in the experiences of King Saul and King David. The first sinned, and did not repent; the second sinned, but sincerely repented. Saul died, without having the hope of eternal life; David was forgiven and given the assurance of the kingdom of heaven.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
