Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 4/12/2010

Question
my friend once did this. but now he wants to come to jesus and be forgiven. he repented but hes afraid its to late for him. is it?

Answer
Ron,

Hope you don't mind but your question was placed in the "Question Pool" (an option we have) and I thought I may be able give you a brief answer...

Regarding the unpardonable sin, J. Oswald Sanders wrote in his Bible Studies in Matthew’s Gospel: "These things should be noted: (1) It is a calculated sin, not one of impulse. (2) It is a sin of knowledge, not ignorance, but a sin against spiritual knowledge and light (Hebrews 10:26,32). (3) It is not an isolated act but a habitual attitude. (4) It is a sin of the heart, not merely of the intellect or the tongue. (5) It is a sin of finality — complete rejection of Christ." The harsh term "blasphemy" indicates a deliberate and godless rejection of the saving power and grace of God.

Unfortunately, the devil has led some people to believe they have committed the unpardonable sin. People who are fearful they have committed such a sin would do well to heed the words of William Barclay: "The person who cannot have committed the sin against the Holy Spirit is the person who fears he/she has, for the sin against the Holy Spirit can be truly described as the loss of all sense of sin" (The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 2, p.50). The capacity to have concern regarding whether or not one has committed the unpardonable sin is a certain indicator the person has not done so.

In other words if your friend has a desire to come back to Christ, then he did not commit blasphemey against the holy spirit

Hope this helps.

Elder Greg Madden