1 John 5:16-17 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death.

I recently heard an interpretation of this passage which struck me as quite odd. A person referring to this passage stated that the sin that leads to death is unrepented sin… while that makes sense – as the wage of sin is death – I always took this passage to be referring to the one unforgivable sin – which is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 12:31 and 32 And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

If a sin cannot be forgiven it is surely a sin that leads to death… and if there is only one unforgivable sin – being blasphemy of the Holy Spirit… then it would seem to me that John was referring to this sin when he wrote of the sin that leads to death… after all – there is sin that doesn’t lead to death – and then there is sin that does…

What do you think? Post your thoughts via the comment section and let us know!
GBU and HJD!