Qualify as a christian?

Brian · Postby **Brian** » July 19th, 2008, 6:22 am

I was reading a series of questions and answers about what it means to really qualify to be a christian. Found here.

One of these questions and answers made me curious as to whether or not its the "right answer" (if there can be one). Is this answer confusing to someone who may be a new christian or someone not mature in there faith? I think so....what about you?

Here is the question I am talking about:

“Is there any sin that’s beyond forgiving?” There’s only one, which is turning against Christ after you’ve started a relationship with Him. But absolutely everything else will be forgiven completely and forever once you confess and repent of it.

I think most of the questions there are a good rule of thumb for most believers to help them better understand some of the parameters of being a christian. This one answer though just didn't set well with me. I was under the impression that all sin except the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit can be forgiven. Does the answer given qualify for that? I don't believe so. Am I wrong?

God bless

deb · Postby **deb** » July 19th, 2008, 7:22 am

I don't believe so either. Am I wrong too?

Better yet, was Peter, who denied the Lord three times, wrong too? If so, a lot of the NT would need to be eliminated.

Karen · Postby **Karen** » July 20th, 2008, 10:35 am

“Is there any sin that’s beyond forgiving?” There’s only one, which is turning against Christ after you’ve started a relationship with Him.

Actually, the only thing that will not ever be forgiven is blaspheming the Holy Ghost.

Dr. Ron · Postby **Dr. Ron** » July 21st, 2008, 5:41 am

This whole idea lets me know that the person responsible for it's existance knows nothing about christianity.

No one I know "qualifies" ! We are saved by grace and that not of ourselves....lest any man should boast.

Get over this "legalistic" mentality.

God is infinite! We are not............

rough_rider · Postby **rough_rider** » July 21st, 2008, 7:47 am

Dr. Ron wrote:This whole idea lets me know that the person responsible for it's existance knows nothing about christianity.

No one I know "qualifies" ! We are saved by grace and that not of ourselves....lest any man should boast.

Get over this "legalistic" mentality.

God is infinite! We are not............

Full Quiver · Postby **Full Quiver** » July 21st, 2008, 8:08 am

Better yet, was Peter, who denied the Lord three times, wrong too?

He was wrong when he did the denying.

c u there · Postby **c u there** » July 21st, 2008, 8:35 am

I also believe that to blaspheme against the Holy Ghost is the only unforgiveable sin, but I think that writer may be referring to Hebrews 10:26 " For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." When I backslide some years back, the devil really used that verse to hinder me, but I knew many that had backslide and came back to the Lord, so I would read that to the Lord and ask Him to help me and what he gave to me was this. If after I had been saved, sanctified, received the Holy Ghost and knew of Him, then willfully went back into sin and denied any of those experiences ever happened or denied ever believing Jesus Christ being the Son Of God, then I would be in grave danger.

deb · Postby **deb** » July 21st, 2008, 11:08 am

Full Quiver wrote:
Better yet, was Peter, who denied the Lord three times, wrong too?

He was wrong when he did the denying.

Of course he was! Just as all of us are wrong when we sin. What I was implying is that Peter went on to preach the gospel, but according to this sentence he would have been beyond forgiving since he denied the Lord.

“Is there any sin that’s beyond forgiving?” There’s only one, which is turning against Christ after you’ve started a relationship with Him. But absolutely everything else will be forgiven completely and forever once you confess and repent of it.

Jude 2