sin unto death?

[J4Truth]

Originally Posted by houston

That scenario doesn't fit. We are told not to pray for one who sins a sin unto death. Last I checked, we don't pray for dead people.

The thing is people do try to pray for the dead. And telling one to not pray for one who sins a sin unto death is telling one not to pray for the dead.

It seems you're looking for a sin or deed that is a "sin unto death" and is unforgivable or that can't be prayed for. But think of it like this if one lives a life full of sin and then subsequently dies in that sinful state, then the life they lived is consider a sin.

For it is a sin to NOT live a life for God.
It is a sin to live in sin.
It is a sin to die in sin.
So it is a sin to "sin unto death" and it can't be forgiven, and thus we are not to pray for such.

[bbyrd009]

"It seems you're looking for a sin or deed that is a "sin unto death" and is unforgivable or that can't be prayed for..."

That seems to be what the Scripture points to, here? I could cheat, and ask a scholar--but I'm sure curious.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by bbyrd009

The commentary I'm reading agrees with Aquila without clarifying much specifically, but argues that spiritual death as a meaning here is doubtful http://biblecommenter.com/1_john/5-16.htm
A sin which is not unto death - The great question in the interpretation of the whole passage is, what is meant by the "sin unto death." The Greek (ἁμαρτία πρὸς θάνατον hamartia pros thanaton) would mean properly a sin which "tends" to death; which would "terminate" in death; of which death was the penalty, or would be the result, unless it were arrested; a sin which, if it had its own course, would terminate thus, as we should speak of a disease "unto death."

Like developing cancer from smoking?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by bbyrd009

The commentaries seem to be leaning that way; toward something which would cause a penalty of death, or physical death. Which is somewhat contrary to my belief that the Bible is always discussing spiritual stuff, even when it seems like it's talking about physical stuff? but, i've spent like 5 minutes here...

Paul did say that some of the Corinthians were "asleep" (physically dead) because they observed the Lord's Supper unworthily.

[Aquila]

Isn't the topic prayer? In other words if we see a saint who is dying as a direct result of their sin, we might pray for their salvation, but not for their healing?

[Arphaxad]

Originally Posted by Arphaxad

Can it be something that causes you to physically die, like heavy drinking or shooting up? as compared to stealing, which doesn't kill you( unless you're shot dead by the one you're stealing from.)

Originally Posted by Aquila

Like developing cancer from smoking?

isn't that what i said?



;doggyrun

[bbyrd009]

um; I'm seeing the death in smoking, but find it hard to connect with "there is A sin unto death...?"

[J4Truth]

Originally Posted by bbyrd009

um; I'm seeing the death in smoking, but find it hard to connect with "there is A sin unto death...?"

Well if you're trying to find a single sin instead of the act of sinning itself, then I say maybe suicide?

But I still see the scripture as referring to not praying for the one that has physically died in there sin but for the brother that is physically alive and sinning. For the living have space for change, repentance but the dead can do nothing.

[bbyrd009]

Originally Posted by J4Truth

Well if you're trying to find a single sin instead of the act of sinning itself, then I say maybe suicide?

But I still see the scripture as referring to not praying for the one that has physically died in there sin but for the brother that is physically alive and sinning. For the living have space for change, repentance but the dead can do nothing.

Hmm; hadn't considered suicide here--def "a sin unto death," literally...we'l have to see, as I'm pretty sure Houston has some Rev here, and is just torturing us...

[bbyrd009]

Are you going to enlighten us, Houston? I'm finding the commentary on this pretty...unhelpful.

Hebrews 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,

Is where I am led.