I received an email recently with this question; Is there a sin God can’t forgive?

It originates from a publisher who, to their credit, is asking a question to intrigue the reader to read on. That’s good writing. Grab the attention of the reader – correct? That’s why many times I start this with a picture. Photos get people’s attention.

In this case, I think, the writer may be asking the wrong question. I think the answer to their first question is no, God can forgive any sin, that’s the whole point of The Gospel, of the ministry of Jesus. Even down to his last moments, Jesus forgives the thief on the cross. We don’t know much about this man, he is only referred to as a thief who is dying on a cross at the same time as Jesus, and he admits that he deserves the punishment he is receiving. So he is clearly not an innocent saint. However, his appeal to Jesus is accepted without issue and Jesus makes the promise, “today you will be with me in paradise”.

The issue before the Church and Church leaders is what to do with those who know better but still behave badly. First of all, there is the hope that these folks will awaken from their current awareness, seek “a renewed faith”, and act according to the stirring of God in their lives. It does happen. I once got a phone call from a leader, who I much admired, but in the call, he admitted that he had not taken the claims of Christ and the power of The Spirit of God to heart until a health crisis. He asked me the question; “how could I have been so blind, so unaware?”

There is a welcome to anyone who seeks God. That’s the point of the story which Jesus told of the prodigal son. The story is not about the rebellion of the son, or the loss of the inheritance he claimed, or for that matter it is not about the wrong which the son did. It is about the father – about the man who stood looking out ready to welcome home the “lost son” whom he loved. The Bible is one long story of God’s longing for His people, His creation, to be in a relationship with him.

For those who wonder why God allows evil in the world or why tragic things happen to people, this is at the heart of God’s desire. He wants us to want to be His children. He wants us to seek Him out. He does not want to force us to want to be in a relationship. That’s the point of love – if you love someone you don’t have power over them.

Choose who you will be. Choose who or what you will love.

There’s plenty of warning for those who use the name of God to their own advantage, or who say one thing and do another. Paul actually goes as far in 1 Corinthians 6 to call for the church there to expel “the immoral brother”. Paul is well aware that tolerating is dangerous for the body of Christ – The Church. But any punishment or discipline is only intended to bring about repentance and restoration.

God can and will forgive. That’s the main point.