BOOK REVIEW: ‘Why You Have Not Committed The Unforgivable Sin’'

I became familiar with Jeremy Myers thru his BLOG. I soon discovered many of his books, and found them to be thoughtful, well researched and not your typical evangelical fare. Anyone familiar with me or my BLOG, knows I am of the more conservative (not Reform, mind you) evangelical, yet Arminian in Theology. With that said, I have always found that multiple voices (especially those that don’t always agree with my Theologically) help to expand my thinking and that is a positive thing. In light of all that, Jeremy, in this book ‘Why You Have Not Committed The Unforgivable Sin’, takes us thru some important points on the subject. He choose to challenge many preconceived notions and some wrong-headed thinking. The subject of the ‘Unforgivable Sin’ is very rarely broached in books, pulpits or BLOGs, so it is refreshing to have a very well researched and thought out tome on the subject, for reference and general study. The verses in Matthew chapter twelve, verses 31 and 32, is the basis of the book, as well as some other ideas of what others have categorized as ‘unforgivable’. Jeremy explores the context of the verses, the historical context and scriptural basis for the positions that he and others take. He even uses some stories of those who feared that they have committed ‘The Sin’. Jeremy tells in the book (page 12) that years of pastoral counseling and e-mails, like those described in his book, are his reasons for writing it. In the last section of Chapter 1 (page 12) Jeremy lays out his most important reason for writing on this subject, at lease in my opinion, “Through this book, I want to impress upon you the good news that no matter what, there is grace for you. There is love. There is forgiveness.” These sentiments cannot be expressed enough today. In the second chapter, Jeremy tackles the ‘sin-of-the-day’ notions that are often described as unforgivable. These include, divorce, adultery, abortion and suicide. The basis for these beliefs are explored in great detail by Jeremy and are going to offend people who hold those positions, but in light of scripture, must be considered as bad theology, if you trust what Scripture says. Jeremy explains that the reason these sins, in this second chapter, are considered ‘unforgivable’ are because, as he puts it, “the nature of the sin does not allow the person to properly repent.” (page 17) Jeremy effectively uses scripture, giants of the faith (Biblical) and even common sense to combat these notions. His handling of the suicide question is sensitive, thoughtful and scriptural even if you disagree with some of his conclusions. In the third chapter, Jeremy takes the verses in Matthew and runs them through multiple filters. He looks at the context (in the book of Matthew), the Historical-Cultural context, the Biblical context and word studies on the word blaspheme. Of course, the importance of all these elements is crucial to our understanding of this subject. One very important point, which I myself had overlooked for many years of looking at this text, is that Jesus never said that the Pharisees had committed the ‘unforgivable sin’. Jeremy makes this point on page 35, “Whatever the unpardonable sin actually is, Jesus does not say that the Pharisees have already committed it.” (emphasis by author) It is a pivotal point to this study that Jesus was actually warning them to be careful that they DON’T commit this sin. In Chapter 4 he tackles the subject, head on. So as not to just describe what it isn’t, he gives very thorough reasons for what he believes it is. It is not just an out-of-the-air opinion but a well thought out, scripturally based conclusion. There will be some who disagree with his conclusions, but they cannot deny his points are based on solid Biblical evidence. Interesting, he even tackles the notion of attributing demonic power to miracles, which God has done. This is a position I held for many years, but now have abandoned it in light of the scholarship of this book. Jeremy’s conclusion, found on page 52, is fascinating and is something I am still trying to wrap my head around. The rest of the book is Jeremy’s heartfelt plead with those who have feared they have committed the ‘unpardonable sin’. Jeremy even uses the end of chapter five as a plead to the lost. His heart for others shines through this project in a very clear way. It is for this reason that I HIGHLY recommend this book. The book is a fast read, only 84 pages in total, but is full of insight, scholarship and thoughtful conclusions. Pastors will find this useful as part of their counseling library, counselors (Christian/Bible based) will find it important to a common problem for many people, and you will find it interesting to your ideas of what ‘The Unforgivable Sin’ is. Links to Amazon and Redeeming Press are included on my site, so that you may order your copy today.