The Sin Unto Death

 

THE SIN UNTO DEATH

      The phrase "sin unto death" describes the final stage of divine discipline in which God removes from the earth the person who is to­tally alienated from God.  The "sin unto death" is not a particular sin; but it is, rather, a mental attitude of total indifference to and rebellion against the will and purpose of God. 

      The spiritual condition of the person who comes under the "sin unto death" is character­ized by continual and maximum carnality; and this punishment represents God's final step of chastisement to those who are in maximum alienation from God.  Only God can discern the true nature of a person's mind, attitude, or volition; and only God knows whether a per­son is actually implacable and deserving of physical death.

      The "sin unto death" is described as a prin­ciple in 1 John 5:16; Psalm 118:17,18; and Ezek. 18:21-32.

      It is important for the Christian to under­stand the circumstances under which sins are not "unto death".

 

      First, sin which is confessed is not "unto death".  1 John 1:9; 1 Cor. 11:31; Ps. 32:5; Ps. 38.

 

       Second, sin which is discontinued is not "unto death".  Heb. 12:1; Eze. 18:21-32.

 

      Finally, the person who responds posi­tively to divine discipline is not involved in the "sin unto death".  Heb. 12:6, cf. 12:11-15.

      There are definite characteristics by which to recognize the conditions which lead to God's applying the "sin unto death".  Persistent, unconfessed sin, sin which contin­ues unchecked with no repentance, may bring a person under this category.  Also, the person who persistently ignores Grace, warnings, and discipline may come under the "sin unto death".  Lev. 26.  Then, sin which has a maxi­mum adverse effect on other people (causing stumbling) may lead a person into severe dis­cipline.

      Some case histories of the "sin unto death":

•     The case of "lying to the Holy Spirit" (Ananias and Sapphira).  Acts 5:1-10.

•     The case of persistent carnality while sit­ting at the Lord's Table, 1 Cor. 11:30,31.

•     The case of disobedience to the Word of God.1 Chron.10:13,14; 1 Sam. 13:9–14.  King Saul did not kill Agag although di­rectly ordered to do so by God; he insisted on personally offering sacrifices in the place of divinely appointed priests; and he consulted a witch, itself a capital offense.

•     The case of self-righteousness and depen­dence on man which was perpetuated (case of Hezekiah).  Isa. 38.

•           The case of apostasy on the part of a be­liever.  Num. 31:8; 1 Tim. 1:19,20.