SHOULD WE BE PRAYING FOR EVERYONE?

We are instructed to pray for everyone:

·       First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

However, John had instructed us to NOT pray for everyone:

·       If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. (1 John 5:16-17)

In order to reconcile these verses, we have to tackle the question: “What is sin the leads to death?” It seems that John has in view the person who refuses to repent and continues willingly in sin. Why? First of all, this is sin that we can “see.” A lifestyle of unrepented sin is not hard to see, and it is something that leads to eternal death.

The next verse suggests that John had in mind someone who has made a lifestyle out of unrepented sin. In contrast, the true believer repents: “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning...” (1 John 5:18).

The first chapter of 1 John further supports the idea that it is about repentance and the confession of sins, by which we are given the assurance that if we confess, we will be forgiven and restored:

·       If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Why doesn’t John cite as an exception “sin that leads to death?” Because it is not an exception! Therefore, it seems likely that it is because “sin that leads to death” represents a willful refusal to confess and repent, because when we truly confess, all is forgiven and cleansed. Paul had been the worst of sinners. If anyone had committed a sin that leads to death, it was Paul! However, God set him forth as an example to teach us to not fear that we might have gone too far by committing “sin that leads to death” or the “unpardonable sin” (1 Timothy 1:15-16).

If the worst sins did not lead to damnation, what then could John have referred to by “sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death” (5:16)? What sins, then, could be seen as leading to death if not murder and worse? Only unrepented sins are left!

This understanding agrees with the rests of the Scriptures – the most hardened find restoration (King Manasseh), even on their deathbeds. Therefore, I think that it is Scriptural to pray even for the unrepentant. However, we must pray that they will first come to repentance!

This leaves us with a problem. On the Cross, Jesus had prayed:

·       “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. (Luke 23:34)

However, Jesus didn’t specifically pray that they would confess their sins and repent. However, it is likely that Jesus also had their confession in mind as a precondition for forgiveness.

The Unpardonable Sin

I mention this sin here because it seems that the “unpardonable sin” should be understood in light of the above. About this sin, Jesus had stated:

·       “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:31-32)

What then is this blasphemy, this speaking “against the Holy Spirit?” It seems like it is another instance of purposeful, unrepented sin. The Pharisees had seen many of Jesus’ miracles. Nevertheless, they purposely ascribed them to Satan instead of to the Spirit, clearly the author of these various miracles. Their lives demonstrated an unrepentant commitment to a sinful lifestyle.

However, this account includes one extra element – They would never be forgiven. But why could they not confess their sins, repent, and find forgiveness? Without God drawing them, they simply would not (John 6:44).

However, there might be a better way to understand “never be forgiven.” Perhaps if they were to continue in repented sin they would never be forgiven. Why? Paul had not only killed Christian but, even worse, had forced they to renounce Christ. What could be worse! If he was forgiven, perhaps also those who had sinned the “unpardonable sin?”

Another consideration – Jesus had warned:

·       “but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:33)

However, Peter had denied Jesus three times, but he was not only forgiven but also commissioned to feed the flock of Jesus. How are we to understand this paradox? It is likely that Jesus had been warning against denying Him permanently and unrepentantly.

If this is so, then perhaps we should regard the “unpardonable sin” in a similar way – It remains unpardonable as long as our rejection of Jesus remains permanent.

Should we then not pray for unrepentant? I think we should. Why? For one thing, all are unrepentant before they come to the Lord. For another thing, we are instructed to pray for all. However, I don’t think we should pray for their welfare without also praying for their repentance.

In any event, it is important to encourage the many who fear that they might have committed the unpardonable sin. If they are still concerned about God’s forgiveness, then it seems likely that God is drawing them. This is because those who are not being drawn regard the things of God as foolishness:

·       The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

In contrast, there is always hope for those who wish to hope in God.