October 12, 1998, Monday

Is there an unpardonable offense or sin in God's eyes? Is

there wise counsel to know if one has committed that offense?

Is a person without hope and condemned forever or is there

a remedy to the offense?

Many people believe that those that have committed the

most heinous crimes are under eternal condemnation as well

as judgment in this world. But the Scripture tells us that

there is only one sin that cannot be forgiven. Jesus tells

us that the person who rejects the call of God by the Holy

Spirit is in danger of the offense: "But he who blasphemes

against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject

to eternal condemnation" (Mark 3:29). Most scholars view the

offense as one of final rejection by a person to God's plea

with a person to accept His salvation. God's counsel advises

the person: regardless of your offenses or sins, turn to Me

today to find forgiveness and pardon.

Jesus explained the offense as a choice. The person that

has decided to reject the truth and light of the world, has

made a decision to accept a lie. That one cannot be persuaded

to reason or logic: "And this is the condemnation, that the

light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather

than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). The

person has allowed his lifestyle to determine his choices.

God's desire is to be the Companion of the person and for

them not to be deceived, but to accept the light and truth.

Paul tells us that our hope is His free pardon and forgiveness

of our offenses and sins: "There is therefore now no condemnation

to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to

the flesh, but according to the Spirit" (Rom 8:1). Our Comfort

and Consolation is our God, who has accepted us and fellowships

with us. Our remedy is His free salvation and acceptance.

Let us remember who is the God that is always with us. God's

name is Jehová Shammah. He is the God that is our Companion.

His fellowship is our joy and confidence. He is our Counselor.

When we do not have an answer in difficult times, He gives us

the answer. Jehova Shammah is our Comforter. When we are

suffering, He comforts us with with His reassurance. He gives

more grace according to His promise. Lift your hands to Him

and Praise Him today for the fact that He is the God that

is always with us!