In there a sin that shall “never” be forgiven? Mark 3:29-30
The word “never” is not in the Greek! Consider how the literal translations read:
• ‘Whoever should be blaspheming against the Holy Spirit is having no pardon for the eon, but is liable to the eonian penalty for the sin’—for they said, ‘An unclean spirit has he’ (Mk. 3:28-30 CLT).
• ‘Whoever may speak evil in regard to the Holy Spirit hath not forgiveness—to the age, but is in danger of age-during judgment;’ because they said, ‘He hath an unclean spirit’ (Mk. 3:28-30 YLT).
• ‘Whosoever shall revile against the Holy Spirit, hath no forgiveness, unto times age-abiding,—but is guilty of an age-abiding sin’: because they were saying—’An impure spirit, he hath!’ (Mk. 3:28-30 ROTH).
• Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not.…either in this age or in the age to come (Mt. 12:31-32; Mk. 3:29-30). This is saying that every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven in the age to come except this sin. If not, what is the point of singling out one sin in particular as an exception. This is powerful testimony from the lips of Christ Himself for hope after death!
Because a particular sin will not be forgiven at a given time does not require that the penalty be infinite.
Also, God’s justice in judgment does not change! (Mal. 3:6). All judgment is measured and with a purpose. Either a just penalty will be exacted (He. 2:2), or its forgiveness must await a subsequent age. (Scripture alludes to “ages to come”- Ep. 2:7).
We can rest assured that the Father’s chastising penalty for this sin will be just, and righteous, and in character with His loving heart for all. See also “Mystery to Ponder” pages 88 – 91.
From Hope Beyond Hell Revised 2010 pages 223 and 67.
