What is the sin unto death?
Introduction. John wrote, "if any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it" (1 John 5: 16).
Sin is a failure to do what God has required (1 John 3: 4). Sin may entail a failure to do what is right (sins of omission, Jas, 4: 17). Sin can involve missing the mark (Greek meaning) by doing that which is forbidden (2 John 9; sins of commission). However, all unrepented-of sin results in spiritual death or separation from God (Jas. 1: 14, 15; Isa. 59: 1, 2). But John mentioned a sin not unto death.
It is always best, when possible, to allow the inspired writer to define his own statements. In chapter one, John states that if we confess our sins, "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1: 9). Hence, all confessed sin is forgiven. Of course, confessing sin to God presupposes repentance. Five chapters later, John mentions two "kinds" of sins: Sin unto death and sin not unto death. The sin not unto death must be sin which is confessed to God. Conversely, sin unto death must be sin not confessed or unrepented-of sin.
Every time unrepented-of sin is mentioned, it is in the context of spiritual doom. Under Moses' system there was no provision for those who sinned presumptuously (Num. 15: 22-31). This sin involved, "...despising the word of the Lord" (vs. 31). This appears to be the "great transgression" regarding which David prayed he might avoid (Ps. 19: 13).
Conclusion. While sin is sin, some sins are more consequential in that they involve more rebellion, The "sin unto death" appears to be a sin which involves the sinner in ultimate rebellion against God: a condition of impenitence, rejection, and defiance. We must always avoid such.
Sin is a failure to do what God has required (1 John 3: 4). Sin may entail a failure to do what is right (sins of omission, Jas, 4: 17). Sin can involve missing the mark (Greek meaning) by doing that which is forbidden (2 John 9; sins of commission). However, all unrepented-of sin results in spiritual death or separation from God (Jas. 1: 14, 15; Isa. 59: 1, 2). But John mentioned a sin not unto death.
It is always best, when possible, to allow the inspired writer to define his own statements. In chapter one, John states that if we confess our sins, "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1: 9). Hence, all confessed sin is forgiven. Of course, confessing sin to God presupposes repentance. Five chapters later, John mentions two "kinds" of sins: Sin unto death and sin not unto death. The sin not unto death must be sin which is confessed to God. Conversely, sin unto death must be sin not confessed or unrepented-of sin.
Every time unrepented-of sin is mentioned, it is in the context of spiritual doom. Under Moses' system there was no provision for those who sinned presumptuously (Num. 15: 22-31). This sin involved, "...despising the word of the Lord" (vs. 31). This appears to be the "great transgression" regarding which David prayed he might avoid (Ps. 19: 13).
Conclusion. While sin is sin, some sins are more consequential in that they involve more rebellion, The "sin unto death" appears to be a sin which involves the sinner in ultimate rebellion against God: a condition of impenitence, rejection, and defiance. We must always avoid such.