Topic(s): Forgiveness, God's Mercy

Todd Clippard

Christians can indeed be forgiven if they sin after obeying the gospel. There are many passages that so teach. Consider 1 John 1:7-10, a text written specifically to Christians:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. KJV

Each verse specifically states Christians will sin after they obey the gospel. John continued as recorded in chapter 2:

1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 KJV

Note again a clear reference to Christians who sin after receiving initial forgiveness.

The text to which you refer in Hebrews 10 concerns willful sins for which one will not repent or confess before God. A deliberate sin is one committed in full knowledge of its wrongfulness, and with an unrelenting and unrepentant heart. So long as one continues in a willful sin, he can have no forgiveness of that sin, or any other sin he may commit.

The key is repentance and confession of sin before God. Look at 1 John 1:9 again. God will forgive any sin we are willing to confess before Him.

Peter committed a sin against the Gentile brethren according to Galatians 2:11ff. Peter knew better than to do what he did, and Paul rebuked him publicly. Peter later wrote two great books of the New Testament. The difference was his willingness to repent and turn back to God.