Mark 3:28

Analysis & Commentary

Verily I say unto you All sins shall be forgiven unto sons of men and blasphemies wherewith they blaspheme. Verily amēn truly solemn declaration. All sins pasai hai hamartiai every kind of sin. Shall be forgiven aphethēsetai future passive divine forgiveness. Sons of men huiois tōn anthrōpōn humanity. Blasphemies blasphēmiai slander evil speaking. Wherewith hosa whatever kind. They blaspheme blasphēmēsōsin speak evil against. Sweeping statement of grace amplitude. No sin beyond God forgiveness except one following verse. Murder adultery theft blasphemy all forgivable. Gospel offer unlimited scope. Christ atonement sufficient for all sins. Reformed theology emphasizes particular redemption Christ died for elect but gospel offer is universal. All who come will be forgiven. Grace super-abounds over sin.

Historical Context

Context Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by Satan power (3:22). Jesus warns against blasphemy of Holy Spirit unforgivable sin. This verse establishes God grace first before warning. All sins forgivable emphasizes grace breadth. Pharisees committed terrible sin attributing Holy Spirit work to Satan. Yet even this might be forgiven if they repented. Unforgivable sin is final impenitent rejection attributing obvious divine work to Satan. Augustine argued unforgivable sin is dying in unbelief. Reformed view perseverance of saints means true believers cannot commit unforgivable sin. Those who worry about having committed it thereby prove they have not. Concern indicates Spirit work.

Questions for Reflection

• What does all sins forgivable reveal about breadth of God grace and Christ atonement sufficiency?
• How does amplitude of forgiveness except one sin shape our understanding of gospel offer?