JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

December 1987

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning I John 5:16-17.

This passage reads: "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he [God] 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. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death."

There are two broad types of sin. The first type is that which is "not unto death." This is any sin which is repented of. James, in writing of the effectiveness of prayer (Jas. 5:17 18), explains that "if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him [cause him to repent]; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (Jas. 5:19-20).

The second type of sin which John referred to is a "sin unto death". John tells us not to pray on behalf of someone who has committed this kind of sin, because it cannot be forgiven. This is the unpardonable sin. For a full explanation, you may wish to request a free copy of our booklet WHAT DO YOU MEAN -- "THE UNPARDONABLE SIN"?

If we can be of further assistance, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT