Sin That Brings Death

If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that does not bring death, he should ask, and God will give life to him -- to those who commit sin that doesn't bring death. There is sin that brings death. I am not saying he should pray about that. - 1 John 5:16

"There is sin that brings death."

Really? If there is sin that brings death, then we should know what it is, right? And, once we know what it is, we better not pray about it!

The sin that brings death (and by "death," eternal separation from the Father) can only be rejection of the Holy Spirit and such rejection is a sin for which there can be no forgiveness. Therefore, if a person prays for someone who rejects the Spirit of God, they are asking God to negate the sacrifice of Christ. They are, in effect saying that Christ's sacrifice for sin is inadequate to redeem the sins of mankind. For anyone to pray that a person who is currently rejecting the Holy Spirit might escape eternal punishment would be to pray against the will, character, and purpose of God. This is something we must never do; something we can never do, if we are to maintain a biblical faith.

We can, however, always pray for repentance, and we must.

Prayer is talking with God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart." - Josh McDowell