Numbers 35; Psalm 79; Isaiah 27; 1 John 5
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. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. (1 John 5:16-17)
Intercessory prayer is a part of being a follower of Jesus Christ. We can learn much from Abraham as he interceded for Sodom and for Abimelech. A city full of unbelievers who were as wicked as can be and a heathen king who took his wife were the recipients of the intercessory prayer of Abraham. Although Abraham prayed for unbelievers, 1 John tells us to watch for our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you see them sin you are to ask God on their behalf.
What is the usual reaction to sin in another believer's life? If we love them, we excuse it or try to cover it up. If we only 'say that we love them' we can be harsh and condemning and gossip can quickly follow. However, the Biblical, loving response to sin in another believer's life is to ask God on their behalf. Don't condemn. Don't gossip. Don't disown. Pray and ask God. According to the Bible, their life depends upon it.
According to these passages of Scripture, all unrighteousness is sin. However, there is point in a believer's life when God will draw a line saying he will permit them to disobey him no more. He will terminate their earthly life and take them to heaven because their time on earth is over. This is not a sin that causes them to lose their salvation. There is no such thing! However, if your earthly life is terminated early, you lose the ability to store up treasure in heaven.
So when has a believer committed the sin unto death? There is a really easy answer to that question – when they are no longer physically alive. As long as they are alive – PRAY! Please see the incredible promise that we have here in the Word of God. God will give life to the person you are praying for because of your prayer. Think of the foolish decisions that believer's make sometimes. When you pray for them, God hears and answers those prayers.
Don't give up until God says, "Enough!" Don't quit praying just keep praying and believing that God will give them life and will change their heart. Ask him to break their heart over their sin. Ask God to open the eyes of their understanding so they might see how destructive and foolish their choices are. Ask God to give them a renewed sense of calling and purpose as his child. Please see how you play a part in the sanctification of others by your believing prayer!
In Christ,
Rody
