There is Sin to Death

In There is Sin to Death, Michael E.B. Maher addresses the controversial topic of whether believers can lose their salvation. He refutes the “once saved, always saved” doctrine, arguing that believers retain free will and can choose to reverse their decision to follow Christ. The “sin to death” is the wilful, deliberate denial of Jesus as Lord—a sin for which there is no forgiveness.

Maher distinguishes between sins not unto death (all other sins, which can be forgiven through confession) and the sin unto death (apostasy). He warns that continuing in sin, rejecting sound doctrine, succumbing to trials and tribulations, and being consumed by the cares and pleasures of the world are paths that lead believers to eventually commit the sin to death. He cites biblical examples (Adam, the Corinthians, Hymenaeus and Philetus) and emphasizes that even mature believers like Paul recognized their vulnerability.

The book stresses that God chastens believers to prevent them from being condemned with the world. Maher encourages believers to discipline their bodies, endure sound doctrine, and not abuse grace as a license to sin. He concludes that while all other sins can be forgiven, the deliberate rejection of Christ after having known Him results in eternal condemnation.

Print length: 54 pages