The Confidence We Have In Our Prayers

God gave us His written word (2 Tim 3:16), so we may know for sure that we “have eternal life” (v. 13). This knowledge comes only “by faith in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:26), which gives us “the confidence that we have in Him” through our prayers. God hears us when we pray “according to His will,” and not our own. Because without Him, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5)! John also mentions “a sin which is not unto death” (v. 16a), and “a sin unto death” (v. 16b). This is in connection to our “prayer of faith” (Jms 5:15), when we humbly ask God for His favor (Eph 6:18).

Sin can adversely affect our health (Jn 5:14), as it did to Miriam (Num 12:10), and Gehazi (2 Ki 5:27), as examples. When sin causes a health issue that is not a “sin unto death,” we can most assuredly pray with confidence for God to give life and restoration to the sick (Gal 6:1), if it is His will. The “sin unto death” during the time of Jesus was called “the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost” (Mt 12:31), which can no longer be committed today because Jesus is not physically present on earth (Ps 74:18).

The ”sin unto death” during the future Tribulation period, will be for those who are deceived by the antichrist to “worship the beast and his image” (Rev 14:9), and willfully receive his mark. Sadly, they won’t have any more opportunities to get saved (Heb 10:26)! We live in a sinful world (Jn 3:19). But there is no such thing as sinless perfection for God’s children, because we are still in the flesh with an ongoing spiritual battle (Gal 5:17). However, our bodies are now the “temple of God” (1 Cor 3:17), which are to be holy (1 Pet 1:16). If we commit sin, then we must “confess our sins” (1 Jn 1:9), and focus on obeying God by doing His will (Jn 14:15)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera