Why does Jesus say all sins can be forgiven of “the sons of men” (Mark 3:28)?

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Author: Cripplegate. Mark 3 features a phrase unusual for its apparent awkwardness. In his rebuke of the scribes, Jesus accuses them of committing the unforgivable sin, which is of course blaspheming the Holy Spirit. While there are lots of debates on what exactly it means to commit this sin, one major fact is often overlooked in this discussion: before condemning the scribes for committing the unforgivable sin, Jesus makes an astounding statement. He asserts that “every kind of blasphemy can be forgiven the sons of men…”

Why does Jesus use the phrase “sons of men”? This is the only recorded time Jesus used that phrase to describe humans, and it stands out as being unnatural. After all, have you ever said “sons of men”?

The context of Mark 3 is rife with demonic activity. Satan has tempted Jesus (Mark 1), and Jesus began his public ministry by casting out a demon. But even more recently, as Jesus was pushed to the countryside, his ministry has come into increasing contact with demons. People were bringing those who were demon possessed to Jesus, and the demons recognized their maker. They identified him as the Son of God, and they were afraid. For his part, Jesus commanded them to keep silent, and to not tell others about his identity.

And then the scribes arrived. Sent from Jerusalem, they were supposed to get to the bottom of the whole Jesus phenomenon. They observed Jesus and saw him heal, cast out demons, raise the dead, and preach the gospel. After all of that, they concluded that Jesus was actually indwelt by the power of Satan.

In his rebuke to the Scribes, Jesus draws a sharp distinction between fallen angels and fallen people. Demons recognize Jesus, which is something the scribes refuse to do; advantage to the demons. But the gospel is not for the devil and his minions. There is no forgiveness of sins, no substitutionary atonement, and no imputation that will ever benefit angels. The gospel is not for them.

The same cannot be said for the scribes. Because they are descendants of Adam, the gospel is ostensibly for them. If they repent, despite their blasphemy, forgiveness can be theirs.

It is easy to envy angels. They can fly, they can go into the presence of God, and they don’t die. But they also cannot be saved from their sins.

There are advantages to being an angel. It would be cool to fly, and it would be liberating to not have to face a physical death. It would be an unspeakable blessing to have access to God, face to face, right now.

But it is even better to have Jesus say that any kind of sin can be forgiven “the sons of men” through faith in the gospel.

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