Bunyan, Bible Commentaries and the Unpardonable Sin

• Published in: Bunyan studies no. 15; p. 90
• Main Author: Taylor, Iain
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Newcastle Upon Tyne Northumbria University, Department of Humanities, Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences 01.01.2011
• Subjects: Bible; British & Irish literature; Bunyan, John (1628-1688); Bunyan, John (1628-88); English literature
• ISSN: 0954-0970

According to Grace Abounding, it was immediately after consulting Luther's commentary that Bunyan fell prey to the terrible idea that he had perpetrated the unpardonable sin by yielding to Satan's temptation to 'sell and part with this most blessed Christ'. [...]every section has its own, more comprehensive, summary divided into 'Resolutions' and Observations', concluding, usually, with a list of 'Doctrines', setting out how the author recommends the passage might be applied in particular circumstances. [...]falling in faith, or as he terms it Outward profession', refers in part to those who 'denyeth some of those principles of Religion, which formerly he professed'. Since 'the Birth-right signified Regeneration', someone like Esau, who would 'cast off all those blessed beginnings of God that are at present upon him', or new birth, and so despise 'the Birth-right to Heaven', was guilty of the most grievous sin.58 He or she could therefore expect an inheritance which expressly lacked any divine blessing, which Bunyan immediately applies far beyond the original story in Genesis: 'For many there are who, in the day of Grace and Mercy despise those things which are indeed the Birth-right to Heaven, who yet, when the deciding-day appears, will cry as loud as Esau, Lord, Lord, open to us'.59 For Bunyan, the sin was now having a wrong attitude to the birthright, not the blessing, the divine punishment for which was the removal of that same blessing.