Q: A lot of people say that the devil can be changed and go to heaven is that true i know that God forgives us but can he forgive satan for his sins that he comitted to his children?

A: Dear Shane,

It is important to remember that forgiveness comes only after a person repents. Jesus preached that people needed to repent (Mark 1:15). Peter preached that people needed to repent (Acts 3:19). Paul preached that people needed to repent (Acts 17:30). To repent is to turn sorrowfully away from sin. Repentance itself is a gift of God. He is the one that puts in our heart a sorrow for sin (Acts 5:30-31). We can either accept God’s call to repentance, confessing our sins, or rebel against Him. When we rebel instead of confessing, holding on to our sins, we cannot receive forgiveness.

Satan and his angels rebelled. I believe God called them to repentance at one time, but they would not receive repentance and confess their sin. The Bible tells us now that they have passed the point of no return, committing the unpardonable sin. When a person continues to indulge sin and not repent when they realize their sin, they harden their hearts against the influence of the Holy Spirit who gives the call to repentance, until they can no longer hear the call. This is why the Bible tells of “the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41). It was prepared for them when they passed the point of no return.

This is a warning to all who would dabble with sin – it’s dangerous. God is a loving and merciful God, but sin will so completely separate us from Him if we continue to indulge it that we may no longer be able to repent. This is why the Bible tells us “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:7).

Thanks for writing, and remember, there's never been a better time to share Jesus!

Your friend, Pastor Howard