Criticism: LDS apostle, Bruce R. McConkie contradicted the Bible when he wrote that a man may commit a sin so grievous that it will place him beyond the atoning blood of Christ, when the Bible says that the blood of Christ cleanses us all from all sin.

Thus, it seems that 1 John is best interpreted as meaning that any forgivable sin is cleansed through—and only through—the blood of Christ. Latter-day Saints understand the "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost" to be rejecting the atonement of Christ when one has a perfect knowledge of it.

John later qualifies his statement making clear there is a sin that is unforgivable.

The counsel here is to pray for those who sin unless they have committed the "sin unto death" which cannot be forgiven. Obviously, if one rejects the atonement of Christ, one cannot be saved by it, and so one will not be forgiven for that sin.

This criticism, like others, is based on statements made in an unofficial publication. There may be occasional instances where such statements, even by leaders of the Church, are not official doctrine. This was not one such instance. However, members and critics alike, should use such unofficial publications for instruction, but not for sources for doctrine.

If you have any topic or question you would like to see addressed pleased contact Carolyn Wright at http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php Just check the box for the Meridian Article Editor.