No past is too dark
The Bible does not sort people into those with acceptable sins and those beyond God’s reach. David committed adultery with Bathsheba, then arranged events that led to the death of her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11:4; 2 Samuel 11:14-15). When David faced what he had done, he pleaded with God for mercy and cleansing (Psalm 51:1-2).
Paul had persecuted Christians violently, but he later said that Christ had shown him mercy (1 Timothy 1:13-16). These stories do not make sin seem harmless. Sin wounds others and turns us from God. Still, they show that God’s mercy is not limited by the seriousness or history of a person’s sin. Christ died for people while they were still sinners (Romans 5:8).
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Forgiveness is received through Christ
To repent is to turn around. It means admitting sin to God instead of hiding it, defending it, or calling it something else. Faith means relying on Jesus, trusting that his death and resurrection are enough to bring us back to God. Peter urged his listeners to turn to God so their sins could be wiped away (Acts 3:19).
This is not about finding perfect words or proving that you will never fail again. A genuine turning to God includes a willingness to leave sin and make things right where possible. Change can take time. But forgiveness rests on God’s grace in Christ, not on a flawless record (Ephesians 2:8-9).
What did Jesus mean by the unforgivable sin?
Jesus gave a sober warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Mark explains the immediate setting: people were saying that Jesus had an unclean spirit (Mark 3:28-30). Jesus’ words show the seriousness of persistently treating God’s work in him as evil.
Christians have differed over some details of this warning. They generally agree, though, that it is not an unwanted thought, a moment of doubt, or a frightened question from someone who wants forgiveness. If you are grieved by your sin and want to come to God, do not let fear stop you from seeking his mercy.
Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
Come honestly and take the next step
You do not need to make yourself clean before approaching Jesus. Tell God plainly what you have done, what you regret, and where you need help to change. Jesus promises that he will not turn away anyone who comes to him (John 6:37). That is a solid place to begin.
If your choices have hurt someone, receiving God’s forgiveness may mean apologising, seeking wise help, repairing what you can, and accepting consequences that remain. None of that purchases grace. It is part of learning to live in the new direction God gives. Read Psalm 51 slowly, and keep bringing the truth into God’s presence (Psalm 51:1-2).