Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, often considered the 'unforgivable sin', is a concept established in Christian theology. This term refers to an individual's conscious and enduring rejection of the power and work of the Holy Spirit. This is where the individual knowingly and defiantly opposes the divine. This is considered to be the gravest of sins, as it signifies a hardened heart that is resistant to God's love, grace, and salvation.
Where Does The Bible Mention The Unpardonable Sin?
Mark 3:28-29 NASB
28 “Truly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons and daughters of men, and whatever blasphemies they commit; 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—
What is Blasphemy?
View the word from the original on Bible Hub: Blasphēmía #988
Where Does Jesus Mention Blasphemy Of The Holy Spirit?
Jesus mentioned about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit 3 times in scripture:
Luke 12:8-10
8 “Now I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before people, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God; 9 but the one who denies Me before people will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him.
Mark 3:28-30
28 “Truly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons and daughters of men, and whatever blasphemies they commit; 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”
Matthew 12:30-32
The Unpardonable Sin
30 The one who is not with Me is against Me; and the one who does not gather with Me scatters.
31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Is Publicly Denying Jesus Unforgivable?
No, to reject Jesus publicly is not considered to be an unpardonable sin. A clear example of this can be found in the Bible, specifically in the book of Luke. Peter, one of Jesus's twelve apostles, denied Jesus three times as predicted by Jesus himself (Luke 22:59-62).
Despite his denial, Peter was forgiven, showing that denial of Jesus is not the same as the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and is not beyond God's forgiveness. Jesus Himself stated in Luke 12:10 that whoever denies the Son of Man (Jesus) will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Luke 12:8-10
8 “Now I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before people, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God; 9 but the one who denies Me before people will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him.
God's Forgiveness: He Forgives ALL Sin
The merciful nature of God is a central tenet of Christianity. God's capacity for forgiveness is limitless, extending to all sins, despite their magnitude or severity. This notion is supported by multiple passages in the bible.
For instance, 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Come on! Isn't this awesome? It says that He is faithful AND just and He will. It doesn't say maybe, depends, we will see instead it says, He will!
In the book of Isaiah (43:25), God declares, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more."
However, the concept of the 'unpardonable sin' or 'blasphemy against the Holy Spirit' is an exception to this general belief of all-encompassing forgiveness. This is because it indicates a conscious and enduring rejection of God’s mercy and love.
His love and grace is unending, and His willingness to forgive is a testament to His faithfulness. The bible says "He is faithful" and I love this. Even when we are unfaithful, He always remains steadfast which makes Him reliable. We can always put our trust in Him.
1 John 1:7
7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
All sin = What we consider terrible sin too.
Acts 13:38-39
38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.
Romans 3:22
22 but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction
Faith In Jesus Christ Is Enough
Our faith in Jesus Christ and belief in His teachings lead us to salvation. It's a central biblical principle, as Jesus spoke in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
This passage highlights that having faith in Jesus is our one and only path to God, our Father. So, recognizing Jesus as the mediator between humanity and God is fundamental in the Christian faith.
Acts 16:31
31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
New Testament Vs Old Testament
Throughout biblical history, different individuals have been called upon to act as mediators between God and humanity. In the Old Testament, Moses was the mediator. He led the Israelites out of Egypt and delivered God's laws to the people.
Moses The Mediator
His role as a mediator is notably demonstrated in Exodus 32, when he interceded on behalf of the Israelites after their sin of worshiping the golden calf. Moses stands between God and the people, pleading for their forgiveness and demonstrating his role as a mediator.
Jesus Christ The Mediator
In the New Testament, however, Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and mankind. As stated in 1 Timothy 2:5-6, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people."
Unlike Moses, who acted as a mediator for a specific group of people (the Israelites), Jesus acts as a mediator for all humanity. His sacrifice on the cross established a new covenant, and through faith in Him, we are granted access to the Father.
How Do We Come To The Father?
As stated above, in John 14:6, Jesus asserts, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". This statement underlines the essential role of faith in Jesus as the means by which we can approach God, highlighting the shift from Moses to Jesus as the mediator in biblical history.
We now have access to our good Father in heaven. The bible says in
Hebrews 4:16
16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.
He Desires Relationship Not Religion
By sending His son Jesus, He made the ultimate sacrifice, which enables us to have a relationship with Him. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection bridged the gap between us and the Father, removing the barriers of sin that had previously hindered our connection.
His sacrifice on the cross was more than an act of redemption; it was a testament to the Father's longing for a personal and intimate relationship with each one of us.
This act of love underscores that our relationship with God is not predicated on religious rituals or observances, but rather on our acknowledgement and acceptance of Jesus Christ as our personal savior and from that place going on a journey of becoming like Him, taking on His image & His likeness.
Jesus' Frustration With Religious Leaders
Jesus' frustration with the religious leaders of His time, particularly the Pharisees, often stemmed from their focus on external religious practices while neglecting the vital essence of faith, which is a genuine relationship with God.
The rebuke of the religious leaders in Matthew 23:27 encapsulates this frustration: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean."
Inner Transformation
God's desire is not rooted in religious formalities or ceremonial observances. Instead, He desires an intimate relationship with us, one that transcends the superficiality of outward appearances and delves into the depths of our hearts.
It is in the context of this relationship that genuine inner transformation takes place. As we experience the depth of God's love and grace, our hearts and minds are renewed. We begin to mirror the attributes of Christ, embodying His love, compassion, humility, and righteousness in our daily lives.
This transformation is not a result of adhering to religious rules, but a natural outcome of nurturing a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father thus resulting in a becoming like Him.
Matthew 5:48
48 Therefore you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
What Would Be Considered Blasphemy Of The Holy Spirit?
So, what is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Here are 7 perspective people usually give.
7 Common Perspectives The Unforgivable Sin
- Attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan
- Unrepented sin
- Unconfessed sin
- Suicide
- Willful and intentional sin
- Unforgiveness in your heart
- An attitude that calls evil good and good evil; a lack of reverence
What Did Jesus Say & Mean By Blaspheming The Holy Spirit?
Jesus clarifies that the root of the unforgivable sin, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is unbelief. This is further substantiated by various scriptures.
In Mark 16:16 (NASB), Jesus states, "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." Here, Jesus unequivocally associates unbelief with condemnation, underscoring the severity of unbelief in the spiritual context.
Likewise, other scriptures highlight the profound implications of unbelief. Hebrews 3:12-19 (NASB) warns believers, "Take care, brothers and sisters, that there will not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God." This scripture further elaborates that unbelief prevented the Israelites from entering God's rest, symbolizing eternal life.
Romans 14:23 (NASB) succinctly states, "But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin." Here, unbelief is directly equated to sin, reinforcing the concept that unbelief lies at the root of all sins.
Lastly, Hebrews 11:6 (NASB) asserts, "And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him." This verse highlights the crucial role of belief and faith in our relationship with God and the pursuit of His rewards.
Therefore, scriptures unequivocally underscore unbelief as not just a sin, but the root of all sin, including the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit means: The state of being unwilling and unable to believe and repent.
How Do I Know If I Have Blasphemed the Holy Spirit?
The act of blaspheming the Holy Spirit does not occur by accident. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit entails a conscious, willful, and recurring hardening of one's heart towards God and His work. It is a continuous, obstinate state of being that resists God's grace and mercy. Thus, it is not something that a person can commit accidentally; rather, it involves a deliberate and persistent turning away from God.
If you are worried that you blasphemed the Holy Spirit, that is an indicator that you have not blasphemed Him. A person who commits such a sin no longer wants anything to do with Him.
Is Blasphemy The Same As Grieving The Holy Spirit?
Ephesians 4:29-31
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."
What's The Difference?
Blasphemy and grieving the Holy Spirit are distinct yet related concepts. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, as discussed earlier, denotes an obstinate and willful unbelief, a turning away from God's grace and mercy.
Grieving the Holy Spirit, on the other hand, refers to actions that sadden or offend the Spirit. This includes any form of behavior that is contrary to God's teaching, such as unwholesome talk, bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and malice, as mentioned in Ephesians.
In essence, while blasphemy of the Holy Spirit refers to a state of unbelief, grieving the Holy Spirit refers to our actions that offend Him. Both are serious matters, but they are not the same. While there is grace and forgiveness available for those who grieve the Holy Spirit and then repent, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, characterized by a sustained unbelief and rejection of God, is termed unforgivable or eternal damnation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Often referred to as the unforgivable sin, is not a single act or statement (yes even such sins as cursing God) but a state of persistent, willful unbelief and rejection of God's grace.
It's a conscious, continual hardening of one's heart against God and His workings. While many sins, actions, and attitudes grieve the Holy Spirit, they are not the same as blaspheming Him.
The good news is that, if you're worried about having committed this sin, your concern is a strong indicator that you haven't. The heart that is fearful of having committed this sin is already demonstrating a responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's conviction, further affirming God's mercy and forgiveness that spans the breadth of all sins, save for the continual unbelief represented in blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
Credits
This detailed breakdown was largely derived from Vik Fomenko's bible study. Vik is an exceptional teacher who teaches at Kingdom Domain College. His profound understanding and interpretation of scripture is needed in this generation. I highly recommend you to watch his video for a more comprehensive understanding of these concepts.
More Bible Verses
Pharisees Call Jesus Possessed
Matthew 12:22-29
22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and unable to speak was brought to Jesus, and He healed him so that the man who was unable to speak talked and could see. 23 And all the crowds were amazed and were saying, “This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.”
25 And knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 And if Satan is casting out Satan, he has become divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if by Beelzebul I cast out the demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. 28 But if I cast out the demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or, how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first ties up the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
