Albert Kang, Lead Pastor of FaithLine International Ministries
The Topic of Discussion Since Antiquity
The idea of the unpardonable sin of “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” has been a hot topic of discussion and interpretation among Christians for centuries. It is primarily derived from the context of Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 12:31-32. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.”
This statement of Jesus was made to the Pharisees who attributed the healing miracles of Jesus to be from demonic forces rather than that of the Holy Spirit.
What about today? What if you have slandered the Holy Spirit? Would you have committed the unpardonable sin? This article explores the nature of the unpardonable sin committed by the Jewish leaders and provides hope for those who fear they have committed a sin beyond forgiveness.
The Unpardonable Sin of the Jewish Leaders:
The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day had a unique opportunity to recognize Jesus as the Messiah sent by God. They witnessed His wonderful works and heard His teachings, fulfilling prophecies and confirming His divine mission. However, instead of embracing the truth, they chose to attribute His power to Satan, willfully disregarding the work of the Holy Spirit. In their defiant rejection of the Light of the World, they committed the unpardonable sin.
Why Is There Forgiveness If One Speaks Against the Son of Man?
The reason Jesus distinguished between speaking against the Son of Man (referring to Himself) and speaking against the Holy Spirit was that the Holy Spirit is the One who testifies to the truth and convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). By rejecting the Holy Spirit, the Pharisees were closing themselves off to the very means of conviction and guidance that could lead them to repentance and forgiveness.
The Uniqueness of the Unpardonable Sin:
It is important to note that the unpardonable sin committed by the Jewish leaders was specific to their historical context. Jesus Christ is not physically present on earth today, performing miracles that people can witness firsthand and then attribute to Satan. Therefore, duplicating the exact circumstances of the unpardonable sin is impossible.
Some years ago, Grace and I were ministering in a church that was divided in their acceptance of supernatural healing. One group was absolutely sold out on the idea that healing miracles are still here while another group believed that healing miracles have ceased.
One elder of the cessationist persuasion was deaf in one ear. After the service, I was encouraged by some other elders who believed in divine healing to minister healing to that elder’s deaf ear. That cessationist elder, though reluctant, allowed me to command healing for his deaf ear to be open. Immediately, by the grace of God, hearing returned to him. Everybody was excited that he could hear because they tested him. He closed his good ear and could hear clearly with his formerly deaf ear. We were happy that God healed this elder and left the Church, fully satisfied that the cessationist elder would become a believer that the healing miracles of the Lord are still active in modern times.
However, after some weeks, we met up with one leader of that Church and he told us that the healed elder had rejected his healing as from the Holy Spirit. Instead of acknowledging the divine origin of his healing, he dismissed it as a psychosomatic phenomenon. Then, within a couple of weeks, he was happy that his deafness returned to that healed ear. He had consciously denied the Holy Spirit’s role in that extraordinary manifestation, refusing to recognize the divine source of healing. However, even if he was to say that his healing miracle was from the devil, he would NOT be committing the unpardonable sin. He was not accusing Jesus of being possessed by the evil spirits and neither did he reject Jesus as his Savior. What he did was, like most cessationists, reject all healing miracles out of ignorance.
The Unpardonable Sin Today:
The only unpardonable sin in the present age is that of continued unbelief. Salvation is found exclusively in Jesus Christ and rejecting Him as the Savior leaves one with no means of salvation. God has provided for our redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ. Forgiveness is only found in Him. Therefore, the unpardonable sin today is dying in a state of unbelief, without accepting Jesus as the Savior.
Meet Sarah, who grew up in a Christian household but gradually drifted away from her faith. Over time, she felt the Spirit tugging at her heart, urging her to return to God and embrace His love and grace. However, Sarah consistently ignored these promptings, convinced that the Gospel did not apply to her or that God was not speaking to her through Scripture. By continuously rejecting the Spirit’s call and denying her need for salvation, Sarah is caught in the trap of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, hindering her access to forgiveness and redemption. Therefore, we understand that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit’s call to repentance and acceptance of Christ as Savior.
The Hope of Forgiveness:
Many individuals fear that they have committed a sin beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness. The enemy, Satan, seeks to perpetuate this misconception and discourage people from seeking reconciliation with God. However, the Bible offers encouragement and assurance for those burdened by guilt.
Have You Committed The Unpardonable Sin?
If you are still concerned about having committed the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, it may be helpful to consider a few biblical principles:
- The conviction of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). If you are still sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and have a desire to seek forgiveness and draw closer to God, it is a positive indication that you have not committed the unpardonable sin.
- Repentance and forgiveness: The Bible consistently teaches that God is merciful and forgiving to those who genuinely repent and turn to Him in faith. 1 John 1:9 assures us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God’s desire is for people to turn to Him, seek forgiveness, and find restoration.
- Relationship with Jesus: The primary focus of the New Testament is on the person and work of Jesus Christ. The unpardonable sin is directly related to rejecting Him as the Savior and attributing His works to Satan. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus, have placed your faith in Him for salvation, and continue to follow Him, you have not committed the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
Take-Home Idea
The unpardonable sin committed by the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day was a deliberate rejection of the truth and a purposeful slandering of the Holy Spirit. However, the circumstances surrounding this sin are unique to that specific historical context. Today, the only unpardonable sin is the continued rejection of Jesus Christ as the Savior, dying in a state of unbelief.
If you find yourself weighed down by guilt, rest assured that you have not committed the unpardonable sin. God is loving and merciful, and He awaits your return with open arms. Jesus Christ, our Savior, has the power to save completely those who come to God through Him. Trust in God’s salvation and find strength and defense in Him. There is hope and forgiveness for all who turn to Him.
Let us take comfort in the fact that God’s forgiveness is abundant and available to all who come to Him in faith. There is no sin too great for His grace. If you feel burdened by guilt, know that God is ready to receive you, forgive you, and offer you salvation through Jesus Christ. Trust in His promise of complete redemption and find strength in His unfailing love.