In V 32, Jesus speaks parallelism in that He clearly shows, as Himself is, the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, not a force or energy of some sort.
Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven
In Matt. 12:32, the word "speak" is Strong's Gr. 2036 "ἔπω", or 'epo' and means to answer, bid, bring word, command. (1)
The word "against" is Strong's Gr. 2596, "kata", and is a preposition indicating direction, usually down from higher to lower. (2) Thayer's Greek Lexicon has the metaphorical meaning at 2b. as opposed to, and under III 7. hostility.
Speaking "against" then is to countermand, or deny the word that was previously spoken. Therefore denying the word of either Christ or the Holy Spirit is to call them liars. In the old west you could be shot for that.
That is why Jesus called Peter Satan, or the Adversary at Matt. 16:23, because Peter had just denied what Jesus had told him. Peter's denial was an emotional response, a thoughtless mistake of the moment, therefore forgivable if repented of. Jesus stopped Peter from continuing to call Him a liar by "speaking against" Him.
But, to countermand, or deny, or speak against the Holy Spirit who always speaks the truth, therefore is to call the Holy Spirit a liar, and is not forgivable. This means that we had better be very careful with God's word as the Holy Spirit has maintained it throughout the centuries for our knowledge of Him, and of His Son.
Notes:
With all due respect to every participant, many of these responses reveal being captives of The Doctrine of The Trinity, the belief in a triune god unknown to the Hebrews, Jesus, and his apostles that didn't show up for hundreds of years until after they had all died and Greek-thinking converts educated in Platonic-thought and the schools of Alexandria and Antioch began to influence and then dominate Christian doctrine (including about God, His Son, and His will in action).
In Genesis 1:1 - when the spirit (Hebrew/wə·rū·aḥ/breath, wind; Greek LXX καὶ πνεῦμα/spirit) of God was moving over the earth preparing it early in the creative process - it was not a "third person" of a triune godhead - it was the description appropriate for the mind of man to understand the will of God in action, literally if you will according to the word used in Hebrew a "wind" or the "breath" of God was blowing over the dark and formless earth - not a "third person" of a triune god flying about !!
Let us be very careful about what Matt 12:32-37 is actually saying and why.
The fact that Jesus says it is possible to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, and that this sin will not be forgiven shows the following facts:
If someone blasphemes against an ordinary person (eg, Titus 3:2, Rom 3:8, 1 Cor 4:13, Acts 13:45, 18:6), or angels (eg, 2 Peter 2:10, Jude 8, etc) such a sin can be forgiven - however we are told very carefully that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven which means the Holy Spirit is not a mere human or angel but must be much more important.
Indeed, the only way that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit could be an unpardonable sin is if the Holy Spirit were divine. This is consistent with NT teaching - see appendix below.
APPENDIX - Divinity of the Holy Spirit
The Bible assumes that the Holy Spirit is divine in many instances.
Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. (Matt. 12:31–32, ESV)
How does this make sense in the context of the rest of the Bible? Jesus said the Holy Spirit would do.
And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:8–15, ESV)
What happened before Jesus' discourse?
Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” (Matt. 12:22–24, ESV)
The Holy Spirit convinced those who witnessed Jesus' miracles that Jesus is "the way, and the truth, and the life" (in John 14:6, ESV). The Holy Spirit convicts a person of sin and the need for Christ. The Holy Spirit convinces a person of what is right. If one blasphemes the Holy Spirit's witness such as those who called Jesus' miracle as from Satan instead of God, one rejects the Holy Spirit's witness leading a person to Christ. All that is left is judgment for rejecting the opportunity.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:18–21, ESV)
Other Examples
Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. (John 11:45–53, ESV)
When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. (John 12:9–11, ESV)
While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. (Matt. 28:11–15, ESV)
Conclusion
While what the Holy Spirit does supports his personhood. There is no indication blaspheming the Holy Spirit involves deny his personhood. The emphasis in the New Testament is on a proper faith rather than an emphasis on a perfect theology. The theology that is important is one that produces a proper faith.
Such awesome words of warning are surely designed to stop us in our tracks whenever we would speak of the Holy Spirit. There are those who speak of what they do not know; many just parrot what their leaders have told them about the Holy Spirit, and when he is denied as being a person, being told he's just a power or energy - an 'it' - then those who have experienced the ministry of the Holy Spirit in their own lives dread to think of how those deniers will be judged.
They know Jesus said more about the role of the Holy Spirit, so that Christ's teaching on the Spirit's person and ministry leaves deniers without a leg to stand on, spiritually speaking. This is how the connection between not blaspheming the Holy Spirit and grasping the doctrine of the Trinity is made in this book:
"In treating the doctrine of the Trinity, I observed the danger of separating the work of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit in terms of creation, redemption, and the application of salvation. In every act of the Godhead, each person is engaged. Each has a distinct work to perform in this economy, but every work is done from the Father, in the Son, through the Spirit." (Pilgrim Theology, p231, Michael Horton, Zondervan, 2011)
The author then goes on to detail the Spirit's role in creation and at Pentecost. Some points relevant to your question are:
"...the Spirit inwardly convicts the guilty and conveys forgiveness by making them hearers of the Word... As the divine missionary in the earth today, the Spirit will speak 'whatever he hears' (Jn.16:13). The Spirit not only has stood in the council of Yahweh as a witness, like the prophets and apostles, but is one with the Father and the Son. The one by whom the Word was conceived in the flesh is the source and the interpreter of the word concerning him. And he will tell the truth not only about the past (what God has done in Christ), but about the future (what God will do in Christ): "and he will declare to you the things that are to come" (Jn.16:13)...
Third, Jesus says concerning the Spirit, 'He will glorify me' (v.14)... Jesus glorified the Father and now the Father and the Spirit glorify the Son. The Son is the content, but the Spirit brings all of God's words to pass and makes them fruitful, convincing them inwardly to embrace Christ." (Ibid. p.228-9)
Now, the warning Jesus gave in Mat.12:32 was said before those other statements he made about the role of the Holy Spirit. What prompted his warning then was the Pharisees trying to find cause to accuse him, then trying to trip him up with a trick question, which Jesus addressed by healing a man with a withered hand, on the Sabbath. That caused the Pharisees to conspire how to destroy him (Mt.12:1-14). Jesus knew their hearts and withdrew. But when a demoniac was brought to him, and he healed that man, the Pharisees heard of it and said Jesus had healed by the power of Beelzebub. That is what prompted Jesus' dire warning about blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. Then he called them a "brood of vipers".
Although those Pharisees did not know the Godhead, Jesus knew full well that, to think, say and do what they did was to deny God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Saying that he did the work of God by the power of Beelzebub was a massive insult against the Holy Spirit, who had been the invisible power at work. Even if those Pharisees had been given biblical evidence of the unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they likely still would have denied it (though many priests converted to Christ after his resurrection - Acts 6:7). They still would have tried to destroy Jesus, and they still would have attributed the miracles of the Holy Spirit to demons. That is because they did not know who Jesus really was, judging him to be a threat to their religious authority. Jesus, knowing their hearts and their minds, warned them of eternal unforgiveness.
This means that to deny the deity and personhood of the Holy Spirit (as there can be no deity for a mere energy source, like electricity) will manifest in denying the deity of Christ due to believing Christ to be an agent of the devil. Conversely, those who know the miracles and work of Christ to be inextricably bound up with the Holy Spirit's personal work and power, will acclaim Christ as God, for no mere man could do the miracles he did unless he was of God and had bound "the strong man" so as to plunder "his goods". Christ sets free the prisoners because God's Spirit is upon him. That's why Jesus quoted that bit in Isaiah in that episode (Mt.12:17-21) just before healing the blind and dumb demoniac. And that's why people full of their own religious authority always deny just who Jesus really is.
The role of the Spirit is to lift up Christ as to who he is - to glorify him. Then the Spirit gives understanding of the saving work of Christ to those who turn to Christ. This order is shown in Romans 1:1-4 as explained in this article:
"The evangel does not start with the work of Christos, it starts with the Worker, Christos himself. Apostolic preaching does not commence with what the Son of God has done. It commences with whom he is: it declares his person. This agrees with the revelation of the person and work of the Holy Ghost in John chapters 14 to 16." Article, The Son of God by John Metcalfe, p2 'The Ministry' magazine Vol.35 No.1.)
This means that anyone denying who Christ really is will never be given understanding of how only Christ saves. They may be able to quote scripture back to front, but by denying the reality of just who Christ is, they deprive themselves of the work of the Holy Spirit. If they are not careful, that might also lead to them denying just who the Holy Spirit is, and being unforgiven in this age, and the age to come.
The spirit is the Divine Power of God, that God uses, to help and guide his servants Gods Holy spirit / guidance / knowledge / strength / force / influence etc…
The Holy Spirit is definitely not a ‘person’ or ‘independent’ or part of the ‘godhead’ & doesn’t have a mind of its own etc… as some have taken from some odd samples here and there.
Isaiah 11:1-2 – clearly clarifies this
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him (Jesus)-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the ***fear of the LORD ***(Jesus fearing his GOD – why fear if equal and part of the godhead)
The following will show why it does not make sense for the HS to be a distinct person or part of the godhead:
Matthew 12:31-32 (CEV) 31-32 I tell you that any sinful thing you do or say can be forgiven. Even if you speak against the Son of Man, you can be forgiven. But if you speak against the Holy Spirit, you can never be forgiven, either in this life or in the life to come. (this would indicate HS higher not equal to the godhead)
Matthew 24:36 Jesus said "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (if three-in-one why only Father knows)
Genesis 1:2 – 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (not independent, but Gods spirit)
John 16:13" Howbeit when he, the Spirit of Truth, comes (HS already here, if person and part of the godhead here from the beginning)
Luke 10: 20-21 20) Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” 21At that time, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit (how can the HS submit to you, if divine)
1 Thessalonians 5:19 18) Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19Do not extinguish the Spirit. (Can the HS be extinguished if a divine person)
1 Samuel 18:10 "The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully upon Saul.
1 Samuel 19:9 "But an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the harp,
(is there an evil HS as well as a good HS)
1 John 4:6 – “This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood” (there appears to be 2 spirits again)
Mark 10:18 ""Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good–except God alone." (Jesus clearly states that he is not equal to God – but if he is part of the godhead he would be equal)
Matthew 9:3-4 (CEV) 3 Some teachers of the Law of Moses said to themselves, “Jesus must think he is God!” 4 But Jesus knew what was in their minds, and he said, “Why are you thinking such evil things? (Jesus clarifies that thinking he is God is evil)
Revelations 4:5 ….Seven torches, which are the seven spirits of God….. (how many HS are there - seven)
Revelations 5:6 …It had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God, sent out to all the earth…..
John 5:30 30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. (Jesus not equal to father)
Matthew 12 17 So God’s promise came true, just as Isaiah the prophet had said, 18 “Here is my chosen servant I love him, and he pleases me. I will give him my Spirit, and he will bring justice to the nations. (is Jesus equal in the godhead or a servant / slave)
1 Kings 22:22-23 " 'By what means?' the LORD asked. " 'I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,' he said. " 'You will succeed in enticing him,' said the LORD. 'Go and do it.' "So now the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours. The LORD has decreed disaster for you."
2 Chronicles 18:21 " 'I will go and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,' he said. " 'You will succeed in enticing him,' said the LORD. 'Go and do it.' (is the lying spirit part of the godhead)
Psalm 143:10 "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 104:30 "When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth." (your spirit / created – is that the same godhead spirit)
so there is a good spirit, lying spirit, evil spirit, seven spirits –can be extinguished, can submit to you, spirit of good & falsehood, created spirit, HS is higher than the father / Jesus- can the HS really be a person / independent and part of the godhead)
John 5:30 - 30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Jesus clearly states he can do nothing – only the will of the Father God – not equal.
Q: Mt. 12:32-Does Jesus imply, speaking against the Holy spirit includes denying His divinity and the personhood?
1. Have I ever committed the unforgivable sin?
This question looms in the minds of many Christians today, especially in the midst of theological debates surrounding the ministry of the Holy Spirit, where Pentecostalism clashes with Cessationism. This sin, the one Jesus explicitly warned about, is the only sin for which He declared there would be no forgiveness, neither in this world nor the next. Apostle John even advises against praying for the sin that leads to death (1 John 5:16).
Fundamentally, this sin stands apart from the daily transgressions people commit, much like how murder is a crime most citizens would never contemplate. It is distinct from the sins of omission or commission, where one either fails to do what is right or actively engages in wrongdoing. All other forms of blasphemy, even against the ‘Son’ himself, including betrayal, denouncement, and crucifixion, are pardonable.
Therefore, understanding the gravity of the unforgivable sin is crucial. Picture it as the spiritual equivalent of a ‘death penalty’ in the legal realm. Just as the death penalty represents the most severe and irreversible judgment and punishment for a crime, the unforgivable sin is the gravest of spiritual offenses.
In this post, I aim to grasp what makes the unforgivable sin unique, all through the lens of Jesus’ words in their historical context. Along the way, we may uncover the answere to the title question and at the same time, fresh insights and find solace from the persistent fear that lingers in our hearts.
2. The Profile of the Unpardonable sinner in the Historical Context
a. Who were the individuals responsible for committing the unpardonable sin?
Jesus directed these words toward a specific group of people: the Pharisees and Scribes on the scene from Jerusalem.
The Pharisees were known for their piety and self-righteousness, while the Scribes held prestigious roles as scriptural copyists, legal scholars, and esteemed teachers in Jewish society. These two groups, along with the high-priestly family and local elites, formed the 70-member Sanhedrin, the highest governing body in Jewish life. They were deeply versed in sacred scriptures and were renowned for their strict adherence to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, and the ‘traditions of elders.’
Early in Jesus’ ministry, religious leaders, and members of the Sanhedrin, in particular, were curious about Jesus’s identity. However, as time passed, some of them, though not all, turned against Jesus, disputing his potential messiahship based on various grounds. They argued that his origins in Nazareth and Galilean roots, rather than Bethlehem, the hometown of King David, disqualified him.
More importantly, they accused him of violating the Sabbath by performing healing and exorcisms on that day. Furthermore, added to it, they took great offense at his claims of divine connection, referring to God as his Father and boldly declaring, ‘The Father and I are One,’ not to mention his assertion of the power to forgive sins.
Upon these assessments, instigated primarily by vocal Pharisees, priests, and scribes, it was concluded that Jesus’s behaviors did not align with long held Jewish religious laws and customs. These breaches were seen as a clear disqualification for any divine influence or authority, let alone the long- awaited Messiah. Consequently, they regarded Jesus’s extraordinary abilities as not necessarily being from the Holy God and compatible with someone whom they concluded was acting in defiance of the Laws given by Moses.
b. The Traits of the Unpardonable Sinners Revealed in Synoptic Gospel Accounts
The first three books of the New Testament, we find recorded the words of Jesus that shed light on the concept and nature of the unpardonable sin, as well as the profiles of those who first committed this transgression.
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore, I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come”(Matthew 12:30-32)
“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit”(Mark 3:28-30).
“And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven” (Luke 12:10).
The Greek term 'blasphemy – βλασφημία' carries the basic meaning of being 'slow to call and identify something really good as ‘good’ or truly evil as ‘evil.’ In the given contexts, it signifies a failure to acknowledge the working of God or speaking in direct opposition to God. To 'speak against' in these contexts means to utter statements equating the source of divine power—the Holy Spirit—and His works, working in Jesus, with the prince of demons (v. 24). Unlike art forgery, which can be separated from falsely attributed acclaimed artists, the powerful miracles manifested through Jesus can never be attributed to anyone other than the Holy Spirit.Thus, to speak against the Holy Spirit includes denying His holy divinity and the Holy Trinity.
Specific traits that characterize those who commit the unpardonable sin:
3. Is it One-Time Act or Iterative Act?
The consensus is that the Greek texts of Synoptics do not provide any definite answer, except for reaffirm the seriousness of the offence.
Matthew translates Jesus’ words (most likely from Aramaic) into Greek using the Aorist Subjunctive conveying what might happen “to speak,” while Mark, opts for the Aorist Subjunctive form of the verb “to blaspheme.” Luke, too, conveys a comparable message from Christ, but employs an Aorist Participle, simply indicating that the act of ‘blasphemy’ occurred earlier periods.
In all three accounts, the consistency lies in the fact that Jesus wasn’t referring to a single or ongoing event. Rather, he was addressing on the gravity of ‘blaspheme against the Holy Spirit’ during some period of the course of our lives.
In Summary: We have gained a valuable insight into the profile of the transgressor of the unpardonable sin, but we are still uncertain whether it is one-time act or iterative act or at what point does one crosse the line into that dreadful sin.
4. Two major Theological Perspectives:
We often encounter two contrasting assertions:
While these statements may offer some comfort, neither the ‘most likely not’ nor the “once saved, saved forever’ positions definitively address when a person becomes condemned.
Many beliefs and sayings exist regarding the unpardonable sin, but the ultimate judgment rests with God, not us. Thankfully, God has provided Biblical means to help us discern our standing on this crucial matter.
5. The Clues of the Unpardonable Sinner
Clue #1 -The Unpardonable Sinner, No Heartfelt Confession of Sins Possible
According to 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This cleansing includes the removal of guilt and the feelings associated with it. However, Apostle John even advises against praying for the sin that leads to death, referring the Unpardonable sin (1 John 5:16).
The ‘unpardonable sinner’ cannot make a ‘genuine’ confession, acceptable to God, and find forgiveness. For the Holy Spirit who convicts us of our sins, leads us to the “mercy seat” to confess and be cleansed by the ‘precious blood of Jesus,’ does not reside in the person who committed the ‘Sin’ and condemned.’
In one instance, Jesus shared a parable with His disciples about self-righteous Pharisees who prayed pretentiously standing in the temple, thanking God that ‘I am not like these extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or these tax collectors.’ Jesus’ comment was that such arrogant prayers were not ‘justified’ (Luke 18: 9-14). However, the Bible says, when these stiff-necked people turns to God, there will be forgiveness, as Jesus said,'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel' (Matthew 4:17; Acts 3:19).
God, as merciful and long suffering as He is, His patience has an end. In First Samuel 16:14 says, the ‘Spirit of the Lord had departed king Saul,’ and as result, ‘Lord did not answer him either by dreams, Urim, and prophets’ (1 Samuel 28:6). He commanded the Prophet Jeremian ‘pray no more for these people, do not even weep for them, for I will not listen’ (Jeremiah 7:16, 11:14).
Without the Holy Spirit, our Helper and Counselor, it is not possible to make a sincere confession to be heard by God, and there can be no Divine forgiveness of sin. Such prayers become self-indulgent and hollow, like a ‘noisy gong and a clanging cymbal.’ Without a genuine heartfelt confession, there can be no forgiveness of sin from God, the first clue to the unpardonable sin committed – the first clue.
Clue #2 – The Absence of the Liberating Power of ‘Divine Forgiveness’
All sins carry ‘spiritual weight’ that affects our minds, hearts, and our relationship with God (Psalm 38:4; Isaiah 59:2). This burden diminishes our sense of security, inner peace, and our awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives.
The unpardonable sin, in this regard, should be of weight far greater than any other sin, possibly too immense to bear as the King David cried out to God, ‘Do not take the Holy Spirit from me.’ Or perhaps the hearts have become insensitive, even seared, and hardened, rendering one oblivious, like the Pharisees and Scribes. It appears that their conscience seemed unaffected at all by the ‘sin,’ and unashamedly continue carrying out their ‘sacred duties.’ Jesus even advised people, ‘Receive their teachings but do not imitate their deeds.”
However, forgiveness has the remarkable power to lift this burden and restore what was lost. Feeling forgiven is the natural result of God’s forgiveness, a profound and undeniable spiritual reality. As children of God, we can eagerly anticipate these liberating blessings from our loving Creator when He lifts the weight of sin from us, much like, the relief a defendant felt when the judge declares a verdict – “Not guilty” and “All charges dropped.”
When someone crosses the line into committing the sin of ‘blasphemy against the Holy Spirit,’ Biblically speaking, they can no longer expect to experience the liberating grace that the Holy Spirit bestows. Since this sin is considered unpardonable in this life and the life to come, those who transgress must bear the heaviest spiritual burden alone. The Holy Spirit, Jesus referred to as the “Another Helper” and “Comforter,” no longer resides in them, even though they still receive God’s “common grace” like all others in the world.
For a while after crossing this line, their life might seem “business as usual,” but eventually, the consequences of this sin will catch up with them. A sense of fear may loom in their minds, especially as they approach the end of their lives.
Thus, the absence of this liberating experience serves as a significant warning sign.
Clue #3 – No Fruits of the Spirit
Jesus said, ‘what is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit,’ and ‘when the Holy Spirit comes, He will dwell in us.’ Apostle Paul exhorts all Christians to ‘walk by the Spirit and walk in step with the Spirit’ (Galatians 5:16, 25). And he also said, ‘the works of produce the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ – “love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
In essence, Jesus, and the Apostles, state that those who cross the line into the ‘unpardonable sin,’ will not bear ‘fruits of the Spirit.’ They are no longer ‘born of Spirit’ and ‘walk by the Spirit.’ As stated before, their life may appear as ‘holy and dignified’ as ‘business as usual,’ yet spiritually, they are back to the ‘old flesh, live and walk by the flesh.’ They may talk “I am holier than thou” as if they are “living in Spirit,” but in truth they are not. They are walking in flesh and darkness, thus bearing no fruits of the Spirit – the third clue.
6. The Myth of “Elects” cannot Commit the Unpardonable Sin
It’s worth revisiting the notion that the “Elects,” the born-again, cannot commit the unpardonable sin., but only the ‘non-Elects’ can.
If this is the case, it raises questions about the rationale, rationality, and purpose of Jesus’ declaration of the “decree” since it appears irrelevant to the “non-elected” who are already eternally doomed. As observed above, the target audiences were the ‘Elites’ group of God’s chosen people, not the gentiles.
Furthermore, contextually, the declaration of the ‘Sin’ by Jesus was a ‘warning’ by nature, not a mere condemnation. He was making it clear the severity of acts of ‘blasphemy and speaking against the Holy Spirit’ to prevent God’s chosen people from committing the dreadful ‘sin.’ This precautionary warning goes for the next generation of believers in the coming era of the ‘Another Comforter,’ the age of the Holy Spirit.’
Such notion is grounded on the dogma of ‘Sovereignty of God’ overarching the role of the intrinsic ‘free-will.’ The entire redemption narrative in the Scripture exists due to the’ act of rebellion by the first of the human beings through their ‘free will,’ and the subsequent stories as well.
In addition, such assertion depicts God as ‘cruel and un-loving,’ much more, point the ‘finger of blame’ to God for all our failures and the ‘evils’ in the world. It is unwarranted mischaracterization of the Holy, Loving, and Good God.
"The God of the Bible remains consistent in all His eternal, holy, and righteous attributes; His plans are not irrational but part of His eternal wisdom. He does not 'unconditionally' predestine individuals for eternal condemnation, nor does He pronounce an 'unpardonable' guilty verdict on those who, doctrinally, are deemed 'non-elect.' Conversely, we do not sin because we are 'foreordained' to sin; rather, we sin through our 'autonomous free will,' and, therefore, bear responsibility for our actions. This understanding is crucial for the meaningful interpretation of prescriptive Scriptures, encompassing both 'dos and don’ts,' such as God’s command in Genesis 2:16-17 not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, under the threat of death. This consistency applies to all the commandments and promises of blessing and curses given to His chosen people, Israel. The God revealed in the Bible remains the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Summary:
In “Exploring the Unpardonable Sin,” we delve into the enigmatic concept that has left many Christians pondering their own spiritual standing. This unforgivable sin, as warned by Jesus, sets itself apart from the daily transgressions we may commit. It’s not a slip of the tongue or a careless utterance; it’s a conscious and deliberate act, much like murder in the legal realm.
We examnined the historical context and profiles of those who first committed this grave transgression. We explore key traits that characterize the unpardonable sinners and whether it’s a one-time act or an iterative one.
Furthermore, we address two major theological perspectives, offering insights into the uncertainties surrounding this sin. However, while the ultimate judgment rests with God, in His grace and mercy, God did not leave us in helpless hanging, instead, He provided clues to examine and discern ourselves on the matter of this dreadful ‘sin.’
We delved into and highlighted three Biblical significant clues of the unpardonable sinner, emphasizing that it takes much more than a simple misstep to commit this sin. We also offer checklists to help readers discern their own spiritual standing in relation to this concept.
Ultimately, this exploration aims to shed light on the unpardonable sin, alleviate lingering fears, and empower readers to evaluate their spiritual journey with a sense of clarity and understanding.
Conclusions:
The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a topic that has troubled many, but it’s important to remember that God’s love and mercy are boundless.
Jesus has issued this warning out of His deep concern for His people, so that none of us would stumble into this grave sin.
While theological debates may leave us with unanswered questions, we can turn to the Bible and the Holy Spirit for guidance. The Scripture provides valuable clues to help us navigate the pitfalls of committing this sin.
The ‘warning’ also implies that there is time for confession and forgiveness before it becomes unpardonable. Therefore, as long as we sense the convicting nudges of the Holy Spirit, there is an opportunity for reconciliation.
If you find yourself plagued by lingering fears of this sin, take time to seek God’s face.
In moments of recurring doubts, remember to resist and rebuke the enemy. (James 4:7).
Our God is merciful, gracious, and loving. He doesn’t want His children to suffer in agony. As Jeremiah 29 reminds us, when we seek God with all our hearts, we will find Him, and He will hear our prayers.
So, may the Lord bless and keep you, dear readers, as you continue your journey of faith. May His face shine upon you, be gracious to you, and grant you peace. And may His name be upon you as a source of blessing and guidance
Soli Deo Gloria! Sola Scriptura! Solus Christus!
