What is the Unforgivable Sin?

 

According to the Bible, the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This refers to a persistent, willful rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ, ultimately hardening one’s heart against repentance. It is not a single, mistaken word, but a sustained defiance. 

It should be pointed out that it was in the Gospels that the Pharisees accused Jesus of using satanic power to heal, directly attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to the devil. How does that translate to us today? It involves consistently rejecting the Spirit’s conviction of sin and refusing to repent. Okay, so why it is unforgivable? It’s not that God refuses to forgive, but that the person perpetually rejects the only mechanism (the Spirit) that draws them to repentance and faith, making forgiveness impossible. Please understand what the unforgiveable sin is NOT.  It is NOT a fleeting thought, a single sinful act, or a moment of doubt, but a state of hardened, unforgiven rebellion.

 

            Here is what two of the four Gospels say about this type of sin...

Matthew 12:31-32 - “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy [every evil, abusive, injurious speaking, or indignity against sacred things] will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the [Holy] Spirit will not be forgiven.  Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit [by attributing the miracles done by Me to Satan] will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”

 

Mark 3:28–30 - “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and all the abusive and blasphemous things they say; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit and His power [by attributing the miracles done by Me to Satan] never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin [a sin which is unforgivable in this present age as well as in the age to come]”—[Jesus said this] because the scribes and Pharisees were [attributing His miracles to Satan by] saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.thenivbible.com