What is the Sin against the Holy Spirit?
Imagine a spiritual tightrope where one wrong step could seal your eternal fate.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit isn’t just another theological buzzword—it’s a profound spiritual concept that has haunted believers and sparked countless debates.
This unforgivable transgression represents a critical moment of spiritual decision that can send chills down any believer’s spine.
Our biblical guide will explore this mysterious spiritual boundary, addressing the deep questions that keep many Christians awake at night.
If you’ve ever wondered about the limits of one saved always saved doctrine or eternal forgiveness, you’re in the right place to unravel this complex theological mystery.
BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT BIBLE VERSE
All Doctrines must take root in the scriptures, they shouldn’t be based on hearsay, emotions, or our experiences.
Jesus said in John 8 vs 32: And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you FREE!
True Freedom comes from knowing and understanding the correct interpretation of the Scriptures.
We will begin this bible discussion by looking into the scriptures where “blasphemy against the holy spirit was spoken about:
Matthew 12:31- 32:
Verse 31: “So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven – except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.
Verse 32: Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven either in this world or in the world to come.
Mark 3 vs 28 – 30:
Verse 28: I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven,
Verse 29: But anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, but is in danger of eternal damnation;
Verse 30: Because they said, he hath an unclean spirit.
Luke 12 vs 10: And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
WHAT IS THE SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Growing up, I have often heard people say that when an unbeliever is making a mockery of Christianity or speaking in tongues, he is sinning against the Holy Spirit, but this isn’t true.
Another misconception people have against what is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is prophesying lies in the name of God, others believe is swearing by the name of God.
In all of this, what does the Bible teach?
From the text above in Matthew 12, Jesus was accused of casting out a demon with the help of Beelzebub, the prince of devils.
Remember that the Pharisees and Sadducees had a hardened heart against the Gospel and Jesus (God who became a man).
The Pharisees and Sadducees never saw from the Scriptures that God would come in this manner, they never saw that the Old Testament Prophets spoke about his coming, to this regard Jesus would say slow of heart to believe ( Luke 24 vs 25).
In another scripture, Jesus said; Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures nor the Power of God ( Matthew 22 vs 29).
So, in response to the accusation of the Pharisees to Jesus, he now made the statement in Matthew 12 vs 31 – 32.
Now, in all our writings, I have stretched the fact that sin can no longer take anyone to Hell, do you remember the thief at the cross?
What did he do to spend eternity with Jesus? Your answer is as good as mine.
Therefore, looking at this verse critically, we can see that Blasphemy means to: resist, to speak, or to stand against.
Question: Who is resisting? What are they resisting?
We are all aware that the Gospel is simple: God becoming a man and dying for our sins.
So, if we believe that we are eternally saved and forgiven, and while we were yet in sin, Christ died for us, then this blasphemy against the Holy Spirit isn’t referring to Believers.
Secondly, John10 vs 28 says:
And I give them ETERNAL LIFE, and they shall NEVER LOSE IT or PERISH throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be DESTROYED.] And no one is able to SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND.
Now, we have settled this. The sin against the Holy Spirit simply means anyone who keeps resisting the witness of the Holy Ghost in his testimony concerning Jesus cannot be helped.
In clear terms, sin or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unbelief in the Gospel.
In other words, we can say it is a willful, persistent rejection of God’s redemptive work or a conscious, ongoing state of resistance to God’s grace.
The phrase “never be forgiven” in (Matthew 12, Mark 3, and Luke 12) above indicates a permanent spiritual condition, meaning no salvation in the grave.
Or we can also say that Blasphemy or the unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit is to slander the Spirit, that is, to deny the Spirit’s work.
What is the Spirit’s Work?
It is to show Christ as the savior of sins. Christ died for man to be saved, but man refused to receive the sacrifice of Jesus’ offering, which is the ONLY thing that can save him. That is why we say it is unbelief.
Remember Jesus said that he who doesn’t believe is condemned already ( John 3 vs 18).
Jesus emphasized that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an eternal sin, meaning it cannot be forgiven in this life or the next.
You would agree with me that the reason Jesus died and was buried and rose from the dead was to deal with SIN, once and for all time.
So, why would a believer’s mistake now mean sin against the Holy Ghost? Doesn’t make Bible sense, right?
Therefore, Jesus was talking about something that would only be possible upon his death, burial, and resurrection, facts that the Holy Ghost will testify concerning.
The unforgivable sin is when someone refuses and resists the truth that his sins have been paid for and insists on living his Life outside of God.
Although God wishes that all men to repent and come to the knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2 vs 4) the choice is on us to believe the work of the Cross, that’s why we are encouraged to pray for our unbeliever family and friends for their eyes to be open.
It is the Devil’s ministry to kill and destroy not Jesus. Ephesians says he blinds the minds of men so they won’t see the glorious gospel of Christ. 2 Corinthian 4 vs 4.
We have been born anew to serve God without fear or bondage. We don’t cry for mercy; we have received his mercy in Christ.
The Salvation that we have received was given to us, it wasn’t earned. God, who is the giver, will guarantee that he sustains you till he comes.
A songwriter puts it this way: “Am no longer a slave to fear, I am a Child of God”.
Our next bible sermon will be about understanding the sin unto death.
God bless you for reading, kindly help us spread the Gospel.
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
- Justification vs Righteousness - September 9, 2025
- What is Justification by Faith? - September 9, 2025
- What does it mean to be strong in the Lord - December 2, 2024