Question: What did Jesus mean when he said that anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven?
Answer: I can see why you might be concerned or confused by this statement. After all, we know that the Lord is supposed to forgive us of our sins, and yet here it seems like there is a type of sin that we can’t be forgiven from.
The only way to make sense of this verse is to see it in context. In Matthew Chapter 12, Jesus heals a man who is both blind and unable to speak. Upon seeing this miracle, the witnesses start wondering whether Jesus might actually be the Messiah, since only the Son of God could perform such a healing.
In response to their comments, the Pharisees, who were the religious leaders of those times, state, “This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.” In essence, they are accusing Jesus of being a tool of the devil.
This is when Jesus makes the controversial statement: “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.” In verse 32 He goes even further, adding, “Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.”
Here is why I think this one particular form of blasphemy is beyond forgiveness: Only the Holy Spirit can lead a person to salvation through faith in Jesus. Therefore, anyone who rejects the power of the Holy Spirit, to such an extent that they would attribute the Spirit’s workings to the devil himself has effectively closed their heart to the only voice that could lead them to the truth. As such, they cannot be forgiven because they have rejected the only path to forgiveness.
Keep in mind that this was spoken to a very specific group of individuals at a specific time in history, so it may have no bearing on your life today. In fact, it is extremely unlikely that a person who would ask such a question has chosen to reject God’s grace, given through the Holy Spirit.
I hope this brings you some clarification and comfort.
Dr. Steve Rahter
Pastor, Praise Tabernacle
Egg Harbor Township
