READ MATTHEW 12
In Matthew 12 the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of the devil. Jesus pointed out the absurdity of that charge – why would Satan drive out Satan? “A Kingdom divided against itself would be ruined.”
Then Jesus added this chilling statement, “I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:31-32).
What a sobering warning that is! Those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven…ever! What is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Why won’t that sin ever be forgiven?
Some believers who have fallen into gross or habitual sin worry that they have blasphemed the Holy Spirit because they have willingly, defiantly, continuously disobeyed God’s will. Now they are concerned that they have grieved the Holy Spirit to the extent that they have committed the, “unpardonable sin.” They fear they have lost their salvation and can’t reclaim it.
Keep in mind two Biblical truths. First, the Bible promises all sin can be forgiven through the blood of Christ. 1 John 1:9 states clearly, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Underscore the word, “all.” If God forgave Noah’s drunkenness, David’s adultery, Moses’ murder, Peter’s denial of Christ and the Apostle Paul’s persecution of Christians when they repented, there is no sin that you have committed that He can’t forgive.
Secondly, the primary work of the Holy Spirit is to exalt Christ, convict of sin and motivate repentance in our hearts. “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment…” (John 16:8.)
The Pharisees in Matthew 12 were in the very presence of Christ; the Holy Spirit was working in their hearts to convict them of their sin and motivate them to repent, but they resisted the Holy Spirit’s work and attributed Christ’s miracles to Satan. Jesus warned them that if they continued to resist the Holy Spirit their hearts would become so hardened that they would lose the capacity to repent and they would never be forgiven.
Admittedly, there are different interpretations of this passage. Some commentators suggest this warning was only for those who were living at the time of Christ and concluded he was from the Devil. However, I think the same principle applies today. When people continuously resist the work of the Holy Spirit, their hearts can become so calloused that they lose the capacity to repent and humbly turn to Christ. As a result they are lost for eternity.
Jesus said, “A tree is recognized by its fruit.” (Matthew 12:33) Those who dare blaspheme the Holy Spirit become so hardened in heart, cynical in attitude, profane in speech and addicted to sin that their godless character is clearly evident.
If you believe in Christ, if you grieve over your sin, indeed if you fear you have committed this sin – that in itself is evidence that you have not. Repent of the transgression that troubles your conscience and trust God’s promise that the blood of Christ “…purifies us from all unrighteousness.” Then rejoice again that you are saved by God’s amazing grace not your perfect obedience.
** If you are enjoying this study through the book of Matthew with Bob Russell, be sure to check out Bob’s “Falling In Love With Jesus Again” Bible Study DVD and resources for your small group or church.
