What is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?

[Pursuing_Truth]

What do you all think the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is? I'd like to hear some of the different interpretations that are out there.

[Shadow Phoenix]

What do you all think the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is? I'd like to hear some of the different interpretations that are out there.

Hi Pursuing Truth! Thanks for your question!

First off, there is never any statement that anyone in the passage has committed such a sin. However, it is likely that they are getting close.

Secondly, the warning was given in the fact of evidence that could not be denied. It could only be explained away. The explaining away to the power of darkness instead of light shows a high unwillingness of heart.

Thirdly, this passage has to be taken in consideration with all the passages that speak that if anyone confesses sin, God is willing to forgive.

Thus, what do I say it is?

I say it's rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit in pointing us to who Jesus is. This isn't a one-time sin where you do it and you are banned from Heaven forever. It is a lifetime sin. Why is it "unforgivable"? It is unforgivable because forgiveness requires that you believe.

Also, if you think you have committed this sin, rest assured that you haven't. Your desire to be right with God if such is the case shows that you are already on the path and you haven't hardened your heart to him.

If you need more, just let me know. Hope this helps!

[Pursuing_Truth]

Good thoughts, thanks. Here's how I answered the question when someone asked me this question:

HELLO, WHAT IS BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Here are three passages where Jesus speaks of the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit:

Matthew 12:31-32 (NIV)
12:31 “And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 12:32 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.”

Mark 3:28-30 (NIV)
3:28 “I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 3:29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” 3:30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an evil spirit.”

Luke 12:10 (NIV)
12:10 “And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.”

This can certainly be a confusing statement. It is a concept that people have wondered about for years so you are not the only one to struggle with the meaning of this verse. If we look at the context of these verses, for example Matthew 12:22-37, we can see that those who commit this sin are ascribing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan. The Pharisees claimed that it was Beelzebub, or Satan, who drove the demons out rather than the Holy Spirit. It is likely that the blasphemy against the Spirit is not a momentary sin, doubt, or isolated act but a pattern of hostility toward the Spirit and His testimony of Jesus Christ over the course of one’s lifetime. It is persistent opposition to the work of the Spirit. Forgiveness is mediated through the Holy Spirit so repeated rejection of the Spirit would leave one in an unforgiven state. Some have even said that the blasphemy against the Spirit “cannot be reproduced today, for it required Jesus’ presence on earth with His performing miracles through the Spirit’s power.” [L. Barbieri, Matthew in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, p.47.] Many Bible teachers would say that if you are worried about committing the blasphemy against the Spirit, you likely have not committed this sin since your heart is sensitive to the matter. The one who would commit this sin would not likely be concerned about this warning.