Question: What is the sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit?

Answer:

The sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit is described clearly by Jesus in Matthew 12:25-32 

When the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (the prince of demons), Jesus responded:
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand… If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you… Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.” (vv. 25-28, 31)

Explanation:

1.   Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit Is a Deliberate Rejection of God’s Work:
The Pharisees saw Jesus perform miracles and cast out demons through the power of the Holy Spirit, yet they knowingly attributed His work to demonic powers (Beelzebul). This was a willful and malicious denial of God’s truth (cf. Hebrews 10:26-29), showing a hardened heart that rejects the Holy Spirit’s testimony.

2.   The Holy Spirit Reveals Truth and Brings Conviction:
The Spirit convicts the world of sin and reveals Jesus as Lord (John 16:8-11). Rejecting the Spirit’s work is therefore a rejection of God’s only means to salvation (cf. Acts 2:38). This sin is unforgivable because it cuts a person off from repentance and faith.

3.   Not a Momentary Doubt or Sin, But Persistent Hardness of Heart:
The unforgivable sin is not a single slip or question of faith but a persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit’s testimony about Christ (cf. 1 John 1:9 — forgiveness is promised for confessing sinners).

4.   Nicodemus’ Example Shows the Pharisees Knew the Truth:
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, acknowledged Jesus’ divine authority (John 3:1-2), proving the religious leaders were not ignorant but chose to blaspheme intentionally.

5.   Practical Warning for Believers:
When we see God’s Spirit at work through a believer, we must not accuse that person of evil or deception out of jealousy or misunderstanding (cf. James 3:9-10). Doing so can hinder God’s work and cause spiritual damage.

6.   Encouragement for Those Who Fear God:
Many believers fear they have committed this sin due to guilt over past sins. However, a repentant heart that seeks God’s forgiveness shows the Spirit is active in you. The blasphemy against the Spirit is marked by total hardness and refusal to repent, not by sincere repentance (cf. Romans 8:16)

Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is a conscious, hardened rejection of God’s Spirit and work through Jesus Christ. It’s unforgivable because it rejects the very means God provides for salvation. But those who genuinely repent and trust in Jesus can be confident of forgiveness and salvation.

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