Occasionally, people will ask me, “What is the unpardonable sin?” Often this question comes after the person has read, “Therefore I say unto you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in that which is to come” (Matthew 12:31, 32). What is the meaning of this perplexing section?
First some clarification of terms. “Son of man” is one expression Jesus used of Himself, highlighting His humanity (John 1:1-3, 14; 8:28). “Blasphemy” is essentially to speak against or a rejection and disdain for what is holy.
Second, the time sequence must be considered. When Jesus made the statement, He had yet to be crucified. Some had been accepting Him, but many were rejecting His Messiahship.
However, following His resurrection, Jesus would return to the Father (John 16:10) and send the Holy Spirit upon the apostles (John 14:26). Those who rejected Jesus during His personal ministry, even those who called out for His crucifixion, would have another opportunity to be forgiven. Thus speaking against the “Son of man” (Jesus) could be forgiven (Acts 2:22, 23, 36-38).
Third, speaking against the Holy Spirit is equivalent to speaking against His message. Consider a parallel. Some unscrupulous men lied against Stephen and said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses…” (Acts 6:11). Moses had been dead for centuries, but his writings remained – the Pentateuch (the first five Old Testament books).
These liars were accusing Stephen of blasphemy against the teachings or writings of Moses. Therefore, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is equal to speaking against the message or writings from the Holy Spirit.
Following the Lord’s Ascension, the apostles received the Spirit (Acts 2:4 “all,” 14 “Peter” and “the eleven” equals 12 apostles). They preached the message that the Holy Spirit gave them – the Gospel (Acts 2:4). Those who had spoken against Jesus had opportunity to be forgiven.
Today, the written New Testament is the inspired Word of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:1-4; 1 Peter 1:21). The New Testament Gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16). However, any who choose to reject that message from the Spirit are rejecting the only means of salvation.
