In order to determine that, we first must understand exactly what Jesus was referring to in this passage of Scripture.įirst, we should be careful to note that the phrase “sin against the Holy Spirit” is misleading. How is it possible that Shepherd knows these people have not committed this “sin against the Holy Spirit”? And I have assured them that however inexcusable, horrific, and even despicable the sin they have committed, they have not committed the ‘sin against the Holy Spirit.’ And I have told them that Jesus Christ himself authorizes me to press all of this upon them.” And I have told them with conviction that as wide and deep as their depravity is, God’s forgiveness is wider and deeper still. They have poured out vile mixtures of vice, immorality, folly, even criminality. In that time I have had scores of people huddle in my study and confess what they could barely bring themselves to mention: falteringly they have croaked out what they regard as heinous, so heinous as to have been mentioned to no one else. Victor Shepherd describes some of his congregants’ fears: It is not merely an academic question it’s something many Christians agonize over. If you feel overwhelmed by guilt, know that God hasn’t abandoned you! What is the so-called “unforgivable sin”? And how can we know if we’ve committed it? Clearly there is more to it than merely speaking certain words if that were all it took, everyone who read these Bible verses aloud would have committed it!īut the fear of having committed this “unforgivable sin” can sometimes haunt Christians, usually if they are unclear about what exactly it is. Recently, a group of atheists encouraged people to commit the “unforgivable sin” by uploading a video of themselves saying the words, “I deny the Holy Spirit.” Of course, the passages above say nothing about “denying” the Holy Spirit. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, but is guilty of an eternal sin” (Mark 3:28-29). “Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven all their sins and all the blasphemies they utter. 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 12:30-32). But blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And so I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy. “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Jesus' teaching on the subject is as follows: The fear of committing the unforgivable sin can sometimes haunt Christians, especially if they are unclear about what exactly it is.

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