What is the unforgivable sin?

-Wally Grant

The Bible talks about only one sin that cannot be forgiven and that is “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 12:31 and Mark 3:28-30).

Once, when Jesus did miracles to show God’s great power, some religious leaders accused Jesus of having an evil spirit- they said He was using the power of Satan to do miracles. Can you imagine how wrong it is to call the good Holy Spirit evil? To say such a terrible thing is blasphemy- it is insulting God’s Spirit in the worst way possible.

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is unforgivable because it comes from an unbelieving heart that will not change (repent). Part of the Holy Spirit’s job is to show people their sin. He always shows people the truth about Jesus so they can believe and receive Him as savior (John 16:5-13, Eph. 1:13-14). Sometimes people know they have sinned and know the truth about Jesus yet live their whole lives refusing to receive Jesus as their Savior. To live as if you do not need Jesus is the same as calling the Holy Spirit a liar-that is the ultimate disrespect to God. Anyone who dies dishonoring God in this way, never having asked for Christ’s forgiveness, cannot be forgiven.

If you have already heard the Gospel, believed it and received it, you have not committed the unforgivable sin. When you believed in Jesus and repented of your sin, God forgave you (Acts 10:43) and you received the gift of eternal life. If you do something wrong, confess it (tell God) right away. He will always forgive you when you ask (1 John 1:9; Matt 7:7-8).