“I was scared that I might’ve blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. I asked a friend of mine what the sin was when I heard about it the first time and she said that it is saying He’s not real. I immediately was relieved because I had never done that before. However, a couple days later we were at a youth convention and our conversation came up in my mind and I remembered fighting it when I mumbled under my breath “The Holy Spirit isn’t real.” I immediately felt guilty and asked for forgiveness, but I did think it, and haven’t been able to shake it since, thinking “it doesn’t matter if you ask forgiveness, its unforgivable.” I’m so scared. I’ve been struggling with this for about 10 months now. It’s ruining me. My pastor says that I haven’t done it, but I’m still not convinced. Why would he say the sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and not the sin of unbelief or something? Why is there an unforgivable sin if God wants everyone to come to repentance? Please help me. I think about it all day long and can’t get the sick feeling out of my stomach. I just want to serve God and be happy again and this has put a complete halt on my life.”
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What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?
Jesus says, “All manner of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven man, except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 12:31, 32). This sin is called the unpardonable sin.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the gradual persistent rejection of His pleadings to repentance. The Holy Spirit teaches us the things we need to know for our salvation (John 14:26), guides us into all truth (John 16:13), and convicts us of sin (John 16:7, 8).
Therefore, as long as we allow the Holy Spirit to teach us, to guide us, and to convict us, we are not guilty of committing the unpardonable sin. But if we refuse His ministry in our hearts, then we start in the path of committing the unpardonable sin.
Therefore, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a constant resisting of the love of God’s Spirit to the point of not being able to hear His voice, as well as not caring about getting right with God. The conscience becomes hardened (1 Timothy 4:2). This is the “grieving away” of the Holy Spirit. “Grieve not the Holy Spirit, wherewith you are sealed” (Ephesians 4:30).
Eventually, a person loses the desire to repent, and therefore cannot be saved. It is for this sin that a person cannot be forgiven, because he has rejected the Spirit that convicts of sin (John 16:8). So, if you still feel convicted of sin and have the desire to repent, then you have not committed the unpardonable sin.
Any sin is forgiven if you ask for forgiveness with a repentant heart (1 John 1:9). But when you refuse God’s repeated calls, then you are slowly refusing the work of the Holy Spirit and thus you will be blaspheming His Name. It is clear from your letter that you have not committed the unpardonable sin. So, rest in God and take hold of His promises and do not lose heart or get discouraged. Claim the Lord’s promises of salvation in faith, walk in His path, and He will put you at ease.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
