What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The Unforgivable Sin
What is unforgivable sin? Jesus gives an answer to this question in Mathew 12 and Mark 3. The Pharisees claimed that Jesus cast out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons. He knew what they were thinking and for that reason, he stated the unforgivable sin as that of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. “For this reason I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven” (Mathew 12:31). The Pharisees refused to acknowledge Jesus as the messiah; instead, they chose to speak falsely against him. They called the work of the Holy Spirit as the work of the devil and that Jesus was not the son of God. It is because of such hard heartedness that punishment occurs.
From the above illustration it is clear that the true nature of the unforgivable sin is the permanent rejection of Jesus Christ as the savior as demonstrated by the Pharisees. They still rejected him despite having witnessed the work of the Holy Spirit through him in form of healing the sick, casting out demons, preaching in the name of God and performing great miracles. This clear-cut attitude shows a permanent opposition to the work of the Holy Spirit (Morris, 1995). It demonstrates finality in decision to reject Jesus Christ with no room for repentance. Jesus replies by stating that no kingdom would stand if it remains divided. He also narrates a parable of tying up a strong man before looting his house. Both accounts of the answer show that Jesus had with him the Holy Spirit. The tying of the strong man meant the defeat of Saturn. In order to gain forgiveness and salvation, one has to accept Jesus and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Rejection of Christ means the rejection of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, it also means no forgiveness to such an individual. Another account showing blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the account of Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum. Jesus performed miracles in their
What is unforgivable sin? Jesus gives an answer to this question in Mathew 12 and Mark 3. The Pharisees claimed that Jesus cast out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons. He knew what they were thinking and for that reason, he stated the unforgivable sin as that of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. “For this reason I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven” (Mathew 12:31). The Pharisees refused to acknowledge Jesus as the messiah; instead, they chose to speak falsely against him. They called the work of the Holy Spirit as the work of the devil and that Jesus was not the son of God. It is because of such hard heartedness that punishment occurs.
From the above illustration it is clear that the true nature of the unforgivable sin is the permanent rejection of Jesus Christ as the savior as demonstrated by the Pharisees. They still rejected him despite having witnessed the work of the Holy Spirit through him in form of healing the sick, casting out demons, preaching in the name of God and performing great miracles. This clear-cut attitude shows a permanent opposition to the work of the Holy Spirit (Morris, 1995). It demonstrates finality in decision to reject Jesus Christ with no room for repentance. Jesus replies by stating that no kingdom would stand if it remains divided. He also narrates a parable of tying up a strong man before looting his house. Both accounts of the answer show that Jesus had with him the Holy Spirit. The tying of the strong man meant the defeat of Saturn. In order to gain forgiveness and salvation, one has to accept Jesus and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Rejection of Christ means the rejection of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, it also means no forgiveness to such an individual. Another account showing blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the account of Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum. Jesus performed miracles in their
References: Gainesville. (2001). The Evidence Bible . Florida: Bridge-logo Publishers. Morris, H. M. ( 1995). The Defender 's Study Bible. Iowa: World Bible Publishers. Revell, F. H. (1993). Questions Answered pp. 241-242. Michigan: Grand Rapids.