Have I Committed the Unpardonable Sin?

The “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit,” or the “unpardonable sin,” as it is commonly called, appears in Matthew 12:31–32. It is necessary to look carefully at these verses and their context in order to understand what the “unpardonable sin” is and how a person can know whether or not he has committed it.

In the context preceding these verses, the Jewish leaders had been attacking the basis of Jesus’ authority after He had just healed someone on the Sabbath and then cast a demon out of a man (12:8–24). The charge of the Pharisees leveled against Jesus was that “This man casts out demons only by Beelzubul the ruler of the demons” (v. 24). In verses 25–29, Jesus skillfully explained that this was an illogical accusation and simultaneously stated that if their accusation was wrong and Jesus really was casting out demons by the power of God, “then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (v. 28). Through the sobering truth of the following verses, Jesus explained that there could be no middle ground when it comes to following Him; men are either with Him or against Him (v. 30). In verse 31, Jesus stated that all sin and even all blasphemy would be forgiven men, except for one form of blasphemy, which is that against the Holy Spirit. This sin, he went on to say, is unforgivable both in this life and “in the age to come” (v. 32).

The unpardonable sin, then, was committed by these Pharisees who had witnessed the works Jesus performed which were attested to by the power of the Holy Spirit, and yet with this full experiential knowledge rejected Him. Instead of falling down and worshiping Him, calling on Him for forgiveness, they mocked and blasphemed by attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to the work of Satan.

Can the Unpardonable Sin Be Committed Today?

The sin of these Jewish leaders was so specific that it is not possible to duplicate it today. However, Matthew 12:31–32 finds a close parallel in Hebrews 6:1–12 where the Apostle Paul described people who “have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come” and yet these same people had “fallen away” and therefore it was “impossible to renew them to repentance” (vv. 4–6). Some interpret this to mean that believers can lose their salvation, but not only is that impossible for a genuine Christian, the familiar ‘fruit determines the root’ illustration of verses 7–8 and the statement of verse 9: “But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way” indicate that Paul is referring not to genuine believers, but to those who had been privileged with full revelation and yet rejected Christ (cf. the larger context beginning especially in 3:12 also).

…the real issue with this sin is a hardened, unbelieving heart.

From these parallels, it seems that while the specific unpardonable sin in Matthew 12:31–32 cannot be committed today, it is very possible for someone to be guilty of the unforgivable sin of unbelief, for the real issue with this sin is a hardened heart. God will hold men accountable for the amount of revelation they have received (Mat. 11:20–24; Lk. 12:48). Those who have received the full scope of revelation and yet go to the grave rejecting Christ will not be forgiven.

Have I Committed the Unpardonable Sin?

With the proper understanding of what the unpardonable sin is, it is clear that no one has committed this particular sin. But are you guilty of the sin of unbelief? The telling characteristic of those who are indeed guilty of this sin is that they have no concern about it; they continue on in their hardness of heart with no remorse. Therefore, if you are afraid you are guilty of it, that is evidence you are not because you are concerned that you are. This is a clear indication that you are not someone who is hardened against Christ and in stubborn, obstinate rejection of Him.

…if you are afraid you are guilty of it, that is evidence you are not because you are concerned that you are.

Remember that Jesus stated in Matthew 12:31, “any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men.” This forgiveness is found not in what we have done or will do, but solely by faith in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ. Even if you have denied believing in Christ and/or used His name in vain, while I by no means mean to minimize the seriousness of these sins, Jesus Himself stated that these would fall into the category of “any sin and blasphemy.” All you need to do is confess these sins to the Lord and turn from them, for 1 John 1:9 states that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This is the gracious and merciful promise of our faithful God.