The Unforgiveable Sin

Matthew 12:30–32 NRSV

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Mark 3:28–30 ESV

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Luke 12:8–12 NIV

“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary vi. Jesus Accused of Collusion with the Devil, and His Response (12:22–37)

In this conflict neutrality is impossible. To be against Jesus (as the Pharisees were showing themselves to be) is to be on Satan’s side.

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible Blasphemy

BLASPHEMY

The act of cursing or slandering the name of God. It is not only an act committed against God (Exod. 22:28 [MT 27]) but also an act of slandering, abusing, or reviling other people or groups (Rom. 3:8; 1 Cor. 4:13; 1 Pet. 4:4).

The New Bible Commentary 11:1–12:50 Varying Response to Jesus’ Public Ministry

Insensitive application of these words to situations which bear no resemblance to the Pharisees’ deliberate perversion of the truth has caused distress to many vulnerable people. Jesus was speaking not of a temporary lapse but of a settled decision to oppose the work of God.

Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary vi. Jesus Accused of Collusion with the Devil, and His Response (12:22–37)

Ultimately only God can know when an individual’s opposition to his work has reached this stage of irreversible rejection.