Scripture

“So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit which will never be forgiven.”

Observation

Jesus continues his rebuke against the Pharisees.

Every sin can be forgiven except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. People who speak against Jesus may be forgiven, but not those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit.

A good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. The fruit of the Pharisees is bad because their hearts are bad.

A good person produces good things from the goodness in their heart. Everyone will give an account on Judgement Day for every word, good or bad.

Application

Many Christians have been anxious about the unforgivable sin and whether or not they may have committed it. Well, if you are concerned about whether you are guilty of this sin, it is almost certain that you are not guilty. The anxiety itself is a sign of a heart that is seeking after God.

The context of this saying of Jesus is important. He is talking to the Pharisees in response to their claim that Jesus is doing ministry, including miracles, under the power of satan.

Where people are so trapped into a false religious dogma that they attribute the works of God to satan, then they are in danger of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

This sin is unforgivable because people who have sunk to this level of depraved confusion will not recognise the conviction of sin that the Holy Spirit brings to us.

Self-righteousness blocks God’s righteousness from entering our lives and condemns us to hell.

Prayer

Jesus, please protect me from every form of religious thinking that deflects your grace. Amen.