What is the unpardonable sin / unforgivable sin?

Response

The unforgivable sin, also known as the “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit,” is referenced in Mark 3:22–30 and Matthew 12:22–32. Jesus stated, “Truly I tell you, all sins and every slander they utter can be forgiven” «Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: », (Mark 3:28). However, He then makes one exception: “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin” (verse 29).

According to Jesus, the unpardonable sin is distinct. It is the one transgression that will never be forgiven— “never” meaning “either in this age or in the age to come” in Matthew 12:32. The unforgivable sin is blasphemy (“defiant irreverence”) of the Holy Spirit within the context of the Spirit’s work in the world through Christ. In essence, the specific blasphemy depicted in Matthew 12 and Mark 3 is exceptional. The offenders, a group of Pharisees, had witnessed undeniable proof that Jesus was performing miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit, yet they asserted that He was possessed by the prince of demons, Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24;Mark 3:30).

The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ era committed the unpardonable sin by accusing Jesus Christ (in person, on earth) of being demon-possessed. They had no justification for such an accusation. It was not a result of ignorance or misunderstanding. The Pharisees were aware that Jesus was the Messiah sent by God to redeem Israel. They were familiar with the prophecies that were being fulfilled.

Fulfilled. They witnessed Jesus’ marvelous deeds and listened to His clear exposition of truth. However, they intentionally opted to reject the truth and defame the Holy Spirit. Confronted by the Light of the World, enveloped in His splendor, they defiantly shut their eyes and chose to remain deliberately blind. Jesus declared that sin as unforgivable.

The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, unique to the Pharisees’ circumstance, cannot be replicated in modern times. Jesus Christ is not physically present, and no one can witness Jesus performing a miracle and then attribute that power to Satan instead of the Spirit. The sole unpardonable sin today is persistent unbelief. There is no forgiveness for an individual who passes away in their refusal of Christ. The Holy Spirit is actively working in the world, convicting the unsaved of sin, righteousness, and judgment «And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: », (John 16:8). If someone resists that conviction and remains unrepentant, they are essentially choosing hell over heaven. “Without faith it is impossible to please God” «But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. », (Hebrews 11:6), and the focus of faith is Jesus «And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. », (Acts 16:31). There is no forgiveness for someone who passes away without faith in Christ.

God has provided for our salvation in His Son «For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. », (John 3:16).

Forgiveness is exclusively found in Jesus. «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6). To reject the only Savior is to be left with no means of salvation; to reject the only pardon is, obviously, unpardonable.

Many people fear they have committed a sin that God cannot or will not forgive, and they feel there is no hope for them, regardless of their actions. Satan would like nothing more than to keep people under that misconception. God gives encouragement to the sinner who is convicted of their sin: “Come near to God and he will come near to you” «Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. », (James 4:8). “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more” «Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: », (Romans 5:20). And the testimony of Paul is proof positive that God can and will save anyone who comes to Him in faith (1 Timothy 1:12-17). If you are suffering under a load of guilt today, rest assured that you have not committed the unpardonable sin. God is waiting with open arms. Jesus’ promise is that “he is able to save completely those who come to God through him” «Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. », (Hebrews 7:25). Our Lord will never fail. “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”

In my defense; he has become my deliverance” «Behold, God is my deliverance; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also has become my deliverance. », (Isaiah 12:2).