Today, I will talk about Christian unforgivable sin in the Bible. In my ministry, I've been asked about the unforgivable sin countless times. For example, people asked me the question like “What does it mean blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and is it true that they would not be forgiven?” So, today, I decided to preach about it. I will use plenty of evidence from the Bible to explain this topic in a way that everyone can easily understand.

I will provide biblical answers with three common questions that many Christians have raised about the unforgivable sin. The first question is. Is there any unforgivable sin in Christianity? The second question that I will answer is What is the biblical meaning of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. After that I'll identify the difference between speaking a word against the Son of Man and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Lastly, I'd like to offer practical guidance for Christian to avoid the danger of the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit.

The main point of my sermon is to provide a clear biblical perspective for those who have questions about the unforgivable sin. Also, it is for those who are concerned about committing an unforgivable sin and worrying themselves into the trap of self-condemnation because of it. I hope these insights can offer some relief and guidance.

Unforgivable Sin in The Bible

Again, if someone asked me, is there any unforgivable sin in Christianity? I will say “Yes, it is because the Bible says so.” You know how many bibles have the same warning about not to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 12:31, Mark 3:29, Hebrews 6:4-6, and 1 John 5:16 says that “If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.” These Bible verses clearly address the concept of unforgivable sin in the Bible.

The Meaning of Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit

And now, I will share with you what is the biblical meaning of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. After that I'll identify the difference between speaking a word against the Son of Man and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

The biblical meaning of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit means a willful and persistent rejection of God's grace and His forgiveness given through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. We need to pay attention to the willful and persistent rejection. It is biblical meaning of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

The Difference between Speaking against Jesus and the Holy Spirit

In Luke 12:10, “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.” In this verse, Jesus Christ said that whoever speak a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven.

In this passage, Jesus Christ emphasized the human nature as a Son of Man because he knew that many people recognized Him not as the Son of God yet but as the Son of Joseph. So, those who verbally denied Jesus' divinity might have found forgiveness. Why? Because they likely couldn't understand the mystery of His divine nature at that time. Actually, even Jesus' biological brothers initially denied His divinity.

However, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is different story. It is related to the spiritual function of the Holy Spirit.

1. In John 14:26, Jesus clearly explains the spiritual functions of the Holy Spirit in us and, also, he tells his disciples why he will send the Holy Spirit for them. Jesus said “When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative-that is, the Holy Spirit-he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
2. In John 16:8-11, Jesus spoke about the coming of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit come, He will illuminate our hearts, revealing what is sin against God, what is righteous acts before God, and the meaning of judgment. Through this internal teaching, no one can deny the truth.

Nevertheless, if they fully understand who Jesus Christ is and what attitude is truly a sin against God but still go against and reject the truth, there is no way to forgive them again. Because an intentional rejection of God's grace and His forgiveness, given through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit, is considered aligning oneself with the enemy of God.

Hebrews 10:26-27 give us clear idea what is the unforgiving sin looks like “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”

Christianity is not a religion of outward expressions of words and action only, but it is a religion of intention of heart and action. It's our faith rooted in the intentions of the heart and the corresponding actions. It is the true teachings and values of Christianity.

Intention of Heart in Exodus

In Exodus 21:12-14 ¹² “Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death.¹³ However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate. ¹⁴ But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death.” It addresses how unintentional sins against God might have a chance to be forgiven, but voluntary actions of the heart might not receive the same forgiveness.

Conclusion

Forgiveness might be possible for those who unknowingly or unintentionally speak against the Son of Man, especially if they lack a full understanding of who Jesus is. However, when it mentions 'anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven,' it's referring to deliberate and willful acts against God.

It is to talk about the intentional and continuous refusal in their hearts. It is biblical meaning of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. It is not about committing blasphemy against God once or mistakenly doing so a couple of times.

For example, I saw a movie about a man fixing a chair when he hit his hand with a hammer. In his pain, he said, 'God damn.' Immediately after, he said, 'God, forgive my language. It is not the case of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit involves criticizing or mocking against God and His name, character, work, or attributes through verbal expressions, writing, or disrespectful actions intentional and continually without repentance.

Practical Application

1 John 1:8-10 “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”

1. Prayer
2. Participate in the communion

@ 11.26.2023 Pastor Cloud Poy

@ Photo on: Unsplash의Brett Jordan