Joel Littlefield

Matthew 12:31-32: “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And 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.”

This passage often causes concern among believers and curiosity among skeptics. Many wonder if they have committed this sin and what exactly blasphemy against the Holy Spirit entails. Is there truly a sin so grave that it is beyond forgiveness?

Can Every Sin Be Forgiven?

Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people committing severe sins—adultery, murder, and even persecuting the church—yet receiving forgiveness through repentance and faith in Christ. Jesus, while on the cross, asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). The woman caught in adultery was not condemned but was told to “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). King David, both a murderer and adulterer, was forgiven because he trusted in God’s mercy.

The good news is that no past is too dark for the grace of God. Those who come to Christ in faith are fully forgiven, made new, and adopted into His family forever.

Who Should Be Concerned?

John MacArthur wisely comments that this passage should comfort the fearful and bring fear to the comfortable.

If you are deeply concerned that you may have committed the unforgivable sin, take comfort: the very fact that you fear this means you haven’t committed it. The people Jesus warned in this passage—the Pharisees—showed no concern at all. Their hearts were hardened, and they rejected Him deliberately and permanently.

However, for those who are indifferent toward Christ, who have hardened their hearts and continually reject Him, this warning is serious. A mere profession of faith does not save—faith in Christ alone does. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Faith is not just words; it is a heart transformed by trust in Christ alone.

Understanding the Context of Matthew 12

Blasphemy Is a Sin of Speech

Matthew 12:32 emphasizes that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a sin of speech: “Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” This highlights the power of words. Jesus says in Matthew 12:36, “On the day of judgment, people will give account for every careless word they speak.” Words reveal the heart.

Jesus Was Responding to the Pharisees’ Accusation

The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan.

Matthew 12:22-25 describes how Jesus healed a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute. The people were amazed and wondered if Jesus was the promised Son of David. However, the Pharisees, instead of acknowledging the truth, accused Him of using demonic power. They said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.”

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, exposed their hardened hearts. They had witnessed undeniable miracles, proof that He was the Messiah, yet they rejected Him and attributed His power to evil.

What Is Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit?

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not simply an insult to God, a moment of doubt, or a misunderstanding. It is a deliberate, premeditated, and permanent rejection of Christ despite clear evidence of His work.

Jesus explained in Matthew 12:28, “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” The Pharisees were not merely mistaken; they were willfully attributing God’s power to Satan. Their hearts were so hardened that they would never turn to Christ for forgiveness. The unforgivable sin is a final, hardened rejection of Christ and His saving work.

Final Encouragement

If you fear that you have committed the unforgivable sin, consider this: did the Pharisees show any concern for their actions? No. But the fact that you are troubled means your heart is not hardened like theirs.

A true believer cannot commit this sin. Salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit, and those in Christ are already forgiven and sealed by Him. Rest in the assurance of your salvation, knowing that Jesus has bound the strong man and set you free.

However, for those rejecting Christ, hear this warning: there is a point of no return. If you continue to reject the Spirit’s work, your heart may become so hardened that you will no longer seek repentance.

A Call to Action

For believers, rest in the assurance of your salvation. Jesus has conquered the enemy and secured your future. For those who are uncertain, turn to Christ today. And for those who are indifferent, understand that neutrality is not an option. Jesus said, “Whoever is not with me is against me” (Matthew 12:30).

May we be comforted by the Gospel, warned of the dangers of rejecting Christ, and emboldened to share His truth with a lost world.

Thank You, Lord, for forgiving the worst of sinners. Strengthen our faith, guard our hearts, and help us proclaim the good news. Thank You for coming to destroy the works of the devil!