The Unforgivable Sin

It’s not uncommon to worry that we have committed a sin so terrible that God could not possibly forgive us. We’ve seen already throughout our study the reassurance from Scripture that God is willing and able to forgive our sin. Why then, in our reading today, does Jesus mention an unforgivable sin? What if we accidentally commit this sin? Are we forever doomed?

It is important to note the context in order to understand the meaning of this particular verse. Jesus warns His disciples against the “yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Secret sin will eventually be uncovered. No action done in private will be allowed to remain that way. In other words, “you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23). Surface religiosity cannot conceal a heart that resists God.

Jesus then urges His followers not to fear physical death. First, God has ultimate authority over us. While someone might cause our physical death, they have no power over our eternal destination. Second, we are of value to God; “the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (v. 7). For that reason, we do not need to be afraid.

Jesus returns to the theme of consistency between our public witness and private belief. This has significant spiritual consequences: when we are willing to stand for Jesus, He will also claim us as His own (v. 8). But the corollary is also true; “Anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven” (v. 10). Remember the context about the warning against the Pharisees. While they had witnessed His miracles and heard His teaching, they refused to believe and attributed His power to Satan. In the same way, anyone who refuses to acknowledge the saving power of Jesus will not find forgiveness.

Pray with Us

Ken Heulitt, chief financial officer, oversees all the financial operations at Moody. With such vast responsibilities and many people to lead as a team, your prayers are vital for this area of Moody life. Please pray for Ken and his team.

BY Jamie Janosz

Jamie Janosz serves as a content development manager for Moody Bible Institute. She writes monthly devotionals for Today in the Word and has published non-fiction essays with Christianity Today’s Her.meneutics blog. Recently Jamie wrote a book titled When Others Shuddered: Eight Women Who Refused to Give Up (Moody Publishers). Jamie studied theology and writing at Moody Bible Institute, Columbia College, and Illinois State University. She lives on the Atlantic coast of Florida with her husband, Milt, and daughter, Sabrina.