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What is the unforgivable sin or blasphemy against the Holy Ghost? I have read so many of my fellow apologists say that it is impossible to commit it or that not accepting Christ is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. But is this accurate? Mark 3, Matthew 12, Luke 12
The first listing I see in the search engine under, “blasphemy against Holy Spirit” is from Apologetics Press Kyle Butt says the following in his opening paragraph:
“and to offer comment concerning whether it still can be committed today.”
Hmmm…. I wonder where he is going here? Why is it that the unforgivable sin cannot be committed today?Matthew’s account offers the most detail concerning the setting in which Jesus’ statement was made.
I see. Because Matthew offers the most detail, that’s the version he is going to cherrypick use as his example to twist the scriptures into making the Bible say what he wants it to reach his hermeneutic.In Matthew 12:22, the text indicates that a certain man who was demon-possessed was brought to Jesus to be healed. As was His common practice, Jesus cast out the unclean spirit, and healed the man of his blindness and inability to speak.
This part is good. It reminds us that demons cause blindness and deafness.
Like the demons this women suffers from to where she does not recognize her own peril.
“After seeing this display of power, the multitudes that followed Jesus asked, “Could this be the Son of David?” (12:23). Upon hearing this remark, the Pharisees, wanting to discredit the source from which Jesus received His power, declared that Jesus was casting out demons by “Beelzebub, the ruler of demons.’”
See where he is going yet? He is about to make the case that, “It’s historic! You had to be there, man!”
What had the Pharisees done that would have put them in jeopardy of committing the unpardonable sin? According to His own testimony, during Jesus’ time on this Earth He cast out demons by the “Spirit of God” (Matthew 12:28). When the Pharisees saw that Jesus had performed a verifiable miracle, they could not argue with the fact that Christ possessed certain powers that others (including themselves) did not have. Therefore, in order to cast suspicion on the ministry of Jesus, they claimed that He was casting out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of demons.
It is clear that blasphemy against the Spirit was a definite, singular sin, which could be committed by the Pharisees during the life of Jesus.
According to Butt, only the people alive while Jesus were alive and could be there to say He was committing miracles in the name of Satan/Beelzebub. Because they saw His miracles and denied them anyway.It is clear that blasphemy against the Spirit was a definite, singular sin, which could be committed by the Pharisees during the life of Jesus.
Okay, but Mark 3 says the Scribes came from Jerusalem to accuse Jesus of this crime. What was the crime? They claimed the Holy Spirit was demonic. Even Butt admits this. He even admits that blasphemy is a crime of speech, but he falls far from the facts.
Mark 3:22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
They never saw Him perform any miracles and the Bible says they came from far away, yet they still spoke against the Holy Ghost.28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
(Matthew 12:31-32)
After Jesus tells them that they will forever go to hell for speaking a word against the Holy Ghost, they ask for a sign or a miracle from Him.29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
(Matthew 12:31-32)
Matt. 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
Does this sound like people who had just witnessed miracles? No! They asked for a sign even after Jesus warned them about blasphemy against the Holy Ghost.
Debunked, Next!The Truth? Jesus means what He says and says what He means.
But lets try some others and see what they say.
It’s one of our favorites. The sometimes heretical S. Michael Houdmann. I am sure this will be entertaining if nothing else. Nope, he makes a dumbed down case of what Butt already did.
3rd on the list is Matt Slick of CARM. He makes the exact same case, but even worse. He says there is no biblical support that a Christian or otherwise could blaspheme the Holy Ghost. I wonder if he has ever read Matthew, Mark or Luke? Or if he just copies from Houdmann and Butt?
They both say the unforgivable sin cannot be committed today.
Then why does the Bible make sure to go over what the unpardonable sin is three times? Jesus said and did more things than could be counted for (John 21:25), why then do we have some unimportant ruling only meant for those people standing right there no fewer than three times?
Could it be that Butt, Houdman and Slick are less than truthful and Jesus is telling the truth ?
It’s a lot simpler than they are making it out to be. Jesus actually meant what He said and He doesn’t need you to speak for Him. He can do that on His own, thank you gentlemen.
Matthew 12:31-32 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
Does that look like Jesus is equivocating or being unclear?
It means exactly what it says. If you speak against the Holy Ghost by calling it evil, profane or just mocking it, you will burn forever and ever in hell! Don’t do it ever because there is no turning back.
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