Hello

The idea that there is such a thing as an unforgiveable sin is a disturbing element in Jesus’ teaching.  But Matthew, Mark and Luke all give accounts of Jesus saying that slandering the Holy Spirit is an unforgiveable sin.  (The 1st Century Greek word translated as “blasphemy” in some modern English translations means to defame, revile or slander.  Slander, according to a modern dictionary, is “a malicious, false, and defamatory statement”).

The context of the passage in Luke is that Jesus is addressing the crowds and says, among a number of other teachings,

“And every person who speaks a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but he who slanders the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” (Luke 12:10).

What did Jesus mean by “slanders the Holy Spirit”?  How can we slander the Holy Spirit?

Matthew and Mark provide some clarity, because both set this teaching in the context of religious leaders saying Jesus was casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. (Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:22).  Jesus’ response, recorded in Matthew, includes these words:

 ^“Therefore, I tell you, every sin and slander will be forgiven men, but slander against the Spirit will not be forgiven.  And whoever says 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.” (Matthew 12:31-32).

and in Mark

“‘Truly, I say to you, all sins committed by the sons of men, and whatever slanders they utter, will be forgiven.  But whoever slanders the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, and is guilty of an eternal sin’, for they had said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’“ (Mark 3:28-30).

Note that Mark makes a connection between these words of Jesus, and the accusation made by the religious leaders.  Most commentators I’ve read think the religious leaders were slandering the Holy Spirit by claiming that the work of the Holy Spirit is actually the work of the devil.  What does this mean for us?  It means we should be careful not to follow the example of those religious leaders.  When a fellow Christian does or says something with which we strongly disagree, we must resist the temptation to say they are influenced by the devil.  Their words or deeds might be the work of the Holy Spirit.  Can we be sure that we are right?  Are we prepared to take the risk?  It’s safer not to take the risk.

Something to think about.

God bless you and keep you safe.

Jesus is Lord.

Peter O

 

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