In the context of Matthew 12, it was Israel’s rejection of Christ that Jesus related to the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Strictly speaking, only when the nation Israel rejected their Messiah, Jesus Christ, did they commit the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. By application today, one might say that unbelievers who reject the ministry of the Holy Spirit in bringing them to faith in Christ could be said to be blaspheming against the Holy Spirit.
It is important to understand the background for the term blasphemy against the Spirit in the gospel of Matthew. The context always determines the meaning of any verse or doctrine in the Bible. In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus is presented as the Messiah-King of Israel. He has come preaching the gospel of the kingdom. There has been a mounting rejection of Him and His message. Israel wanted a leader to free them from Rome. But they did not want a Messiah or Savior for their sins. The climax of this rejection is found in Matthew 12. In 12:1, Jesus’ disciples were eating grain from the field as they walked. The Pharisees accused them of doing what was unlawful on the Sabbath. Then in 12:10, Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. In Matthew 12:14, the Pharisees conspire against Him as to how they might destroy Him. Finally in Matthew 12:22, Jesus healed a demon-possessed man on the Sabbath. The Pharisees react by accusing Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the ruler of demons (12:24). Jesus gives four responses in Matthew 12:25-30. First, He stated that divided kingdom cannot stand (12:25-26); second, He asked what was the power behind Jewish exorcists (12:27); third, He reasoned that Satan must be bound in order for demons to be cast out by the Spirit of God (12:29); and fourth, He declared that whoever is not with Him is against Him (12:30).
Then our Lord makes a startling statement in Matthew 12:31-32. Any sin or blasphemy will be forgiven, even blasphemy against the Son or the Father. But blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. The point is that there will never be any forgiveness, if the Holy Spirit is blasphemed. The question is—what does this mean?
We know that Christ died for all sin (Heb. 10:10-17). Therefore, there is no such thing as an unpardonable sin. All sin has been paid for so that there is only one issue for salvation—faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross (John 3:16).
In the context of Matthew 12, it was Israel’s rejection of Christ that Jesus related to the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Strictly speaking, only when the nation Israel rejected their Messiah, Jesus Christ, did they commit the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
To reject Christ is to reject the work the Holy Spirit and in this passage, blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Technically, the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit cannot be committed today because of the context of Matthew 12.
We also know that it is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to bring unbelievers to an awareness of the gospel and convict them of their need for salvation. In John 6:44, Jesus plainly stated that unless the Holy Spirit draws the unbeliever, they would not come to salvation. Christ died for all sin except the issue of rejection of His salvation. In that sense, any unbeliever who rejects the gospel is rejecting the Holy Spirit. One could say by application, that a rejecting unbeliever is blaspheming the Holy Spirit’s work in bringing them to Christ.
In Luke 12:10, Jesus has been accused of doing miracles in the power of Satan. Jesus’ reply is that anyone who speaks against Him can be forgiven, but that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. There is but one issue that is unforgivable in God’s plan—the rejection of the gospel. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to both reveal and convict an unbeliever of their need for the gospel. Thus, to reject the work of the Holy Spirit in this context is to reject His work in presenting the gospel. This is unpardonable. Strictly speaking, this blasphemy of the Holy Spirit cannot be committed today in that we are not Israel, rejecting Jesus as Messiah. This is the background for Jesus issuing this statement.
Christopher Sadoun says
There was the First Aion Age when Jesus was walking the Earth and arguing with the Pharisees, which corresponds to when Jesus said “This age” (Bible, New Testament, Matthew 12:31-32)
There was the Second Aion Age when Jesus was dead in the tomb, which corresponds to when Jesus said “the age to come” (Bible, New Testament, Matthew 12:31-32)
There is a the Third Aion Age when Jesus was resurrected alive again and also is the Age when Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit is forgiven and is also the age that we are in now. This age goes on for eternity.
Thus ALL GO TO HEAVEN and nothing changed about grace.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the term word for unbelief.
ALL GO TO HEAVEN BECAUSE unbelief is forgiven.
A Time in the Life of Jesus is an Age because Jesus is God and is that important.
“Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. ” (Bible, New Testament, Matthew 12:32)
Matthew 12:32 is when Jesus canceled the Old Code of the law found in Matthew 12:31.
“And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” (Bible, New Testament, Matthew 12:31)
“Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. ” (Bible, New Testament, Matthew 12:32)
In the Third age blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is forgiven along with all sins.
Jesus died for You You will go to heaven.
Jim Klubnik says
You can’t build a doctrine on two verses. The context of the passage on the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is Israel’s rejection of Christ as Messiah. If everyone goes to heaven then why are we told to believe on Him in order to have eternal life (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8, 9). John 3:36 clearly teaches that faith in Christ is necessary for salvation “The one who believes in him is not condemned. The one who does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God” (John 3:18, NET). The Great White Throne Judgment is the judgment of unbelievers–those who have rejected Christ and are attempting to get to heaven by their good works, “Then I saw a large white throne and the one who was seated on it; the earth and the heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. Then books were opened, and another book was opened—the book of life. So the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to their deeds. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each one was judged according to his deeds” (Revelation 20:11–13, NET).
Helen Porter says
No sin is forgiven. Every sin was paid for.
No, blasphemy is not forgiven because, with all sins, Jesus
paid the penalty. If the penalty is paid…..the sin is not forgiven.
Think on it.
And don’t risk the H… S….. turning away from you instead
of leading you to the cross where all is paid for…not forgiven.
Accept the salvation while you still can. There may not be any
tomorrow.
Jim Klubnik says
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7, NET). This verse refers to the forgiveness of sin that results from placing one’s trust in the work of Christ on the cross for our sins. This is a once-and-for all judicial forgiveness of sin. It is referred to in the Scripture as justification by faith (Romans 3:24; 5:1), which results in one’s salvation. For the believer, fellowship with God is achieved through the confession of one’s sin (resulting in the filling of the Holy Spirit) “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1:9, NET).
Peggi Klubnik says
Because of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, forgiveness of sin is available to all who place their trust in Him. This is made evident by the following verses: “and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46–47); In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7)
And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:22)
Michael says
I fear I commited this at the age of I think 17 or 18 or 19 or something like that, when I got angry at G-D, rather I was sad because G-D, let some animals die, and tried to purposely commit the act through various blasphemy (Like a mini spiritual suicide via G-D). I was beyond stupid for doing so and now I am terrified I am going to Hell.
Peggi Klubnik says
The important thing to understand is that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, died on the cross for your sins. Here are some verses that may help.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but
have eternal life” (John 3:16).
If you believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, and you place your faith in Him, you will be saved and will have eternal life. The only unpardonable sin is the sin of rejecting Jesus as your Messiah. Have you placed your faith in Him?
Michael says
Yes, but I feel so condemned and hopeless, and guilty. I feel so full of anxiety to the point, I can’t see straight.
Peggi Klubnik says
Michael, you say you “feel” condemned, hopeless and guilty. But the Word of God says you are forgiven if you have placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan wants us to feel hopeless and helpless. We must reject those feelings and rely on the truth of the Scriptures instead. It might be helpful for you to make a list of things in your life that you are thankful for. Then start thanking the Lord for what He has done. God bless! I will be praying for you.