Topical Bible: Holy Spirit: Sin Against

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The concept of sinning against the Holy Spirit is a profound and often discussed topic within Christian theology. It primarily refers to the "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit," which is considered an unforgivable sin according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. This entry explores the biblical basis for this doctrine, its implications, and its interpretation within the Christian tradition.

Biblical Basis

The primary scriptural references to sinning against the Holy Spirit are found in the Synoptic Gospels. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses this sin in the context of a confrontation with the Pharisees. After Jesus heals a demon-possessed man, the Pharisees accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus responds by warning them about the gravity of their accusation:

"Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 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" (Matthew 12:31-32).

A parallel account is found in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus similarly warns, "Truly I tell you, the sons of men will be forgiven all sins and blasphemies, as many as they utter. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of eternal sin" (Mark 3:28-29).

Interpretation and Implications

The sin against the Holy Spirit is often understood as a deliberate and persistent rejection of the truth and work of the Holy Spirit. This sin is not merely a one-time act of blasphemy or disbelief but is characterized by a hardened heart and a willful refusal to acknowledge the divine power and authority of the Holy Spirit. The context of the Pharisees' accusation against Jesus highlights their obstinate denial of the Spirit's work through Christ, despite clear evidence of divine intervention.

Theologians have debated the nature and scope of this sin, with many agreeing that it involves a conscious and resolute opposition to the Spirit's testimony about Christ. It is seen as a sin of the heart, where an individual knowingly attributes the work of the Holy Spirit to evil, thereby rejecting the means of grace and forgiveness.

Theological Considerations

From a theological perspective, the sin against the Holy Spirit underscores the seriousness of resisting God's revelation and grace. It serves as a warning against the dangers of spiritual blindness and the consequences of attributing the work of God to malevolent forces. This sin is unique in its severity because it represents a total and final rejection of the Spirit's role in salvation.

The unforgivable nature of this sin has led to much pastoral concern and discussion. It is important to note that the fear of having committed this sin is often seen as evidence that one has not, in fact, committed it. The very concern and desire for repentance indicate a heart that is still responsive to the Spirit's conviction.

Pastoral Implications

In pastoral care, the teaching on the sin against the Holy Spirit is approached with sensitivity. Believers are encouraged to remain open to the Spirit's leading and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. The emphasis is placed on the abundant grace and mercy available through Christ for all who genuinely repent and believe.

In summary, the sin against the Holy Spirit is a grave matter within Christian doctrine, highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers and the world.

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Isaiah 63:10
But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.
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Matthew 12:31,32
Why I say to you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven to men.
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Mark 3:29
But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost has never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
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Luke 2:10
And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
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Luke 12:10
And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but to him that blasphemes against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
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Acts 5:3,9
But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
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Acts 7:51
You stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you.
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Acts 8:18-22
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
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Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed to the day of redemption.
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Hebrews 10:29
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant, with which he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite to the Spirit of grace?
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1 John 5:16
If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not to death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not to death. There is a sin to death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
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Library

The Work of the Holy Spirit
... XX. God the Holy Spirit the Love which Dwells in the Heart. XXI. The Love of the
Holy Spirit in Us. XXII. ... XXXVII. The Sin Against the Holy Ghost. XXXVIII. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/

The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
... perhaps better, "matters pertaining to the Spirit"), I would not have you ignorant."
May it not be that the reason why the sin against the Holy Spirit is so ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the holy.htm

The Holy Spirit's Chief Office
... If any hearers come without praying for the Holy Spirit, shame on such hearers! ...
Beware of committing the sin against the Holy Ghost. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 40 1894/the holy spirits chief office.htm

The Personality of the Holy Spirit.
... against. It is impossible to blaspheme anything but a person. If the Holy Spirit
is not a person, it certainly cannot be a more serious and decisive sin to ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter i the personality of.htm

"O Wretched Man that I Am!"
... hath made me free from the law of sin and death ... say, the regenerate man, had not
he the Spirit of Jesus ... Yes, but he did not know what the Holy Spirit could do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/o wretched man that i.htm

Power Hindered.
... They vexed and grieved the Holy Spirit, and rebelled against His authority, but
there is a special sin against Him, which we may profitably consider. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter v power hindered.htm

Warning of Eternal Sin.
... soever they shall blaspheme: but whosoever shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit
hath never forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin:" because they said ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/warning of eternal sin.htm

The Perseverance of the Saints
... purpose of election, does not wholly withdraw the Holy Spirit from His ... the state
of justification, or to commit the sin unto death or against the Holy ...
/.../anonymous/synod of dort/the perseverance of the saints.htm

Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews
... Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews. ... 7. That we must not grieve the Holy
Spirit, whom we have ... That anger must be overcome, lest it constrain us to sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/

The Our Father
... It happens when the Heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that we believe
His holy Word by ... hearts and willingly do good to those who sin against us ...
/.../luther/the small catechism of martin luther/iii the our father.htm