14.The Holy Spirit And The Unpardonable Sin
The Psalmist David wrote, "Blessed is he whose transgression is
forgiven." Psalm
32:1. And John wrote, "He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse use." John
1:9.
So is there a sin the Bible says is "unpardonable"? Yes! Jesus
said, "Every sin ... will be forgiven ... but the blasphemy agains the
Spirit will not be forgiven." Matthew
12:31.
The unpardonable sin is not a particular kind or type of sin. It is
any sin a person repeats and refuses to give up. It involves an attitude
toward and a response to the Holy Spirit.
Let's review the process whereby a person comes to know what is wrong
and what is right - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God." Romans
3:23. What everyone is doing does not make it right.
What is the standard to determine right from wrong ? "By the law is
the knowledge of sin." Romans
3:20. God's law is the basis of His government.
Does a person have the natural ability to determine right from wrong
? "He [the Holy Spirit] will convict [convince] the world of sin, and of
righteousness."
John 16:8 The Holy Spirit convinces a person of truth revealed in the
Bible and of wrong actions which are contrary to the Word.
The response of a sincere person to the conviction of the Holy Spirit
is fourfold:
To Confess. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse use from all unrighteousness." 1
John 1:9.
To Love. "If you love Me, keep My commandments." John
14:15.
To have a Relationship. "I am the way, the truth, and the life." John
14:6. "When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide
you into all truth." John
16:13. "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed." Amos
3:3.
To be Changed. "Create in me a clean heart ... and renew a right
spirit within me." Psalm
51:10. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you
; I will ... cause you to walk in My statutes ... and do them." Ezekiel
36:26,27.
How does one commit the unpardonable sin?
Refuses Truth. " They did not receive the love of the truth,
that they might be saved." 2
Thessalonians 2:10. Truth is rejected.
Enjoys Sin. " They ... did not believe the truth but had
pleasure in unrighteousness." 2
Thessalonians 2:12. Enjoys the pleasures of sin.
Procrastinates. "Felix ... answered, 'Go away for now;
when I have a convenient time I will call for you." Acts
24:25. "Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you."
John
12:35. Saying "No" the Holy Spirit is dangerous.
The Holy Spirit will not always speak. "My Spirit shall not strike
[appeal] with man forever." Genesis
6:3. "Do not grieve [wound or drive away] the Holy Spirit of
God, by whom you were sealed for ... redemption." Ephesians
4:30.
The sin against the Holy Spirit is any sin you refuse to give up, confess
and forsake.
When the truth is opened to you, that is the time to surrender all
to Jesus and follow Him. Whatever He asks-do it ; "Not by might nor
by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord." Zechariah
4:6. It means life or death.