Blasphemy of the Holy Ghost
What does Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost really mean? | Mark 3:28-30 Many have worried or just wondered what could blasphemy against the Holy Ghost mean. The issue of blasphemy itself involves the uttering or action that purposely defames a god or gods (or tries to defame God).
“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: 30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.”
It is wise to think back to a few verses before this context above. When Jesus had cast out demons (Mark 12:22-24), the Pharisees accused Jesus of doing this by the power of satan – who was the prince of demons. Jesus replied that if satan were to cast out himself or his lackeys, it would be a civil war in his own kingdom.
The only way to defeat a strong man is by a stronger man. Jesus showed He was stronger than satan, and that Jesus’ reign would result in destroying satan and his forces (see context Matthew 12:25-29 as well).
Now, God would forgive any doubts or otherwise misunderstandings of what people had about Jesus; however, God would not forgive the willful rejection of the works of Jesus Christ was were good and came from God. Those who called God’s Spirit “satan”, otherwise calling good “evil”, would position themselves of rejecting God’s goodness; therefore, they would not receive forgiveness (or the remission of sins). Rejecting God means that one is condemned and prepared for destruction (John 3:16-20; also see Matthew 12:30-32).
The good works of Jesus evidence His Goodness, just as good fruit evidences a good tree! 🙂
The evil works of the Pharisees evidence their evil hearts, and that will be used against them on Judgment Day.
The light of God shines bright in one’s heart, driving out the darkness and helping them spread that light unto others; however, rejecting the light means the darkness within them becomes even darker (see Luke 11:33-36).
Therefore, we see that those who speak against and/or reject Salvation, God, Jesus Christ, or His Good Works – are those who blaspheme against the Holy Ghost. This will not bring forgiveness to them, as in they will not receive Salvation. Those who purposely reject and/or speak against God will not be able to receive His Spirit along with the forgiveness of sins.
This is not to say that if one rejects or speaks against God at one point or another, but then later accepts Him by admitting his own wrongdoing, that he would not be forgiven. Those who admit they were wrong and accept God’s Salvation will indeed be saved, there is no question of that. The best use case is Paul (Saul), who had vehemently rejected God and persecuted His People, but then later was confronted by Jesus, was saved, and then went on to be a great minister.
Believe it or not, it is very difficult for someone who is truly saved to reject or blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Most that are truly saved would be fearful of God, and would not do this kind of activity, because they are afraid also of losing Salvation.
The Holy Spirit is God’s Final Witness to Jesus Christ and His Sacrificial Work on the Cross. No forgiveness, regeneration, conversion, repentance, etc. is given to those who reject the call of the Holy Spirit – even quenching His Voice.
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is tied to revelation, because it is the Spirit of Truth/Revelation of Jesus Christ that shall change the minds and hearts of people to accept the Salvation of Jesus Christ. Those who do not listen to God’s Spirit do not receive Christ, and in essence will never be forgiven.
