Could there possibly be any verses in the Bible more difficult to understand–or terrifying–than the ones on blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

Jesus said, “And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 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” (Matthew 12:31-32).

People routinely slander, rail against, and deny Jesus. That’s what it means to blaspheme, or “speak a word against.” But why do we never hear people slander or rail against the Holy Spirit? Clearly, “Someone” must be protecting someone.

This kind of blasphemy is not a risk dangling precariously over our heads like a sword suspended from a thread. If it was, our loving God would have been more explicit. There’s no question we should take it seriously, but because the Bible isn’t more explicit, coupled with the fact that people–including unbelievers–don’t actually speak against the Holy Spirit, we have ample reason to not be concerned. 

I know I haven’t said everything that could be said, but I think it’s enough to say: Once we put our faith in Jesus, we forever live under the protection of the Father who loves us far too much to ever let us commit an unforgivable sin. 

Until every church disciples every man…

Pat