The Gospels explicitly identify one unforgivable sin: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In Mark 3, Jesus says this after the scribes claim that He has an unclean spirit. Christians understand differently what exactly constitutes such blasphemy and whether it can be committed today. At the same time, Scripture says that all sins and blasphemies can be forgiven and shows us blasphemers who were forgiven.
What does the Bible say about this?
- Jesus says that people will be forgiven all sins and blasphemies, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven (Matt. 12:31–32; Mark 3:28–30; Luke 12:10).
- Mark explains the reason: Jesus said this because they were saying about Him that He had an unclean spirit (Mark 3:30).
- Paul was a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man, but he received mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief (1 Tim. 1:13–16).
- If we confess our sins, God forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
- Hebrews 6:4–6 and 10:26–31 speak of falling away and of those for whom no sacrifice for sins remains; 1 John 5:16–17 speaks of “sin leading to death.” The meaning of these passages is debated.
- Interpretations differ: whether blasphemy against the Spirit means attributing the Spirit’s works to Satan, a persistent and final rejection of Christ, or something else; and whether it can be committed today.
- Application: in these passages, the desire to receive forgiveness is not described as a sign of the unforgivable sin; anyone troubled by this question may find it helpful to speak with a pastor.
The brief answer was prepared by the editorial team; the verse texts are from the “Father’s Blessing” Bible.
Key Scripture Passages
8 Scripture passages · “Father’s Blessing” Bible
Matthew 12:31–32
31 Therefore I say to you: Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven people; 32 and 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.
Mark 3:28–30
28 Truly I say to you: All sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation. 30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”
Luke 12:10
And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
1 Timothy 1:13–16
13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I received mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ was revealed in me abundantly, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I received mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as an example to those who would believe in Him for everlasting life.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Hebrews 6:4–6
4 For it is impossible—for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good spoken Word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and have fallen away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. Him.
Hebrews 10:26–31
26 For if we sin willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 If anyone who rejected Moses’ law is put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses, is punished with death, 29 of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again: “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!
1 John 5:16–17
16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray, and God will give him life—that is, to the one committing a sin that does not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I am not saying that he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
Related Questions
- Will God Forgive a Serious Sin?
- Can Salvation Be Lost?
- What Is Sin?
- How Can I Receive God’s Forgiveness?
