Matthew 12:31-32 and Mark 3:28-30

Introduction:

1. Of all the sins confronted in the Bible, only the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is described as unpardonable.

2. This has led many to wonder what exactly this is and whether people living today may still commit the unpardonable sin.

3. This is an important question as it can cause deep fear and despair.

Discussion:

I. The Background of the Text

A. Many began regarding Jesus as the awaited Messiah because He cast out demons and healed the sick (Matthew 12:22-23; Mark 3:10-11).

B. These miracles were proof of His divinity (John 20:30-31; Hebrews 2:4).

C. The Pharisees sought to discredit His miracles by claiming He was possessed by Beelzebub, prince of the demons (Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:22).

D. This accusation prompted the warning of the unpardonable sin.

II. What Is the Unpardonable Sin?

A. Blasphemia= from blapto- to injure and pheme- to speak

B. Translated variously: blasphemy, reviled, railed, defamed, etc.

C. They spoke injuriously of the Holy Spirit at work in Jesus’ miracles.

III. Can We Commit This Sin Today?

A. A close look at the overall biblical context indicates we cannot.

B. Jesus plainly said it was “…because they said, ‘He has an unclean spirit’” (Mark 3:30).

C. In essence, they claimed Jesus was “Satan incarnate instead of God incarnate. It is this, and nothing else, that our Lord calls the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” (Barnard Franklin).

D. We cannot do what they did without seeing what they saw.

E. This may explain why the most dangerous sin of all is never mentioned again outside of this context.

F. John told his readers that all sin could be forgiven (1 John 1:7-9).

Conclusion:

1. With such a weighty matter, it is imperative that we study it carefully.

2. Many people have lived in fear that have or may commit this unpardonable sin and be hopelessly lost.

3. Thankfully, no one living today can do what the Pharisees did that put them in this grave danger.