The Unpardonable Sin
It seemed appropriate to give pursuit to this topic as a divorce follow up. I simply find it hard to believe that so many professing Christians, fully aware of grace and forgiveness through Christ’s blood; treat divorce and re-marriage as if they were unforgiveable to God.
During His physical earthly ministry, Jesus told us about the unpardonable sin. There are also several examples and other scriptures to look at regarding this subject.
Many dispensationalists disregard such scripture—because it makes them uncomfortable. Please look at our Eternal Security section for the truth which God’s Word shows us, without man’s additions to it. We are in the falling away period spoken of in II Thessalonians chapter two. This passage also shows a danger of rejecting the truth of God’s Word.
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thessalonians 2:9-12
Let me start with an example I am well familiar with. Some have recited to me Luke 16:18, in attempting to say that divorcees should not re-marry.
Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery. Luke 16:18
In isolating this verse, they then claim that those who re-marry are in perpetual adultery with their new spouse. In reality, this claim would then make divorce and re-marriage an unpardonable sin; this is far from the truth of the Word (Please see our Mark of Divorce section).
We already know that according to I Corinthians 7:15 a believer actually can divorce and re-marry without blame. We also know that Jesus will forgive us if we have divorced in disobedience; if we acknowledge of the sin and repent.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
Attempts to have divorce and re-marriage considered an unpardonable sin plainly contradicts the teaching from God’s Word. This is “another gospel” as spoken of in Galatians chapter one. It does not lead to salvation, and causes others to fall.
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Galatians 5:7-9
Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is the single unforgiveable sin. To blaspheme would be to speak evil of, or irreverently regarding the actions and laws of God. Blasphemy, in short (by definition), is mocking or making a mockery of what is Holy.
The two gospel passages addressing this are found in Matthew 12:24-32 and Mark 3:22-30. From Matthew I would focus on the last two of those verses;
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Matthew 12:31-32
Mark provides the same account, but gives us a summary in verse 30.
And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. Mark 3:22-30
The Holy Ghost is the power within Jesus, which is casting out devils: the scribes were essentially calling this work of God satanic! This is an example of the unpardonable sin, but not necessarily the only way in which it is possible.
Acts chapter five gives us another instance for this sin. The first part of the story is this:
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. Acts 5:1-6
Ananias’ lie was the sin. He seemed to be using his church affiliation for gain; both financially and in the esteem of others. Elisha’s servant Gehazi tried the same thing in II Kings 5.
We run into this again in Acts 8. Please read all the verses (9-24); the last are listed here.
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. Acts 8:18-24
To me, it seems that Simon was sincere but mistaken. His offer of money could have come from old habits; the way he’d always done business. We fight that sinful nature all of our lives (see Romans 7). We do often make very big mistakes without meaning to.
What about the scribes mentioned with this sin back in Matthew and Mark? Only God knows if the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost was committed, or if He was only using this occasion to teach the rest of us about it. I suspect that in initially addressing this sin, teaching was the motive.
Any works attributed to the Holy Spirit should be regarded carefully. Those with gifts of the spirit do need to be tested (I John 4:1), but criticism without testing should be avoided. While Satan does imitate God in even the miraculous, it should not be assumed that Biblically named gifts of the Holy Spirit belong to the enemy!
Speaking in tongues is flashy; but it is called a lesser gift, and we are to be careful with its use. Yet I directly heard one pastor call tongues a “work of the devil;” a chill went through me, as I realized the blasphemy he had spoken! Even if Satan imitates the gift of tongues, in the Bible it is always referred to as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
Dispensationalists have made the gifts of the Spirit a major target of their heretical doctrine. I visited a website which proclaimed that miracles such as tongues, healings, etc; were largely works of the devil, because God doesn’t work this way anymore! Satan is the one laughing—that those who profess Christ would deny Him so openly. In the process they are espousing evil doctrines like the ones they claim to be opposing. Why can they not accept God’s Word as He preserved it? Why make excuses and lie to cover up your lack of faith?
Sinning against the Holy Ghost is more than just some slip of the tongue. Yes, even I have had that in this area. But where do we go from there? God will try to show you the error and give you the conviction to repent. If our hearts are where they should be with God, this process will lead to a strengthening of our relationship with Him. Do not try to justify yourself when you oppose God’s words!
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:18,19
The handling of God’s Words can also be an area where blasphemy sneaks in. We have the Word of God through the work of the Holy Ghost.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:16,17
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. II Peter 1:20,21
Satan has attacked the Word of God ever since the very first sin with Eve in Genesis chapter three. The enemy challenged his maker’s instructions; questioning with “Yea, hath God said…?” Then he proceeds to tell Eve how God meant something other than what He instructed, for the reasons He gave. In essence, Satan is claiming that God is a liar!
Today this same sin happens in churches every week by the thousands, world-wide. Supposedly learned “scholars” stand before their congregations, ripping apart God’s Words and changing the meaning of these words and their application. As it was prophesied in Romans, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools…Who changed the truth of God into a lie…”—Romans 1:21,22,25a
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. II Corinthians 2:17
It does so grieve my heart to witness such careless, proud handling of God’s Word. These teachers add to and diminish the words of God routinely (see Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5,6, and Revelation 22:18,19); as if they were in charge of the Holy Spirit!
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. I Thessalonians 2:13
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. I John 2:27
This arrogance and lack of fear is one way to be led into the unpardonable sin of blaspheming the Holy Ghost. It is spitting in God’s face; despising the very writings which brought you the hope of eternal salvation. This unpardonable sin is what is meant in Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:26-31. See also our section on Eternal Security for more detail. This willful sin (v. 26) is not the normal struggle to overcome the flesh (Romans 7), or the need we have to daily crucify the flesh (Luke 9:23 and Galatians 5:24). It is deliberately intending (planning) to sin like Ananias and Saphira did in Acts 5.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:26-29
How do so many church leaders continually re-write the Bible with no thought or concern for consequences? You will find that answer in II Thessalonians 2:11,12;
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thessalonians 2:11,12
Church leaders that come through Bible colleges and seminaries have been trained in dismantling the Words of God, and taught that we no longer have God’s true Words—even though we were promised just that in passages like Psalms 12:6,7;
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. Psalms 12:6,7
Optimistically, I do not think that all of these have committed the unpardonable sin. Because they were deceived by others into doing so, and didn’t choose it on their own; I think there is still a possibility that some could discover the truth and repent.
A good example of one mishandling the Word of God ignorantly and repenting is found in these words of Dr. Frank Logsdon, who is a co-founder of the New American Standard Bible. You can find these words as a foreward in the book New Age Bible Versions by G.A. Riplinger. This excellent work can be obtained through Chick.com, among other places. Dr. Logsdon states:
“I must under God renounce every attachment to the New American Standard Version. I’m afraid I’m in trouble with the Lord…We laid the groundwork; I wrote the format; I helped interview some of the translators; I sat with the translator; I wrote the Preface…I’m in trouble; I can’t refute these arguments; it’s wrong, terribly wrong; its frighteningly wrong; and what am I going to do about it.
When questions began to reach me, at first I was quite offended… I used to laugh with others…However, in attempting to answer, I began to sense that something was not right about the New American Standard Version. I can no longer ignore these criticisms I am hearing and I can’t refute them…The deletions are absolutely frightening…there are so many…Are we so naïve that we do not suspect Satanic deception in all of this?
Upon investigation, I wrote my very dear friend, Mr.. Lockman (The Lockman Foundation), explaining that I was forced to renounce all attachment to the NASV. The product is grievous to my heart and helps to complicate matters in these already troublous times…I don’t want anything to do with it.
[T]he finest leaders that we have today…haven’t gone into it [the new version’s use of a corrupted Greek text], just as I hadn’t gone into it…that’s how easily one can be deceived…I’m going to talk to him [Dr. George Sweeting, president of Moody Bible Institute] about these things.
[Y]ou can say the Authorized Version (KJV) is absolutely correct, How correct? 100% correct!…I believe the Spirit of God led the translators of the Authorized Version. If you must stand against everyone else, stand…”
Mishandling of God’s Words is an infectious epidemic that has led many to blaspheme the Holy Ghost; and to also teach others to do the same! Watch out for this, and warn your brethren to be wary. Remember that the Word of God corrects us—we do not correct it!
Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? Isaiah 40:13
There is also another deception used to keep people from receiving Christ for salvation: that of “selling one’s soul” to the devil. Some have dabbled deeply into the occult and have made pacts with evil spirits as a part of their association. With these in place, the individual often feels that they cannot receive salvation, even if they greatly desire to. This is a lie!
Every person is born into sin, and has a “fallen” nature (see again Romans 7). In fact, the devil already has every soul alive; unless they accept and receive salvation through Jesus Christ’s blood atonement on the cross.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16…18
So if anyone you know has made such “a deal with the devil,” inform them that the blood of Jesus has the authority over it—that it is not an unforgiveable sin! You cannot “sell your soul” to the one who has it already—turn to Jesus for sure deliverance.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
God’s mercy is far greater than we can ever fully understand. Don’t let the “commandments of men” put you into condemnation—trust God at His Word.
Perhaps you are struggling with a specific sin, which has a strong foothold in your life. Bring it to the Lord—He knows all about it already. Keep coming to Him for deliverance and forgiveness over and over again.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6
Consider Matthew 18:21,22, and Luke 17:3,4;
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. Luke 17:3,4
Jesus was speaking to His disciples here, and the instruction He tells them to follow is the same way God deals with us. Though stumbling often, He will forgive you and help you to overcome.
We can never earn salvation by our works, so don’t let the devil convince you that you are too unworthy to be a child of God—no one has ever been worthy, except Jesus Christ; who is God come in the flesh.
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:10-12
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God…But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 5:1,2…8-10
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8,9
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21
As a young believer, I once walked away from the Lord because I was ashamed of what seemed to be my continual failings. How could God love me? How could He use me? How could I claim to belong to Him and act the way I do? This was, of course, not a real rejection of Christ. He continued to call me with everlasting faithfulness (II Timothy 2:13), and showed me the truth of mankind’s fallen nature and separation from God.
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Galatians 3:22
It is God Himself that has provided for our salvation, and we are justified only by Him.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:31-34
So remember that no matter how bad you have been, God still loves you and wants to help you. Run to Him, not away. There is but one unpardonable sin; and if you truly love Christ and want to please Him, you haven’t committed it! Turn to the Lord with your every shortfall—He longs to hear from you and be your help.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Psalms 103:8-13
WARNING: To avoid Satan’s snares and deceptions, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will tend to bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.
Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Word of God section and the section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.