Is anyone too far gone to be forgiven?
Growing up, I found great solace in knowing that I would be forgiven for any sin, no matter how serious. Jesus’ death on the cross provided total forgiveness for every sin.
Even the seven deadly sins of gluttony, lust, greed, despondency, wrath, sloth, vain, and pride would be forgiven. Even the sins of the 10 commandments including idol worship, murder, adultery, stealing, lying, and coveting would be forgiven.
Every sin.
But one.
Wait? What? There’s a sin that’s unforgivable?!
Yes. There is one sin that Jesus said I would not be forgiven for — blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
In Matthew 12, Jesus warned the Pharisees that anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. (Matthew 12:31 NIV)
How can we know if we’ve blasphemed the Holy Spirit?
By hardening our heart, rejecting faith, and turning our back on God.
Why is this unforgiveable?
To deliberately harden our heart means we would reject the Holy Spirit’s promptings to repent and ask for forgiveness.
The Holy Spirit’s job is to comfort us in times of trouble, guide us in understanding Christ’s teachings, and convict us of our sins.
If we offend, discredit, and chide the Holy Spirit, then there is no one to comfort, guide or convict us concerning our sin and need for repentance.
I am eternally grateful to God for sending His Son to die for my sins. I find comfort knowing the Holy Spirit dwells in my heart. I am forever thankful knowing any sin I want to be pardoned for will be forgiven.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NIV)