Is There an Unforgivable Sin?

A question came wondering if there could be a sin so evil and heinous that it would be an unforgivable sin? Would God consider it impossible to forgive? This deep and thoughtful question haunted people through the centuries. The wonders and implications of the quandary continue to echo into our culture and settings today.

“Is there a sin which God cannot forgive?”

What Are We Asking About Unforgivable?

Before we begin considering answers to the question, perhaps we need to determine exactly what it is we are asking. Think with me for just a moment.

1. My question may focus on the words “sin” and “cannot forgive.” The query ponders the theology and philosophy behind the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Did His sacrifice cover the possibility of every sin? The emphasis is upon God’s work in forgiveness. Are there sins that are too bad – too evil, too unforgivable – for Christ’s sacrifice to atone?
2. My question may focus on the word “God.” Just how strong and powerful is God? Theologians use to argue, “Can God make a rock so big that He cannot pick it up?” The argument appears to be an attempt to limit God’s power. Either He isn’t powerful enough to make such a rock, or once He made it, He isn’t strong enough to move it. Just how big is your God?

More Questions

1. The question may simply focus on “sin.” I am asking the question because I want to make sure I do not commit such a hideous sin. Is there a sin that God cannot forgive?
2. This question also may be using the wrong word. Are we wondering if there is a sin God CANNOT forgive, or are we wondering if He WILL NOT forgive it? There is a difference.
3. We also need to decide is the question from our perspective or from God’s perspective. Is the decision on God’s part to decide if He will forgive the sin, or is it on our shoulders to ask for the forgiveness?

Providing a Biblical Context for an Unforgivable Sin

Let’s give our question a biblical context, and begin to consider all of the possibilities. The idea of an unforgivable sin actually comes from the gospels and the teaching of Jesus. It is found in Mark 3:28-30 and a parallel passage in Matthew 12:31-32.

Jesus had been performing miracles, including driving out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of recognizing the power of God, the Pharisees and other religious leaders accused Jesus himself of being possessed by the devil.

Jesus answers them with these words: “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, ²⁹ but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin” (Mark 3:28-29 NIV).

Not An Individual Sin, but a Way of Life

What is this sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? In the context of Jesus’ discussion, it appears the religious leaders were attributing the works and perhaps character of Jesus to demonic or Satanic forces. To openly reject the Spirit’s witness to the nature of Jesus and to their own personal sin, shipwrecks the Spirit’s purpose.

This is not one particularly evil sin, but is a consistent, deliberate resisting to the evidence and testimony of God’s presence in life. Jesus assures us, “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37). Isaiah reminds us, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). The apostle John encourages us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

A Heart’s Desire

It is God’s passion that no one should be lost, but all should come to salvation (2 Peter 3:9). There is no sin too grave for His mercy and grace to reach.

The crux of the matter is the desire of our hearts. If we harden our hearts time and time again, there comes a point where we simply will not turn back. We no longer want to ask forgiveness or be forgiven. It is not a matter of God’s ability to forgive, but our ability to ask.

Someone observed that if we are honestly wondering if we have committed the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, we probably have not yet committed it. But we may be on the path that leads to destruction.

I hope this helps address some of the questions that are embedded in your thoughtful question.

Blessings.