Blasphemy Against the Spirit

 31"Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.


 32"Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.


Matthew 12:31-32


Trying to understand this passage has been an up and down experience.  Sometimes I get it, sometimes I'm stumped as to its meaning but the underlying theme I always get is that "believers" can't commit this sin.  This scripture is saying people can deny Jesus (many did) and be forgiven but to deny the Holy Spirit is unforgivable.  


At that time, people were denying Jesus left and right because they didn't believe the fulfillment of the scriptures by Christ.  He did miracles, healed, brought people back from the dead, showed love & compassion... all this done while fulfilling the scriptures of the prophets; the very words the Jews lived by.  None of this was good enough.  If you sin here there was still hope and forgiveness as long as you were open to God's Spirit.


In blasphemy of the Holy Spirit there is no forgiveness.  In regards to time, the Holy Spirit was sent at Pentecost, after Jesus had ascended into heaven.  How can one blaspheme against the Holy Spirit?  My understanding is that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the "stubborn refusal to listen to the Holy Spirit."  Forgiveness can only come through the Holy Spirit so it makes sense that if we never let God in we can never be saved.


Believers have the Holy Spirit in them so committing this sin is impossible.  Non-believers can still repent until their dying moment but if they refuse the Holy Spirit they'll never accept Jesus... how can they?


Father God, thank You for blessing me with salvation.  I know this can only come through belief in Your Son, Jesus; that He came, died and rose from the grave.  That's the celebration we partake in on Easter!  Help me to keep You in highest reverence, Father.  In Your Son's precious name I pray, Amen!