MARK 3:28-29 (MATTHEW 12:31-32; LUKE 12:10)

Q:How do I know whether I have committed the Unforgivable Sin?

In the first place, here are some unacceptable explanations of this passage:

1. Christ's atonement was insufficient to cover my sin.

2. The Holy Spirit must be more sacred than God the Father or Jesus.

3. The unforgivable sin is suicide, murder, betrayal, divorce and remarriage, etc.

4. One can commit the unforgivable sin unknowingly.

Carefully consider the background for this teaching:

1. The Mishnah considered the following to be unforgivable sins: blasphemy, causing others to sin, giving false witness in a capital trial, and denying the resurrection.

2. The most important context is the immediate one (Mark 3:22-30).

3. Read the parallel gospel passages above for any additional insights.

4. Somewhat parallel teachings are found elsewhere in the Bible (Numbers 15:30-31; I Samuel 3:13-14; Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-27).

Possible explanations:

1. The sin is not a one-time event, but a state of mind. A possible translation of Mark 3:30 is: “for they were saying, 'He has an unclean spirit.'”

2. To be forgiven, one must be repentant. The scribes and Pharisees were progressing in the opposite direction (see Matthew 12:14).

3. These words were addressed to the scribes, men trained in God's word. This was purposeful apostasy, not a mere mistake.

4. Here are various explanations of the unforgivable sin given by scholars:

    “The conscious and deliberate rejection of the saving power and grace of God.”

    “Only the power of the Spirit can convict a person of sin – removing oneself from the only power         that can save.”

    “Deliberate labeling of good as evil (John 3:19).”

    “Someone who is declaring war on God.”

Why the distinction between blasphemy against Jesus and against the Holy Spirit?

1. The early Church Fathers felt that sin against Christ was pre-baptismal sin while sin against the Spirit was any major sin after baptism (since that person now possessed the Holy Spirit and should know better).

2. Christ was referring to the time after the ascension when the truth would be clearly revealed by the Holy Spirit.

3. Christ's personal glory was hidden so the scribes and Pharisees could be forgiven for not recognizing him.

4. It refers specifically to seeing an authentic miracle performed. It is no longer applicable.