Written by Paul J Bucknell on May, 24, 2025

Matthew 12:31-32 (Mark 3:28-30) Believers Cannot Commit the Sin of Blasphemy

Jesus’ teaching on the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit troubles many believers. In my experience, these individuals are sincere Christians striving to please God. However, in their weaknesses and sins, they fear that they have committed the unpardonable sin mentioned by Jesus in Matthew and Mark. This interpretational quandary parallels Hebrews 6:4-9 in how the evil one uses it to instill fear, not faith (discussed separately - Click here).

An Introduction to the Problem of Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit

There are two passages where Jesus speaks of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 12:31-32

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. (NASB)

Mark 3:28-30

²⁸ “Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; ²⁹ but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— ³⁰ because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

In both cases, the context is similar. Religious leaders maligned Jesus by associating Him and His good works with Satan. Matthew describes the scene prompting Jesus to make these strong statements.

²² Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw. ²³ All the crowds were amazed, and were saying, “This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?” ²⁴ But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.” (Mat 12:22-24)

Jesus cast out a demon from a blind and mute man, healing him, so that he could now speak and see. The Jerusalem scribes attributed this wonder to Satan’s power, saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.” (Mark 3:22) The Pharisees responded, “But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, ‘This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons’.” (Mat 12:24).

The Word for Blasphemy

The English word translated as blasphemy is a transliteration of the Greek word (blas-fa-me-ah). This adds to the confusion by not using a known English word. The Net Bible provides these two usages: “1) slander, detraction, speech injurious, to another's good name 2) impious and reproachful speech injurious to divine majesty” (NET BIble footnote). It’s used 19 times. Translators would do better by using the word slander. The religious leaders conspired to have people think evil of the good work Jesus did. A few versions correctly translate blasphemy: insult to God (CEB), injurious speaking (Darby), deliberately persist in your slanders (MSG), cursing (NOG) (see here).

In summary, some religious leaders, despite witnessing the healing that resulted from casting out the demon, could not recognize or celebrate the good due to their hardened stance against Jesus. Instead, they attributed an evil perspective to God’s good works. “They were saying, “He has an unclean spirit” (Mark 3:30).

This attribution of evil to what is good illustrates how hardened they had become. Did they care about the person ensnared by the evil one? No, they slandered Jesus so that people would not take delight in God’s good works of delivering individuals from the evil one.

Two Groups

Jesus clarifies the nature of blasphemy and differentiates between its types. I’ll call them forgivable and unforgivable.

“³¹ Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. (Mat 12:31)

“²⁸ Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; ²⁹ but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness.” (Mark 3:28-29).

Many readers, both believers and unbelievers, often focus solely on the second group, the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, neglecting Jesus’ earlier words in the verse. Jesus Himself distinguishes one type of slander (blasphemy) from another. Our sins can be forgiven, and we should find comfort in this. However, Jesus cautioned about the danger posed by this particular group’s blasphemy, as it obscures the path to salvation by tarnishing Jesus’ name and works.

People commit sins and even blasphemy—“Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people.” However, this group greatly contrasts with those who arrogantly fail to recognize the good that Jesus did. Jesus distinctly separates one group from the unforgivable sin—serious blasphemy.

Let’s look at four characteristics of these two groups.

Four Descriptions of These Two Groups

Based on my experience, this second group of people who blasphemed the Holy Spirit significantly differs from those who fear they have blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit show no concern for their malicious words and, consequently, believe they can never attain salvation. Those who speak to me about this matter always struggle with sins and doubts. They humbly seek God’s ways, distinguishing them from the religious leaders who blasphemed or slandered Jesus.

Since many believers sadly become entrapped in believing they have no hope for salvation, let me further clarify how these two groups differ. I’m not downplaying the seriousness of Jesus’ condemnation, but I want to demonstrate that this is not your issue as a believer. Believers won’t go there.

I’ll examine four areas: desires, actions, attitudes, and results. The explanations may overlap, but focus on what helps you the most.

Desires

Our desires help us recognize that we are not part of this condemned group. Christians desire what is good; they want to flee from their sins, despite facing many struggles. Those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit, undoubtedly seeking self-protection, cannot see or appreciate goodness but only wish to tarnish Jesus’ name and good works.

Actions

Observe how the two groups behave differently. The believers fear they have sinned and might lose eternal life, and they feel repentant. They are deeply concerned about spiritual matters, which is why they struggle. The condemned do not believe they are in the wrong; instead, they think that Jesus, while doing the good works of God, has made an error. They denounce and slander Jesus for doing good.

Attitudes

Believers experience deep contrition and are troubled by their fears of losing eternal life. Living righteously holds great importance for them. In contrast, the condemned blasphemers exhibit an attitude that takes pride in their conclusions, ignores the needs of the suffering, and, without evidence, accuses Jesus of wrongdoing.

Results

Believers care for those who suffer, like the demon-possessed man, and hope, like Jesus, to improve their welfare. Although not consistently successful, they struggle with sin and gradually grow in their spiritual lives. The condemned blasphemers have attempted to thwart those in need of salvation by slandering Jesus. They shouted down Jesus and God’s good works through Him, demonstrating that they cared neither for God, nor for His plan to save people, nor for God’s own Son, thus openly condemning themselves.

In the last section, I’ll present a proper biblical mindset for believers and explain why they can incorrectly associate themselves with this condemned group.

A Better Mindset for Doubters

The biggest challenge is convincing those wrongly identified with this disreputable group. However, it’s essential not only to break free from this incorrect perception and the related fear of having blasphemed Jesus but also to explore why they hold these views.

Those fearing they have fallen into the pit of no return must be aware that they have entered a vulnerable place where the evil one can launch his attacks. With a firmer grasp of biblical truths, they can better shelter themselves and will not misinterpret or apply this condemnation to themselves. Difficulty in accepting the teachings of adoption as God’s sons, the security of salvation, and good works partially creates this vulnerability. Jesus differentiated between the hardened and condemned blasphemers and those who rejected Jesus Christ and His good works.

I’ve noticed the fear of losing salvation among my brothers who mistakenly apply this condemnation to themselves. The Lord does not use fear to keep His children in line (though many parents wrongly threaten their children with leaving them). Fear and faith are similar in that they both project the future and a path to follow, but they are very different.

Darkness, confusion, and being lost characterize those with fear. Faith, however, brings light, confidence, and salvation. We need not live in fear but in faith in God’s Word (Josh 1:1-9).

An Examination of 1 Corinthians 1:7-9

Consider this example from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians to help establish an appropriate mindset. The church faced troubles on many fronts; however, note the mindset Paul instills in them right from the start. Rather than fear, there is a palpable confidence in God’s glorious salvation plan, even for weaker believers. Similarly, we should all place complete trust in the Lord and His salvation. An appropriate mindset leaves little room for such misapplication.

“⁷ So that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁸ who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Cor 1:7-9)

Each person contributes his or her part in Christ’s body with his or her spiritual gift.
They eagerly await the Lord’s return.
The Lord affirms their security until the end of their lives.
Despite being sinners, they will be presented without blame on Judgment Day.
Salvation relies on God’s faithfulness in caring for us.
God ensured our salvation through fellowship with Jesus.

Paul confirms their salvation instead of instilling fear. He assures them of their faithful God, who has secured their salvation in Christ. So why does Paul write this? The assurance of salvation for God’s people is crucial for strengthening faith and fostering significant spiritual growth. Without this assurance, believers are vulnerable to fears and misinterpretations.

Paul (and Jesus, too) regularly assures believers of their salvation. Read Romans 8:28, Philippians 1:6, and Many other similar passages, which illustrate how our confidence in God’s salvation plan grows as we read these words. They reinforce the underlying truths that provide us with assurance. They emphasize how a powerful and faithful God oversees our salvation, ensuring complete security in Jesus Christ.

Summary

Believers should not be troubled by blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Jesus used this term to describe the hardened unbeliever. Despite their religious influence, they, much like Pharaoh in the Old Testament during the plagues, stubbornly hardened themselves against God’s good and mighty works. They were neither humble nor willing to learn. Believers, despite their weaknesses, come to Christ for forgiveness. They should find confidence in Christ’s righteousness, set aside their fears, and live by faith in what Christ has done for them. This approach radically differs from those whom Jesus condemned because they rejected Him.

Questions for Believers Who Cannot Commit the Sin of Blasphemy

Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3:28-30

Have you ever thought that you might be part of this condemned group of blasphemers? If so, please share your situation.
What are the two groups Jesus refers to in these verses?
Identify at least three distinctions between these two groups.
What characterizes believers who start to fear they belong to this condemned group?
What does blaspheme mean? What is a good translation for it here?
Why did Jesus condemn this particular group that blasphemed against Christ?
What are the similarities and differences between fear and faith?
Do you believe that the insecurity of salvation is the main cause of doubts among believers who mistakenly associate themselves with this group?
What might you say to a believer who wonders whether he or she belongs to this condemned group?
Point out at least three things on the biblical mindset each believer ought to have from 1 Corinthians 1:7-9.

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Category New Testament