“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).

The concept of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit has long intrigued and, at times, perplexed believers. In Mark 3:29, Jesus warns about an unforgiveable sin called blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Some have said that it’s saying a certain phrase. That view doesn’t fit with the rest of the scriptures on this matter.

It makes sense that this blasphemy involves disobeying the written word of God and remaining unrepentant unto death. It is the Holy Spirit that reveals God’s will to man. This is true for the Old and the New Testaments.

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost”

(2Pet 1:21; Acts 1:16; Heb 9:8; 2Tim 3:16-17).

To better understand this ultimate sin, let’s explore the many ways we sin against the Holy Spirit as revealed in the written word.

Ephesians 4:30 implores believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Sorrowing the Spirit occurs when we engage in actions contrary to God’s commands. Look at what Isaiah wrote; “But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them” (Isaiah 63:10). This grief is a result of our disobedience and disregard for His word. When we knowingly choose sin over righteousness, we grieve the Spirit.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, we are warned not to quench the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is often symbolized as a flame or fire (Acts 2:3-4). To quench the Spirit is to suppress His influence in our lives through the word. When we ignore His revealed word, or neglect the pursuit of spiritual growth, we extinguish the flame of the Spirit that should cause a burning within us. “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (cf. Luke 24:32).

Acts 5:1-11 recounts the tragic tale of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied to God the Holy Spirit. Deception never draws us closer to God. They chose to lie to be seen as being more generous than they were. We can fake out men, but we’ll never pull the wool over the all-seeing eyes of God.

In Acts 7:51, Stephen accuses the religious leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit. Resistance involves actively opposing the Spirit’s instructions in the revealed word. When we resist the Holy Spirit, we interfere with the saving power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16).

The account of Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8:17-24 illustrates the danger of insulting the Holy Spirit. Simon sought to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating a profound misunderstanding of the Spirit’s purpose. This sin lies in attempting to commercialize the divine. When we seek to use the Word for personal gain, we insult His sovereignty and it seeks to take advantage (cf. 2Pet 2:3).

Mark 3:22-30 warns against turning away from the Holy Spirit in an unrepentant state. Turning away involves a deliberate rejection of the Spirit’s convicting work and a refusal to acknowledge our need for repentance. If this form of rebellion continues until death, it closes the door to God’s mercy and forgiveness. Unrepentance signifies a hardened heart that resists the transformative power of the Gospel leading to eternal death.

 Agape,

Spencer

Here’s a link for additional reading on how we’re led by the Holy Spirit.

This is part 3 of a series “Preaching through Mark.” Click here for the complete series.