DEFINITION: The phrase “unpardonable sin” is not actually used in the Bible, but the term is based on Matthew 12:30-31 where Jesus mentions a sin that cannot be forgiven, a transgression that is deemed “unpardonable.”
FACTS ABOUT THE UNPARDONABLE SIN:
The unpardonable sin is a scriptural concept. Although the actual phrase is not used, it is drawn from an event recorded in Matthew 12:22-31. When Jesus cast a demon out of a blind and mute man, the Pharisees claimed He had cast it out by the power of Bellzebub, the prince of demons. From this reference comes the concept of the unpardonable sin. The Pharisees were attributing the work of God to Satan and Jesus said this was an unpardonable sin.
The unpardonable sin is attributing the work of God to Satan. This results in a reprobate mind that does not desire or seek repentance: “Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done” (Romans 1:28).
Satan often uses this to torment those seeking forgiveness from sin. They think their case is hopeless because they have committed the unpardonable sin. When a person truly has committed this sin, he will not have any interest in spiritual things, nor will he have any desire to repent because he believes that the work of God is actually that of Satan.
DEALING WITH THE UNPARDONABLE SIN:
Distinguish between other sins and the unpardonable sin. People who have murdered or abused a child, etc., may believe they have committed the unpardonable sin. Their guilt and shame may make them think their transgression is unpardonable. Do not minimize the seriousness of sin–whatever it is–but know that even such vile things as these are not unpardonable.
Recognize that because you are concerned, this indicates that you have not committed the unpardonable sin. It is God that draws men to repentance (John 6:44). You would not be concerned about repenting and being forgiven, nor would you desire absolution for sin if you had committed the unpardonable sin.
Realize that God is willing to forgive all other sins. He forgives all your sins (Psalm 103:3). Aside from the “unpardonable sin”, the only other sin that cannot be pardoned is sin which is not confessed: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” (1 John 1:9-10)
Pray a prayer of repentance. Confess your sin to God, ask forgiveness, and He will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.
Bind the torment of Satan. If Satan returns with thoughts that you have committed the unpardonable sin, bind these thought sin the name of Jesus. Command them to go!
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT THE UNPARDONABLE SIN:
Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.
He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him… (John 6:44)
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. (Romans 1:28).
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (1 John 1:9-10)
(See also the topics of “Assurance” and “Doubt” in this database.)