“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. “(Matt. 12:31-32 KJV)
“Therefore I am saying to you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be pardoned men, yet the blasphemy of the spirit shall not be pardoned." 32 And whosoever may be saying a word against the Son of Mankind, it will be pardoned him, yet whoever may be saying aught against the holy spirit, it shall not be pardoned him, neither in this eon nor in that which is impending.” (Matt. 12:31-32 CLT)
The unpardonable sin is almost never taught scripturally and accurately. This isn’t surprising. It is rare indeed when scriptural doctrine is handled scripturally. In fact, when it comes to the “unpardonable sin”, if you ask 10 people what it is, you are likely to get 10 different opinions. This need not be the case, as simply reading Matthew 12 in context, defines it with no ambiguity. However, with sermons taught in a bullet-point fashion and scripture cited as though one were picking from a cafeteria; confusion on this topic abounds.
First, we need to settle on what the passage actually says. As you can see, there are two very different translation renderings offered above. The KJV rendering says that this sin against the Holy Spirit, will not be “forgiven”
Are we speaking of pardon or forgiveness; and is there a difference?
Mirriam-Webster defines” pardon” as: “the excusing of an offense without exacting a penalty. A release from the legal penalties of an offense. An official warrant of remission of penalty.”
On the other hand, Mirriam-Webster defines “forgive” as: “to cease to feel resentment against an offender.”
Before I argue why I believe “pardoned” to be the correct verb, there is another issue as it pertains to translation in this passage. In the KJV, it states that this blasphemy will not be forgiven “…neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” The CLT states that this blasphemy will not be pardoned, “…neither in this eon nor in that which is impending.”
There is a Greek word, “kosmos”(G2889), which means “world”, but that is not the word found in this passage. The word used in this passage is the Greek word, “aion”(G165). “Aion” is the Greek word, from which the English word, “eon”, is transliterated. An eon is a period of time; often a long period of time. In many instances in the KJV, the word “aion” is mistranslated as “world”. This mistranslation (when “eon” would be accurate) has led to contradictions being made, due to dubious translating. See below, the contradiction created by translating “aion” into “world”:
“So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,” (Matt. 13:49 KJV)
In the above verse, we have Jesus Christ talking about the end of the age (aion), not world (kosmos). However, the translators chose to render it, “world”; creating a contradiction when looking at the verse below:
“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.” (Eph. 3:21KJV)
Above, we have the Greek word “aion” again and the KJV turns this into a nearly incomprehensible and grammatically incorrect phrase. In fact, when you look at this verse in Greek, you notice that the KJV translators decided to replace the Greek word that means “generations” with “ages”, deleted the singular “eon”, took out the genitive preposition “of” (which shows possession) and traded it for the preposition “without”, deleted the plural “eons” (which showed what the first “eon” belonged to), and finally added an “end” for good measure. Below is how Ephesians 3:21 should be rendered:
“to Him, be the glory, in the ecclesia, and in Christ Jesus-for all the generations of the eon of the eons.”(Eph. 3:21)
When we think of the word “world”, we often think of our world (Earth) and that actually bears some commonality with the Greek word “kosmos” which is where we get the transliterated word, “cosmos”.
So, when it comes to ‘this world” and “the world to come”, how are we to understand that? It is much easier to understand “this age/eon” and “the age/eon to come”. For example, in Galatians 1:4, Paul speaks of this “present evil eon”. In Ephesians 2:7, he speaks of the “eons to come”, and in Colossians 1:26, he makes reference to preceding “eons”.
To make sure we understand the context of what Jesus Christ had to say about the “unpardonable sin”, it is very important (as with everything we read and hope to understand) to note: who is speaking, to whom it is being spoken, when it was spoken, to what effect it was spoken, what precedes the passage, and what follows the passage. In other words, we need the context.
“Then He is saying to the man, "Stretch out your hand. And he stretches it out and it was restored, sound as the other." 14 Now, coming, the Pharisees held a consultation against Him, so that they should be destroying Him." 15 Now Jesus, knowing it, retires thence. And many follow Him, and He cures them all." 16 And He warns them that they should not be making Him manifest, 17 that fulfilled may be that which is declared through Isaiah the prophet, saying, 18 Lo, My Boy Whom I prefer! My Beloved, in Whom My soul delights! I shall be placing My spirit on Him, And He shall be reporting judging to the nations." 19 He will not be brawling, nor clamoring, Nor will anyone be hearing His voice in the squares." 20 A reed that is bruised He will not be fracturing. And flax that is smoldering He will not be extinguishing...Till He should ever be casting out judging for victory. 21 And on His name the nations will be relying. 22 Then was brought to Him a demoniac, blind and mute, and He cures him, so that the mute man is speaking and observing." 23 And amazed are all the throngs, and they said, "Is not this the Son of David? 24 Now the Pharisees, hearing it, said, "This man is not casting out the demons except by Beezeboul, the chief of the demons." 25 Now, having perceived their sentiments, He said to them, "Every kingdom parted against itself is being desolated, and every city or house parted against itself shall not stand." 26 And if the Satan is casting out the Satan, he is parted against himself. How, then, shall his kingdom stand? 27 And if I, by Beezeboul, am casting out demons, by whom are your sons casting them out? Therefore they shall be your judges." 28 Now if, by the spirit of God, I am casting out demons, consequently the kingdom of God outstrips in time to you." 29 Or how can anyone be entering into the house of the strong one, and plunder his gear, if ever he should not first be binding the strong one? And then he will be plundering his house." 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who is not gathering with Me is scattering." 31 Therefore I am saying to you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be pardoned men, yet the blasphemy of the spirit shall not be pardoned." 32 And whosoever may be saying a word against the Son of Mankind, it will be pardoned him, yet whoever may be saying aught against the holy spirit, it shall not be pardoned him, neither in this eon nor in that which is impending." 33 Either make the tree ideal and its fruit ideal, or make the tree rotten and its fruit rotten, for by its fruit the tree is known." 34 Progeny of vipers! How can you be speaking what is good, being wicked? For out of the superabundance of the heart the mouth is speaking." 35 The good man out of his good treasure is extracting good things; and the wicked man out of his wicked treasure is extracting wicked things. (Matt. 12:13-35)
Before getting into the immediate context of the above passage, we have to consider who Jesus Christ was preaching His gospel (the gospel of the kingdom) to and consider why that is important. During the Lord’s earthly ministry, the ministry of His forerunner (John the Baptist), and the ministry of the twelve after His resurrection, the focus was the Kingdom of the Heavens and to who this kingdom was promised.
The call to repent (by John) because the kingdom was at hand was only heralded to those of the House of Judah and any of Israel. Jesus Christ told his disciples, specifically, not to go “unto the road of the Gentiles”. At Pentecost, Peter addressed those who needed to repent and be baptized as “Ye men of Judaea” and “Ye men of Israel”.
In identifying what “the unpardonable sin” is, we have to keep in mind, the gospel preached and miracles performed which were to lead Israel to national repentance and usher in the kingdom.
In Matthew 12, we have Jesus Christ performing various miracles of healing upon the people. In verses 10-13, He heals a man with a “withered” hand. In verse 15, he heals all the people from within the great multitude of people, and in verse 22, he heals a man possessed and who was both blind and mute. These ailments are all pictures of national Israel and the healing that will make them whole and fit for the kingdom.
But, what do we have the Pharisees doing as they observe the things Jesus was doing? They were attributing His miracles (which were to lead Israel to repentance for the kingdom) to devils. He rebuts their accusations and makes the point that a devil isn’t going to cast out devils. He then goes on to describe our topic at hand:
“Therefore I am saying to you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be pardoned men, yet the blasphemy of the spirit shall not be pardoned." 32 And whosoever may be saying a word against the Son of Mankind, it will be pardoned him, yet whoever may be saying aught against the holy spirit, it shall not be pardoned him, neither in this eon nor in that which is impending.” (Matt. 12:31-32 CLT)
Here, we have what the sin is; defined by The Lord. No, “the unpardonable sin” is not: not believing in Jesus Christ, committing suicide, not believing in the Trinity, etc. The unpardonable sin is not passive; it is active.
Christ Jesus, himself, said that what men said against him would be pardoned, but against the Holy Spirit; it would not be pardoned. This is crucial and it is a very telling statement; as the Doctrine of the Trinity makes Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to be two persons who are “co-equal” in a “triune” “godhead”. If that were the case, what is said against Jesus Christ should and would carry the same weight as what is said against the Holy Spirit. This article is not a study on the doctrine of the Trinity, but for the purposes of this article we must take Jesus Christ at His word, that attributing the acts of the Holy Spirit to devils was a far more serious offense than attributing the same to the works of Lord Jesus.
The Pharisees hated Christ without a cause, but they blasphemed the Holy Spirit, when they attributed the source of His works to devils. See Matthew 12:24 again, below:
“Now the Pharisees, hearing it, said, "This man is not casting out the demons except by Beezeboul, the chief of the demons."
In my opinion, and based on my studies, it was only during Christ’s ministry and the continuing ministry of His disciples to Israel, heralding the kingdom; that it was possible to commit this sin. As we will see, the twelve openly attributed their miraculous works to the Holy Spirit.
“And, being foregathered, He charges them not to be departing from Jerusalem, but to be remaining about for the promise of the Father, "which you hear of Me, 5 seeing that John, indeed, baptizes in water, yet you shall be baptized in holy spirit after not many of these days." 6 Those, indeed, then, who are coming together, asked Him, saying, "Lord, art Thou at this time restoring the kingdom to Israel? 7 Yet He said to them, "Not yours is it to know times or eras which the Father placed in His own jurisdiction." 8 But you shall be obtaining power at the coming of the holy spirit on you, and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in entire Judea and Samaria, as far as the limits of the earth." (Acts 1:4-8)
Before the Lord was arrested; knowing that He would soon die; look at what He promised the disciples:
“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me; yet if not, believe Me because of the works themselves." 12 Verily, verily, I am saying to you, he who is believing in Me, the works which I am doing he also will be doing, and greater than these will he be doing, for I am going to the Father." 13 And whatever you should be requesting in My name, this I will be doing, that the Father should be glorified in the Son." 14 If you should ever be requesting anything of Me in My name, this I will be doing." (John 14:11-14)
There are some important details here. First, Jesus Christ points out to His disciples that the great works are done by the God, The Father, Who lives in him (Jesus Christ). Secondly, He points out that if they don’t believe that the Father is in him and he in the Father; they should believe for “the works’ sake” (the works that the Pharisees attributed to devils). Thirdly, He pointed out that they would be doing these same works and greater, because they would be sent the Holy Spirit (God’s Spirit). Lastly, He points out that they would be sent the Holy Spirit to do these works in His absence (see Acts 1).
All the way up through the end of the book of Acts, the apostles were empowered by God’s Spirit to do the works which were for Israel’s repentance. They would preach that Israel had crucified their Messiah, Whom God sent. They preached repentance for that and to be baptized for the kingdom was at hand. These things they preached so that “…The Father would be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13).
“Being, then, to the right hand of God exalted, besides obtaining the promise of the holy spirit from the Father, He pours out this which you are observing and hearing." (Acts 2:33)
“Now Peter is averring to them, "Repent and be baptized each of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the pardon of your sins, and you shall be obtaining the gratuity of the holy spirit." (Acts 2:38)
Here we have it. Throughout the book of Acts, Peter and the other disciples would preach that the Holy Spirit was empowering their works. Those who heard them, and attributed their miraculous works and empowerment to demonic powers, committed “the unpardonable sin”.
What is the ultimate fate of those who have committed this sin? They will not be “pardoned”. Meaning, they will not be released early from the sanction for this blasphemy. They will be dead for this age and for the age to come. After the next age (the conclusion of the millennial reign of Christ) their sentence will be over.
I realize that if you are unacquainted with the scriptural words this paper has discussed (“aion” and its adjective forms), this may be very new and confusing to you. In mainstream Christianity, judgment is almost always described as being permanent in duration. This simply isn’t the case. It contradicts the limited view and purpose of judgment which is described in the scripture’s original languages.
You may be asking as to how many ages or eons of time we are told about. I believe there are at least 5 eons of time. Galatians 1:4, speaks of this present, evil eon. As mentioned earlier, Ephesians 2:7 speaks of the “eons to come”, and Colossians 1:26 makes reference to preceding “eons”.
The ancient Greeks’ word “aion” was believed to be an indefinite period of time which had a beginning and an end. Often, the end of an age was noticeable due to a calamity. It seems that we can identify 5 eons of time in the scriptures.
➢ Eon 1: “In the beginning” (Gen.1:1), ending with the “disruption” and the earth becoming a vacant and chaos (Gen.1:2, 2 Peter 3:5-6)
➢ Eon 2: “Let there be light” (Gen. 1:3), ending with the Flood (2 Peter 2:5)
➢ Eon 3: “And God remembered Noah” (Gen. 8:1) will conclude with the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:29-31)
➢ Eon 4: Begins with the inauguration of the kingdom (Dan. 12:12) ends with The Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11)
➢ Eon 5: The creation of the New Heavens and New Earth (Isaiah 65:17, 2 Peter 3:13), ending with the consummation of the ages/eons when “God will be all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28)
So, when Jesus Christ spoke to the Pharisees and warned them that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be pardoned in this age (eon 3), “neither in the eon impending” (Eon 4). And this pronouncement makes perfect sense and is in harmony with the scriptures. The Pharisees, being sons of Abraham, fully expected to be welcomed into the kingdom of the heavens (the millennial reign) promised to the Patriarchs of Israel and described in the writings of the Old Testament prophets. This is why Jesus Christ gave so many parables describing those who would not enter the kingdom. This kingdom is not “Heaven”, but the kingdom of heaven; meaning its jurisdiction and power come from heaven. The Pharisees who committed this sin, will in all likelihood be resurrected after the millennial reign, to appear at the Great White Throne judgment and realize they missed the kingdom they longed to see and be a part of, when they were alive.
For centuries, people in organized Christianity have been threatened with “the unpardonable sin” as if: it means eternal torment in a Pagan hell, that it could be committed by not believing certain things the organized “church” and/or denominations state must be believed, and that it could be committed after the era of the miraculous signs for Israel ended”.
Take comfort in a few things. First, when Israel nationally rejected the offer of the kingdom and their Messiah, the signs wrought by the Holy Spirit (tongues, healings, miracles, etc.) waned and eventually receded away. Running in tandem with the gospel of the kingdom to Israel, was the proclamation of the gospel of the grace of God, to any Jews who would believe and to the Gentiles. This began in Acts 9, with the calling of the Apostle Paul.
God is not counting the world’s sins against them now. Can you believe that?! It’s true. It’s the gospel. Read below:
“Yet all is of God, Who conciliates us to Himself through Christ, and is giving us the dispensation of the conciliation, 19 how that God was in Christ, conciliating the world to Himself, not reckoning their offenses to them, and placing in us the word of the conciliation." (2 Cor. 5:18-19)
Pay close attention to the language of “us” and “their” in the above passage. Who is the “us” who have been entrusted with letting who know that “their” sins are not being counted against them? The “us” is believers and God is not reckoning the world’s (“their’) offenses against them! Have you ever heard your preacher tell your congregation that great, truly good news? I doubt it. For most pastors, the “us” is believers and the “world” and “their”…must also be believers because God isn’t at peace with unbelievers…right?!
God is at peace with unbelievers now. Not because of anything we have done but because of what His Son has done (the undoing of Adam- see Romans 5:12-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:21-28).
We live in a dispensation of transcendent grace which is lavished upon us for no reason, just as Christ Jesus’ enemies hated him for no cause. This is the definition of grace. We did or do nothing to merit it, or else, it is no longer grace.
In the future, even those who committed the unpardonable sin will be welcomed and reconciled back to the Father, through the work of His Son (Col. 1:20).
Earlier in this article, I mentioned that “pardoned” is the correct English word to be used in connection with “the unpardonable sin”, rather than “forgiven”. As demonstrated earlier by the definitions of “pardon” and “forgiveness”, the former carries the meaning of“excusing of an offense without exacting a penalty”, and being “let off” of sanction for a crime. As a matter of fact the elements of the Greek word, which is commonly translated as “forgiven” in the KJV and many other translations of the Bible, really mean “pardon”. The elements of the Greek word are “from let”. Most instances in which the King James Version and others speak of “forgiveness”, the word really means “pardon”.
“Forgiveness”, while similar, means “to cease to feel resentment against an offender.” God is at peace with mankind now. This peace was made through the blood of Christ’s cross. However, there is a special penalty, in the special case of “the unpardonable sin”, which will not be pardoned. After the conclusion of the eon to come, the offenders will have fulfilled the duration of the penalty.
Again, don’t be made to fear this. You have not committed “the unpardonable sin”. God is at peace with you, not reckoning your offenses against you. And even the small number who have committed this blasphemy will ultimately be resurrected, recognize Who Jesus Christ was, repent (have a change of mind for the better, bow the knee and confess Him as Lord, and be reconciled to God.
That’s good news.
