Jesus says in Matt 12:31-32 “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” The obvious question that comes is, “What is that?”
What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?
In this message, Aaron explains blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as a hard-hearted resistance to the Spirit’s work of showing us our sin and leading us to repentance. He points to the Pharisees, who called Jesus’ healing the work of the devil, and says their words revealed a heart unwilling to bring its life and sin before God (16:48-19:47).
Key points from the message
- Forgiveness rests on Christ’s work. Aaron distinguishes Christ’s power to forgive any sin from our refusal to respond to the Spirit’s call to repentance (15:21-19:47).
- Religious goodness does not save us. The Gospel begins with acceptance through Jesus’ work rather than our moral performance (21:48-28:58).
- Hope for those who are worried. Aaron reassures those afraid they have committed this sin, saying their concern points to the Holy Spirit at work (32:25-33:03).
Summary drawn from the AMA Week 7 message. Timestamps refer to the message-only video. See also the message notes.
