Many Christians take the position that God will forgive them for everything they do. It is true that God is a very loving God. Scripture tells us this specifically.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV)

Many take this verse, ignoring many other verses, to prove that believing in God and Jesus Christ secures salvation for us. The truth is that this is the first step of salvation. (In another post we’ll discuss the steps to salvation.)  Note the following verse:

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” (James 2:19 KJV)

The bible tells us that the devils believe in God as well so then we know that belief in Jesus Christ does not grant us automatic forgiveness of sins. We should carefully consider these verses before willfully participating in sin.

The Sin That Will Never Be Forgiven

How many Christians actually know that Jesus Christ explicitly tells of a sin that will not be forgiven? If we are to live, “by every word of God,” (Luke 4:4 KJV) as Christ said then we must make every effort to search what God has to say about any topic. So before possibly sinning we should consult the word of God.  Now note the one sin that shall not be forgiven:

“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. 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)

Notice that Jesus first describes every sin that will be forgiven then He describes an exception. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Speaking against Jesus Christ, one of the God-beings will be forgiven, but speaking against the Holy Spirit (which is not one of the God-beings) will not be forgiven. This sin is so serious that it will not be forgiven in this world or the kingdom of God!!!

How many professing Christians are aware of this deadly sin? The only sin said to not be forgiven should be understood by all believers!!! Again speaking against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. For this reason we all should be careful of what we say especially when talking about the Holy Spirit. How often do unbelievers make jokes about God and the contents of the bible? They too must be careful, because despite their disbelief in the word of God, it is applicable to them. Why? Because God is more real than we are.

Note that every sin except one will be forgiven; however, Christ says, “if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”(Matt 19:17 KJV) This means that you cannot willfully sin because you’re avoiding the one sin that will not be forgiven. The commandments are just as valid today as they were in the Old Testament.

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matt. 5:17 KJV)

The Real Holy Spirit

We often see depictions of the Holy Spirit in movies and television shows that show people going wild and shouting because of it. Is this a true representation of the Holy Spirit? These depictions are grossly inaccurate and borderline blasphemous. Notice what Jesus says about the Holy Spirit:

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26 KJV)

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Comforter. Does that sound like something that would make a person go wild? The very word comfort suggests the very opposite of what people claim. In addition, the Holy Spirit brings remembrance of the things that Christ has said.

Notice what Paul wrote about the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord… For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.” (I Cor. 12:4-5, 8-10 KJV)

Paul never mentions wild uncontrolled energy, shouting, and stomping yet some seem to believe these things are a result of the Holy Spirit. Again this common depiction and acts in churches are grossly inaccurate and borderline blasphemous!!! In addition, most misunderstand what it really means to speak in tongues. Read Acts 2. Speaking in tongues means to speak in the languages of others so that they may understand what you’re saying.

Reading for Yourself

There is much more that can be written about this topic; however, reading the passages in the bible for yourself is of the utmost importance. You are likely to be misled if you decide not to comb the pages of your bible on your own. Take some time to read all that your bible has to say about the Holy Spirit. Using a bible concordance can make your search easier. We recommend that every serious bible student has one. There are online concordances that are free and at the disposal of anyone with internet access.

In addition, there are two good books that can help provide you with understanding about the Holy Spirit. They are God Is a Family and The Incredible Human Potential by the Philadelphia Church of God. These books are scripturally sound and excellently written. If you truly want to learn more, then we suggest these books are read along side with your bible.

By Bryant Muldrew