Response:

There is some debate over what exactly the "blasphemy of the Spirit" is. There are some who believe that it specifically refers to events that took place during the earthly ministry of Christ, and therefore could not be committed today. I am not sure that they are correct, but I mention it because there is much question as to what this "unpardonable sin" really is. It is my opinion that "cursing" the Spirit probably is NOT what happened in Mark 3, for there the people were saying that what Christ was accomplishing through the Holy Ghost was actually being done through the power of Satan. It is response to this attitude that Christ speaks of a sin that can never be forgiven. I agree with your answer to your friend. If he is being convicted, then obviously the Holy Spirit is working on him, for part of the Spirit's job is to "reprove the world of sin (John 16:10). If the Spirit is dealing with him, then he must not have blasphemed the Spirit. Rather than worry about a specific event in his life, he needs to repent of his sins (all of them, not simply his cursing of the Spirit) and receive Christ as his Saviour. Christ said, "He that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." If he will put his faith in Christ, and Him alone, then his eternal destiny will be secure. If there has been a time in his life already when he was born again, then he needs to accept God's promise that he has become a son of God (John 1:12), realize that he will never perish (John 10:28), and move on in his Christian life.

By Dr Mark Montgomery Ambassador Baptist Church 1926 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15209 (412)477-3210