In a thought-provoking interview, Alex O’Connor (known as Cosmic Skeptic), an atheist, sat down with Cliff and Stuart Knechtle to delve into one of Christianity’s most challenging theological concepts: the unforgivable sin—blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
During the discussion, Alex O’Connor expressed his struggle with the idea of an unforgivable sin, calling it one of the most troubling theological doctrines.
He posed challenging questions:
This tension highlights a common struggle for both believers and skeptics: reconciling the concept of divine justice with God’s infinite love.
Jesus addresses this in Mark 3:28-29:
Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness but is guilty of an eternal sin.
This passage unsettles many Christians who wonder if they’ve accidentally committed this sin.
It’s also a common point of debate for skeptics, who argue that the concept contradicts the belief that Jesus’ blood can wash away all sin.
Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart in response to God’s signs. In Exodus, during the ten plagues, Pharaoh hardened his own heart six times after witnessing God’s power.
Following this, God further hardened Pharaoh’s heart, affirming his decision and solidifying his rebellion (Exodus 7-11).
Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves.
Paul describes those who reject God so persistently that God “gives them over” to their sinful desires.
This spiritual callousness leads to a state where repentance becomes impossible.
C.S. Lewis offers helpful insight in Mere Christianity:
“God is outside and above the Time-line. What we call ‘tomorrow’ is visible to Him in just the same way as what we call ‘today.’”
God exists beyond the boundaries of time, seeing the entirety of a person’s life—past, present, and future—as one complete picture.
While we, as humans, can only observe someone’s current actions or outward behavior, God fully knows the condition of their heart and the trajectory of their life.
When Jesus declares that someone has blasphemed the Holy Spirit, it’s not based on a single moment or isolated act.
Instead, it reflects a lifetime of deliberate rejection and unwavering refusal to repent.
The “unforgivable sin” is not for humans to identify or label.
While we may witness signs of rebellion or hypocrisy, we cannot determine someone’s ultimate spiritual state.
Only God, who sees the entirety of a person’s life and heart, can make that judgment.
This reminds us to approach others with humility and compassion, leaving final judgment to the One who knows all things.
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Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is serious, but it’s not something to obsess over if your heart is open to God.
Instead, focus on growing in the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
If you still feel uneasy, trust in this truth: Jesus will never turn away anyone who comes to Him in genuine repentance.
Let this verse encourage and reassure you:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
May God’s grace fill your heart with peace today.
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