Expert: Todd Tyszka - 10/20/2010

Question
My question concerns blapheming the Holy spirit.Is beliving that natural disasters are are a bad thing the same as blapheming the Holy spirit since Gods holy spirit would have caused this phenomenon.And is it blapheming the holy spirit to think that if God or the Holy spirit brought the Jewish people back to israel was a bad thing because many Jews have been killed by arab palestinion terrorists?Have i in either of these instances blaphemied the Holy spirit.p.s I do support Israel thank you.

Answer
Hi Jack,
Thank you for the question!

As far as natural disasters, I agree that they are "bad" and this doesn't have anything to do with blaspheming the Holy Spirit. God and the Holy Spirit DO NOT cause natural disasters today and if He did, it would probably be remarkable and for a purpose known to the body of Christ. We are in a period of tremendous grace. However, I do believe we are seeing an increase in natural disasters but only as an indirect consequence of what God has set into motion, the "birth pains" until the return of Christ to the earth. If anyone is to blame, it is mankind for our increasing sinfulness and disobedience.

As far as Israel, I do not understand your logic. If you support Israel, you would want to see them return to their home, for that is what they want. Many Israelis do get killed but most of Israel is very safe and it's a beautiful country. Regardless, this has nothing t do with blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

There is obviously some dispute over blaspheming the Holy Spirit and the "unforgivable sin" since various groups are trying to commit it (e.g. the recent YouTube "blasphemy challenge"), however, most Biblical scholars agree that according to the Bible, you cannot commit an "unforgivable sin." Jesus can essentially forgive any sin you commit if you truly repent. The Bible is actually very clear on that. In the context of the Bible, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit was spoken about "teachers of the law" who said Jesus was "possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons." In Mark 3:30, it says that Jesus said this because they were saying, "He has an evil spirit." So the only "unpardonable sin" for today is if you die and haven't been truly converted through a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is more than simply saying a prayer, it is a personal relationship and you have to really know Christ (Matthew 7:21-*23; 25:1-*12; Luke 13:22-*27). I hope and pray that you have this relationship. Make sure you are going to a good Bible-believing church that preaches the Word of God so you can grow in your faith. Hell is real and terrible, don't go there.

On the other hand, blasphemy is "the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God." It doesn't matter if they are a believer or unbeliever, it is still a serious sin to blaspheme God or the Holy Spirit, but it is not the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit talked about in Matthew 12 and Mark 3.

Thanks again for the question!

Todd