Daily Devotional Luke 12:8-10 – What is blaspheming the Holy Spirit? – Online Bible Study – Easy English Commentary – Day 272

“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” (Luke 12:8-10) 

I was horrified when I read about a 16-year old who stated she was doomed because she had blasphemed the Holy Spirit. At 16, she felt she had no hope of going to heaven. I know my loving God would not send a 16-year-old to hell. Clearly she misunderstood what blaspheming the Holy Spirit is. Most don’t know what this scripture means. I’m not entirely sure I completely understand it either. But after research and prayer, the following is my understanding. 

Paul tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Grieving the Holy Spirit could have severe consequences (Isaiah 63:10) but won’t send us to hell. Any sin we commit would grieve the Holy Spirit, so blaspheming must be worse. What makes sense is that Jesus is still talking about the Pharisees attributing the healing power of the Holy Spirit to Satan. (See Daily Devotional Luke 11:14-16 – The worst lie – Day 253.)

I think blaspheming the Holy Spirit is calling the Holy Spirit by the name of Satan. When we’re at our Judgment we will be standing face to face before Jesus and feeling the love of our triune God. If we disown Jesus, he will disown us before the angels. If we call His Spirit by the name of Satan, he will also disown us before the angels. But that isn’t what Jesus wants. He wants to love us and write all our names in the Book of Life. If you call him Savior, He will choose you.

“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34) When you make a mistake, Jesus intercedes. He loves you.

Father God, let me show your love to a child every time I see one. Let there be no sixteen-year-old or anyone who believes they are sentenced to hell. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.