The Pharisees had gone too far. They were standing on the edge of a precipice.
Mark 3:22-29 NIV
[22] And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” [23] So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? [24] If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. [25] If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. [26] And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. [27] In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. [28] Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, [29] but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
Matthew included in Jesus’ response, the true source of Jesus’ power.
Matthew 12:28 NIV
[28] “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
The very argument of the Pharisees was faulty. Jesus pointed out a principle that not only applies in the spirit world but also in the human world. History has shown us that division has caused the collapse of even great empires and movements.
However, in the Pharisees’ case, they were unwittingly planting themselves in the path of eternal judgement. Jesus said that there is one sin that will never be forgiven. Of course, all sin is the fruit of unbelief in Jesus, and can therefore never be forgiven outside of repentance. However, one sin remains unforgivable because it severe connection with the Holy Spirit.
So, what is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?
According to Google…
“The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is when one condemns God’s merciful operation and attributes it to evil and to deceiving spirits when that same operation is evidently the Holy Spirit’s work.”
Blasphemy is specific. It’s not using God’s name lightly, for example, as an expletive, as is so common in certain cultures. The expression, “O my God!” is so commonly used today that it is has become a part of Western culture. It has even contracted to “OMG” as though this somehow lessens the sheer disrespect and dishonour of God’s name. However, not even using expressions like this can be taken as blasphemy but certainly as using God’s name in vain.
Google again…
“To “take God’s name in vain” means to use God’s name in a way that is worthless, empty, careless, or for a false or wrong purpose. It refers to using the name of God, or Jesus… in a meaningless… or profane way, such as in casual curses or false oaths, and also to bearing His name in a way that contradicts His true character through one’s actions and lifestyle.”
Why is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit unforgivable? To the Holy Spirit has been assigned the task of administering God’s grace to His people. Without the Holy Spirit, there can be no conviction of sin…
John 16:7-8 NIV
[7] But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. [8] When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin…”
…no new birth into God’s kingdom…
John 3:5 NIV
[5] “Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
…and no spiritual transformation and growth…
1 Corinthians 6:11 NIV
[11] “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
To declare that the Holy Spirit is the author of evil, is a lie and negates everything the Spirit is and does. He is an honoured member of the Trinity, in perfect unity with the Father and the Son, the “Three-in-one” God, Holy as His name implies, the very replica of Jesus, and His representative indwelling every believer.
John 14:17 NIV
[17] “…the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
To attribute evil to the Holy Spirit is the worst form of depravity. A mind so warped as to say this is beyond repentance.