Lesson 8 - Living While We Wait
Going Deeper: Sins Against the Holy Spirit
Questions 5 & 6: Are all (or any) of these sins [blasphemy, resisting, grieving, quenching] that Christians could or do commit? Are any of them exclusively sins of non-believers? If Christians can commit them, how do we guard against them?
Answer: Let’s address each one and then suggest some provide practical guidance.
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31–32, Mark 3:28–30): This is the "unpardonable sin." In context, the Pharisees saw Jesus casting out demons by the Holy Spirit and said it was Satan's power. They deliberately, persistently, and against all evidence attributed the clear work of the Spirit to Satan.
Can Christians commit this? Most theologians say No. Here's why: this sin involves a permanent, hardened rejection of Christ and His work. It's not a one-time outburst or even a season of doubt. It's a final, settled refusal to acknowledge the Spirit's testimony to Christ. A Christian, by definition, has received that testimony. If you're worried you've committed this sin, that very worry is evidence you haven't—those who commit it have no remorse.
Resisting the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51): Stephen accused the Jewish leaders of "always resisting the Holy Spirit." They had a pattern of rejecting God's messengers and God's truth.
Can Christians commit this? In a sense, Yes. When we resist conviction of sin or refuse to obey clear biblical commands we are resisting the Spirit, at least to some degree. But Christians don't persistently, permanently resist. We may resist at times, but the Spirit doesn't give up on us, and we eventually yield.
Grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30): Paul tells believers "do not grieve the Holy Spirit." The context is about sinful speech, anger, bitterness, and unkindness.
Can Christians commit this? Yes! Paul is writing to believers. When we sin, we grieve the Spirit who dwells in us. The Holy Spirit is grieved by our sin because He loves us and wants better for us.
How do we avoid it? The answer is in the context: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other" (Ephesians 4:31–32).
Quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19): To quench means to extinguish or suppress. In context (5:19–22), it seems to relate to suppressing the Spirit's work in corporate worship and prophecy.
Can Christians commit this? Yes. We quench the Spirit when we:
Ignore His promptings to obey
Resist His convictions of sin
Suppress spiritual gifts in the church
Reject sound teaching
Prioritize comfort over obedience
How do we avoid it? The next verses tell us: "Do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil" (5:20–22).
How to guard against these:
Stay sensitive to conviction. When the Spirit convicts you of sin, respond quickly with repentance.
Cultivate intimacy with God. Regular time in prayer and Scripture keeps you attuned to the Spirit's leading.
Walk in obedience. Habitual disobedience hardens your heart over time. Quick obedience keeps you sensitive.
Remain humble. Pride makes us resist correction. Humility keeps us teachable.
Stay in Christian community. The Spirit often speaks through other believers. Don't isolate yourself.
Remember: the Spirit is a person. He can be grieved, quenched, resisted. Treat Him with reverence and love.
If you're concerned about your relationship with the Holy Spirit, that's a good sign. It likely means He's still at work in you. The person who has blasphemed the Spirit doesn't care. Your concern indicates His presence. Thank Him and walk in obedience.