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The Unforgivable Sin
There is a verse in the New Testament that I have not been able to decipher for a long time. Here is the quote:
And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. (Matthew 12: 31–32)
Jesus has always taught forgiveness. Even at the verge of his death as he was being crucified, he cried out to the Lord, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”(Luke 23: 34) Once, Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother or sister. Peter wondered whether seven times is enough. Jesus said, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” So, how is it that Jesus said that there is an unforgivable sin? I have consulted a few Bible commentaries. But I have not been able to find a satisfactory explanation. It is only quite recently that a revelation dawned on me, thanks to the insights offered by some Zen texts.
We must note that Jesus is not referring to any ordinary sin. He is very specific. It is the sin of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. If you don’t have a clear understanding of the Holy Spirit, this further detail will not be too helpful. Many people think of the Holy…
