The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 10:33 – Can God Refuse to Forgive? Unpacking the Unforgivable Sin

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In this episode Lance Smith examines Jesus' warnings about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit alongside New Testament promises of complete forgiveness, explaining how the “unforgivable” sin relates to persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit rather than a momentary doubt or mistake.

With scripture, scholarly perspectives, and pastoral sensitivity, the episode offers clarity and comfort for listeners wrestling with guilt, encouraging confession, repentance, and trust in Christ’s mercy.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

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Email Address: [email protected] 

  1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/unforgivable.html 
  2. GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/blasphemy-Holy-Spirit.html
  3. Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/can-a-christian-blaspheme-the-holy-spirit
  4. The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/you-asked-what-is-the-unforgivable-sin/
  5. Mid-America Journal of Theology: https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files/pdf/journal/02-lammejournal2012.pdf
  6. Concordia University Thesis: https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/id/eprint/976982/1/Plunkett_MA_s2013.pdf
  7. Andrews University Dissertation: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1123&context=dissertations
  8. Habets, Myk. "Jesus, the Spirit, and the Unforgivable Sin: A Contribution from Spirit Christology." Journal of Theological Interpretation 12, no. 1 (2018): 39-57. DOI: 10.5325/jtheointe.12.1.0039.
  9. Cummins, Fergal. "The Only Unforgivable Sin: To Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." (2015). Academia.edu.
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