I have been a believer for years, but as a young person I would curse God. Now I am concerned that I blasphemed the Holy Spirit and committed the unpardonable sin. Is there hope for me?

The fear of blaspheming the Holy Spirit (being irreverent toward the work of the Spirit) is one of the most common fears people have. Despite the clear teaching of Scripture that nothing can separate followers of Jesus from God’s love (Rom. 8:31–39), many remain anxious. This fear derives from Jesus saying, “Every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven” (Matt. 12:31).

We need to understand what the blasphemy of the Spirit means. In Matthew 12, certain Jewish leaders were attributing the works of Jesus to Satan rather than the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is when we attribute the work of the physically present, incarnate Son of God to the power of the enemy. Since the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven and is not physically present with us, it is not possible for us to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.

You can take a deep breath and rest in the power of the Lord’s forgiveness. Remember, “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36). The Lord said of those who believe in Him, “No one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28) nor will anyone “snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:29). We are secure in being forgiven of sin and in our status as children of God.