The unpardonable/unforgivable sin or “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” is mentioned in Mark 3:22–30 and Matthew 12:22–32. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter” (Mark 3:28), but then He gives one exception: “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin” (verse 29).
According to Jesus, the unpardonable or unforgivable sin is unique. It is the one iniquity that will never be forgiven (“never” is the meaning of “either in this age or in the age to come” in Matthew 12:32). The unforgivable sin is blasphemy (“defiant irreverence”) of the Holy Spirit in the context of the Spirit’s work in the world through Christ. In other words, the particular case of blasphemy seen in Matthew 12 and Mark 3 is unique. The guilty party, a group of Pharisees, had witnessed irrefutable evidence that Jesus was working miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit, yet they claimed that He was possessed by the prince of demons, Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:30).
The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day committed the unpardonable sin by accusing Jesus Christ (in person, on earth) of being demon-possessed. They had no excuse for such an action. They were not speaking out of ignorance or misunderstanding. The Pharisees knew that Jesus was the Messiah sent by God to save Israel. They knew the prophecies were being fulfilled. They saw Jesus’ wonderful works, and they heard His clear presentation of truth. Yet they deliberately chose to deny the truth and slander the Holy Spirit. Standing before the Light of the World, bathed in His glory, they defiantly closed their eyes and became willfully blind. Jesus pronounced that sin to be unforgivable.
The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, specific as it was to the Pharisees’ situation, cannot be duplicated today. Jesus Christ is not on earth, and no one can personally see Jesus perform a miracle and then attribute that power to Satan instead of the Spirit. The only unpardonable sin today is that of continued unbelief. There is no pardon for a person who dies in his rejection of Christ. The Holy Spirit is at work in the world, convicting the unsaved of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). If a person resists that conviction and remains unrepentant, then he is choosing hell over heaven. “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6), and the object of faith is Jesus (Acts 16:31). There is no forgiveness for someone who dies without faith in Christ.
God has provided for our salvation in His Son (John 3:16). Forgiveness is found exclusively in Jesus (John 14:6). To reject the only Savior is to be left with no means of salvation; to reject the only pardon is, obviously, unpardonable.
Many people fear they have committed some sin that God cannot or will not forgive, and they feel there is no hope for them, no matter what they do. Satan would like nothing more than to keep people laboring under that misconception. God gives encouragement to the sinner who is convicted of his sin: “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8). “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:20). And the testimony of Paul is proof positive that God can and will save anyone who comes to Him in faith (1 Timothy 1:12–17). If you are suffering under a load of guilt today, rest assured that you have not committed the unpardonable sin. God is waiting with open arms. Jesus’ promise is that “he is able to save completely those who come to God through him” (Hebrews 7:25). Our Lord will never fail. “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2).
For the born-again child of God, there is no unforgivable sin. The believer’s sin was forgiven at the cross, and there is no longer any condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1).
“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17). Throughout His ministry, Jesus bestowed the marvelous and surprising forgiveness of God. Zacchaeus (Luke 19), the sinful woman in Simon’s house (Luke 7), the paralytic in Galilee (Luke 5)—all of them were forgiven by the Lord. It didn’t matter what they had done; God was able to forgive. “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom” (Matthew 21:31).
Jesus’ statement from the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), means that the penalty for sin is paid in full. The word translated “it is finished” is one word in the Greek: tetelestai. This is a wonderful word. Tetelestai was stamped on receipts to mark them as “paid in full.” And when a convicted criminal had completed his sentence and was freed from prison, a sign saying “tetelestai” was nailed to the door of his house as a token that he no longer owed a debt to society.
The Lord Jesus Christ became our sacrifice for sin and “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His was the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14). The promise to those who believe in Christ is that every sin they’ve ever committed or will commit is forgiven. “The blood of Jesus . . . purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7, emphasis added). First Corinthians 6:9–10 lists a variety of scandalous sins that had at one time characterized the Corinthian believers. Paul uses that list to lead up to this truth: “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” (verse 11). Their sin was gone, removed from them “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).
It is important to understand the condition of God’s forgiveness of sin. We can come to God only through the Lord Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). God’s forgiveness is available to all who receive Jesus (John 3:16; Acts 10:43), but for those who reject the Lord Jesus there is no forgiveness or remission of sin (1 John 5:12). God will forgive all sin in Christ. For those not in Christ there is no forgiveness: “Whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” (John 3:36).
John wrote his first epistle to born-again believers, and he included this promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). We all sin (1 John 1:8). But, when we do, God’s grace stands ready to forgive His children and restore the fellowship.
The if at the beginning of 1 John 1:9 indicates a condition: if we “confess.” This word in the Greek is homologia (literally, “same word”), and it means “to say the same thing.” To confess our sin means that we agree with God about it. God’s forgiveness does not give us carte blanche to continue sinning. We do not treat grace so lightly (Romans 6:1–2); rather, a born-again believer who is walking in fellowship with God will be sensitive to sin and quick to confess it to the Lord.
One of the most wonderful truths of Scripture is that God freely forgives sin. Because God’s grace is infinite, there is no limit to the sin God is willing to forgive in Christ. No sin is beyond the reach of God’s grace. “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:20). The apostle Paul was “a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” before his salvation (1 Timothy 1:13). He called himself the chief of sinners, but after he found the grace of God, he said, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst” (1 Timothy 1:15). If God can save Paul, He can save anyone.
Please also read our articles on the unpardonable/unforgivable sin, also known as the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
When asking how to be a godly husband, one of the first truths to recognize is that no one is naturally godly. Neither men nor women can be everything God wants them to be in their own strength. So to be a godly husband or wife requires that we first surrender our lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ. To be “godly” means we must have God. When His Spirit lives in us, He empowers us to live godly lives (Galatians 2:20; Titus 2:12).
Philippians 2:3–4 lays a foundation for all godly relationships, including marriage: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” In marriage, this means that a husband and wife are no longer their own bosses. Each has willingly surrendered to the other the right to do whatever they want whenever they want. This can be particularly hard for men, especially if they had been single for a long time. It may never cross a man’s mind that his wife is not as passionate as he is about spending the weekend at the football game or hunting cabin. But this passage instructs us to intentionally consider the feelings and ideas of others, rather than assume that they think as we do.
First Peter 3:7 says, “Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” The term “weaker vessel” has often been misunderstood. It does not imply inferiority, since the verse continues by stating that a woman is a co-heir with her husband. Within the context of this verse, “weaker” means that a woman is not to be treated as “one of the guys.” She is created differently, in both body and spirit. “Understanding” is key. A husband must study his wife, learn who she is, and make choices that highlight her strengths and beauty. Physical confrontation, verbal bullying, and emotional neglect have no place in a Christian marriage. To live with her in an understanding way means that a wise husband controls his own needs and desires so that hers are met. He does not belittle her, minimize her contributions to the family, or expect her to do what God has given him to do. He makes the study of one woman a lifetime endeavor, and he wants to be an expert at it.
Ephesians 5 continues this description of a godly husband. Verse 25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This comparison with Christ and the church says a great deal. Husbands are to show sacrificial, unconditional love for their wives in the same way that Jesus loves us, His bride, even when we are unruly, disobedient, and unlovable. Verse 28 goes on to say, “Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” Men usually have no problem loving their own bodies. Sexual fulfillment, muscular prowess, and other physical needs are often top priorities. God is instructing husbands to give their wives the same priority that they give those physical needs. Jesus willingly subjected His own body to abuse, humiliation, and need for the sake of His bride, the church. That is the model this Scripture gives for husbands to follow.
Christian wives desire godly leadership, not dictatorship. However, a man cannot lead where he has not been. A leader goes first, forging the way, wrestling through spiritual issues and then presenting God’s instruction to his family. An ongoing personal relationship with Jesus is crucial in order to lead a family spiritually. God holds men responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of their families (1 Timothy 5:8). Even if the wife may be better at teaching and leading, the husband is still to be involved in teaching their children. He must lead by example in church attendance, Bible reading, prayer, and spiritual disciplines. It is difficult for a Christian wife to respect her husband in other areas when he has not been consistent in leading her spiritually.
Both single and married men can benefit from these traits of a godly leader. A leader is:
• First a servant (Matthew 23:11)
• Teachable (Proverbs 19:20)
• Filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3)
• Enthusiastic about his role (Ephesians 6:7)
• A model of humility and forgiveness (1 Peter 5:6; Ephesians 4:32)
• Loving to those he leads (Matthew 5:46; John 13:34-35)
• Ready to admit his failures and areas where he needs growth (Philippians 3:12)
More specifically, a man can become a godly husband by considering the following:
1. Does your schedule indicate that your family is a top priority in time, energy, and focus?
2. Are you heeding the counsel of 1 Peter 3:7 and really studying your wife?
3. Are you taking the initiative to lead your wife spiritually by sharing the things God is teaching you?
4. Are you sensitive to your wife’s physical state and sexual needs? They will be different from yours, and a godly husband respects that without pouting or trying to “punish” her.
5. Are you accepting equal responsibility for the children? Even if your wife is better at some aspects of parenting, your children are your responsibility. Your wife needs a partner who willingly shares the load with her.
6. Examine your tone of voice. Have you fallen into a habit of harshness, blame, or subtle disapproval?
7. Do you ever resort to physical or verbal abuse in any form? If you need anger management help, get it.
8. In areas where your wife is weak, are you helping her to grow rather than criticizing or shutting down?
9. Are you a good listener? Wives need to share their hearts, and you must be the safest place for her to do that.
10. Are you the guardian of her heart, dreams, and self-worth? You cannot be God to her, but you can encourage her to connect with God in such a way that her deepest emotional needs are met in Him.
Men often measure themselves by externals, which are outside their control. Money, fame, physical ability, and power are fleeting and temporary. However, a husband can choose to define success by how well he has followed God’s command to cherish his wife and lead his family. A happy wife is a testament to her husband. While he is not responsible for the way his wife responds, every husband can control how well he is following Jesus’ model in loving and leading the ones God has entrusted to him.
When asking how to be a godly husband, one of the first truths to recognize is that no one is naturally godly. Neither men nor women can be everything God wants them to be in their own strength. So to be a godly husband or wife requires that we first surrender our lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ. To be “godly” means we must have God. When His Spirit lives in us, He empowers us to live godly lives (Galatians 2:20; Titus 2:12).
Philippians 2:3–4 lays a foundation for all godly relationships, including marriage: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” In marriage, this means that a husband and wife are no longer their own bosses. Each has willingly surrendered to the other the right to do whatever they want whenever they want. This can be particularly hard for men, especially if they had been single for a long time. It may never cross a man’s mind that his wife is not as passionate as he is about spending the weekend at the football game or hunting cabin. But this passage instructs us to intentionally consider the feelings and ideas of others, rather than assume that they think as we do.
First Peter 3:7 says, “Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” The term “weaker vessel” has often been misunderstood. It does not imply inferiority, since the verse continues by stating that a woman is a co-heir with her husband. Within the context of this verse, “weaker” means that a woman is not to be treated as “one of the guys.” She is created differently, in both body and spirit. “Understanding” is key. A husband must study his wife, learn who she is, and make choices that highlight her strengths and beauty. Physical confrontation, verbal bullying, and emotional neglect have no place in a Christian marriage. To live with her in an understanding way means that a wise husband controls his own needs and desires so that hers are met. He does not belittle her, minimize her contributions to the family, or expect her to do what God has given him to do. He makes the study of one woman a lifetime endeavor, and he wants to be an expert at it.
Ephesians 5 continues this description of a godly husband. Verse 25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This comparison with Christ and the church says a great deal. Husbands are to show sacrificial, unconditional love for their wives in the same way that Jesus loves us, His bride, even when we are unruly, disobedient, and unlovable. Verse 28 goes on to say, “Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” Men usually have no problem loving their own bodies. Sexual fulfillment, muscular prowess, and other physical needs are often top priorities. God is instructing husbands to give their wives the same priority that they give those physical needs. Jesus willingly subjected His own body to abuse, humiliation, and need for the sake of His bride, the church. That is the model this Scripture gives for husbands to follow.
Christian wives desire godly leadership, not dictatorship. However, a man cannot lead where he has not been. A leader goes first, forging the way, wrestling through spiritual issues and then presenting God’s instruction to his family. An ongoing personal relationship with Jesus is crucial in order to lead a family spiritually. God holds men responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of their families (1 Timothy 5:8). Even if the wife may be better at teaching and leading, the husband is still to be involved in teaching their children. He must lead by example in church attendance, Bible reading, prayer, and spiritual disciplines. It is difficult for a Christian wife to respect her husband in other areas when he has not been consistent in leading her spiritually.
Both single and married men can benefit from these traits of a godly leader. A leader is:
• First a servant (Matthew 23:11)
• Teachable (Proverbs 19:20)
• Filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3)
• Enthusiastic about his role (Ephesians 6:7)
• A model of humility and forgiveness (1 Peter 5:6; Ephesians 4:32)
• Loving to those he leads (Matthew 5:46; John 13:34-35)
• Ready to admit his failures and areas where he needs growth (Philippians 3:12)
More specifically, a man can become a godly husband by considering the following:
1. Does your schedule indicate that your family is a top priority in time, energy, and focus?
2. Are you heeding the counsel of 1 Peter 3:7 and really studying your wife?
3. Are you taking the initiative to lead your wife spiritually by sharing the things God is teaching you?
4. Are you sensitive to your wife’s physical state and sexual needs? They will be different from yours, and a godly husband respects that without pouting or trying to “punish” her.
5. Are you accepting equal responsibility for the children? Even if your wife is better at some aspects of parenting, your children are your responsibility. Your wife needs a partner who willingly shares the load with her.
6. Examine your tone of voice. Have you fallen into a habit of harshness, blame, or subtle disapproval?
7. Do you ever resort to physical or verbal abuse in any form? If you need anger management help, get it.
8. In areas where your wife is weak, are you helping her to grow rather than criticizing or shutting down?
9. Are you a good listener? Wives need to share their hearts, and you must be the safest place for her to do that.
10. Are you the guardian of her heart, dreams, and self-worth? You cannot be God to her, but you can encourage her to connect with God in such a way that her deepest emotional needs are met in Him.
Men often measure themselves by externals, which are outside their control. Money, fame, physical ability, and power are fleeting and temporary. However, a husband can choose to define success by how well he has followed God’s command to cherish his wife and lead his family. A happy wife is a testament to her husband. While he is not responsible for the way his wife responds, every husband can control how well he is following Jesus’ model in loving and leading the ones God has entrusted to him.
When discussing what the Bible says about divorce, it is important to keep in mind the words of Malachi 2:16, “I hate divorce, says the Lord God.” Whatever grounds the Bible possibly gives for divorce, that does not mean God desires a divorce to occur in those instances. Rather than asking “is ______ a grounds for divorce,” often the question should be “is _______ grounds for forgiveness, restoration, and/or counseling?”
The Bible gives two clear grounds for divorce: (1) sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32; 19:9) and (2) abandonment by an unbeliever (1 Corinthians 7:15). Even in these two instances, though, divorce is not required or even encouraged. The most that can be said is that sexual immorality and abandonment are grounds (an allowance) for divorce. Confession, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration are always the first steps. Divorce should only be viewed as a last resort.
Are there any grounds for divorce beyond what the Bible explicitly says? Perhaps, but we do not presume upon the Word of God. It is very dangerous to go beyond what the Bible says (1 Corinthians 4:6). The most frequent additional grounds for divorce that people inquire about are spousal abuse (emotional or physical), child abuse, addiction to pornography, drug / alcohol use, crime / imprisonment, and mismanagement of finances (such as through a gambling addiction). None of these can be claimed to be explicit biblical grounds for a divorce.
That does not necessarily mean, though, that none of them are grounds for divorce which God would approve of. For example, we cannot imagine that it would be God’s desire for a wife to remain with a husband who physically abuses her and/or their children. In such an instance, the wife should definitely separate herself and the children from the abusive husband. However, even in such a situation, a time of separation with the goal of repentance and restoration should be the ideal, not necessarily immediately beginning divorce proceedings. Please understand, by saying that the above are not biblical grounds for divorce, we are definitely not saying that a man/woman whose spouse is engaging in such activities should remain in the situation. If there is any risk to self or children, separation is a good and appropriate step.
Another way to look at this issue is to differentiate between biblical grounds for divorce and biblical grounds for divorce and remarriage. Some interpret the two biblical grounds for divorce mentioned above as the only grounds for remarriage after a divorce, but allow for divorce with no remarriage in other instances. While this is a plausible interpretation, it seems to come too close to presuming upon the Word of God. For more information, please read the following two articles:
In summary, what are the biblical grounds for divorce? The answer is sexual immorality and abandonment. Are there additional grounds for divorce beyond these two? Possibly. Is divorce ever to be treated lightly or employed as the first recourse? Absolutely not. God is capable of changing and reforming any person. God is capable of healing and renewing any marriage. Divorce should only occur in instances of repeated and unrepentant heinous sin.
Yes, men and women are equal in God’s eyes in that both men and women are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). Men and women are also equally sinners in need of grace and salvation. Redeemed men and women are equally forgiven, equally indwelt by the Holy Spirit, equally invited before the throne of grace, and equally heirs of God (Galatians 3:28).
In Genesis 2:18 the Lord says, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” After God creates the woman from Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21–22), Adam proclaims, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Genesis 2:23). We then read the first description of marriage: “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Everything about this passage points to the fact that men and women are equal in God’s eyes. The woman was “suitable” for (not inferior to) the man, she was created from him, and she becomes “one flesh” with him in marriage.
Nowhere does Scripture imply that women are unequal to men in God’s eyes or that they should have less significance than men. Men and women have different roles in the home and in the church, but different roles do not indicate differing worth. A screwdriver has a different role in the carpenter’s shop than a hammer, but that doesn’t mean one tool is more valuable than the other. The roles of men and women are divinely designed to be complementary.
People who believe men and women are not equal in God’s eyes often have a misunderstanding of God’s Word. First Peter 3:7 says, “Husbands . . . be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” Some readers latch on to the word weaker and get offended. But what does it mean that the wife is the “weaker partner”? It has nothing to do with her mental or spiritual capabilities. It simply refers to the fact that a woman has a different physical makeup from a man. Men are naturally stronger, and, from the beginning of time, men have been the primary providers and protectors of their families. We find an allusion to this in God’s curse on Adam: “Through painful toil you will eat food from [the ground] all the days of your life” (Genesis 3:17). God’s curse on Eve explains the age-old battle of the sexes: “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you” (verse 16), or, as the NLT has it, “You will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you.” The harmonious relationship between the man and woman was broken by sin, and God predicted a new dynamic would emerge. But, even in Eve’s curse, there is no hint of her inferiority or inequality.
People who take umbrage with Peter’s mention of a woman’s physical weakness completely miss the rest of 1 Peter 3:7, which clearly says that the husband and wife are spiritually equal. They are “heirs” of the “gift of life” together. A wife should be treated with “respect,” and a husband who fails to honor his wife will find that his prayers are “hindered.” The Amplified Bible renders the verse this way: “You husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact, and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship], as with someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective.”
Another passage that some people can get confused about is 1 Timothy 2:11–15, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety” (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:34). In the church, women are not to exercise spiritual authority over men; that much is clear. The reasons for God’s directive for the church are also clear: the order of creation and the deception of Eve. Men, not women, are to be pastors; this difference in role, however, has no bearing on a woman’s intrinsic worth before God. A quarterback may call the plays on a football field, but that doesn’t make him any more valuable as a person than a tight end.
Those who focus on what women cannot do in 1 Timothy 2 often overlook what men cannot do in the same passage. Men will never experience the blessing of a life forming inside of them. Women are the only ones who can bear children (verse 15). The fact is, men and women have different, God-given roles, and those roles should be celebrated and assumed with thanksgiving.
Just because God has given men the spiritual leadership roles in the church doesn’t mean men are superior or that they have a special standing with God. It does mean that men bear a greater responsibility for the condition of the church and the family. Concerning the marriage relationship, 1 Corinthians 11:3 says, “The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” Men will answer to God for how they lead their families and the church.
Are women and men equal? In some ways, yes, and, in some ways, no. Spiritually, men and women are absolutely equal. Physically, they are obviously not equal. God has chosen distinct roles for both men and women that they may complement each other in a way that most glorifies Himself. Women may be fragile in some regards, but so are many things that are most precious to us. Men and women should work together, each fulfilling their respective, distinct roles, for the common goal of glorifying God.
