What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

[Kevin_Williams]

So what exactly does this unforgivable sin really entail?

 

[Fr.Eric_Filmer]

The gospels refer to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as being the unforgivable sin (see Matthew 12:31, Mark 3:29 and Luke 12:10). The Catechism of the Catholic Church elaborates on this topic in the following manner:

** 1864:** “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who deliberately refuses to accept his mercy by repenting, rejects the forgiveness of his sins and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit. Such hardness of heart can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss.

We must keep in mind that it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we have knowledge of Christ as our Savior. If we reject the gift of salvation offered to us by Christ, then we likewise reject the Holy Spirit, an action that the gospels label as being a type of blasphemy. Exactly why is this sin unforgivable? It is not because God is unwilling to forgive this sinner, but because this sinner knowingly and willingly ultimately rejects the one who forgives: Christ.