“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— Jesus made this statement because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” Mark 3:28-30

Recently, I was listening to an online teaching presented by a former New Ager regarding the religious spirit. In this video, she discussed the ten signs of a religious spirit, with one of them being the rejection of the move of the Holy Spirit. She cited Matthew 12’s account in which Jesus cast out a demon from a man who was blind and mute. The Scripture tells us that Jesus healed him so that the mute man spoke and saw. However, the Pharisees claimed that Jesus cast out demons by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons (Matthew 12:22-24). The young lady deduced from this passage of Scripture that those who would deny alleged deliverance ministry performed today are committing blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and should use caution when speaking against it.

This is not the first time that this passage has been used to discourage questioning of practices within areas of the Charismatic movement, particularly in more aberrant practices of popularity and notoriety. There is a fear perpetuated that by calling the origin of such things into question, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is being committed. This has occurred when questioning past gatherings and operations stated to be moves of the Spirit. The modern deliverance movement has made a resurgence, growing in popularity with the rise of technology and online access to videos and such pertaining to this belief. Recognized leaders within this movement perpetuate these teachings, from generational curses and demons indwelling body parts to legal rights and extrabiblical revelation concerning specific spirits not mentioned in Scripture. If you dare to question such things, then the infamous “P” card is pulled, and you do not want that label. This is the tactic used to silence critics and to even demonize one’s opposition.

When looking at this passage, along with other similar accounts in the gospels, it is important to consider the context preceding it and proceeding it. The Pharisees had witnessed Jesus Christ performing miracles, signs, and wonders, and the authority over the demonic was one of many examples. Jesus had testified to them that He was the Lord of the Sabbath and that He desired mercy over sacrifice concerning His disciples picking the heads of grain over their burdensome regulations. The Pharisees and scribes demanded a sign from Jesus, though they had witnessed many things already. Yet, the only sign that they would be given was the sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:38-45). They claimed to hold to the Law, but they broke God’s commands while instituting oral traditions above them. In doing so, they laid heavy burdens upon the people. They were hard-hearted and stiff-necked against Jesus. They were not believers. They did not believe that He was the Messiah promised in God’s Word. They did not believe that He was the Word made flesh, and they took comfort in their own perceived merits and works. In their spiritual blindness and refusal to receive salvation through Christ alone, they accused Him of operating by the power of Satan. When we consider the entire context and the severity of their statement, it helps us to see the sobriety of Jesus’ response.

Jerry Brides said this regarding the concern over the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, “Some people have become afraid that they have committed “the unpardonable sin.” However, it is safe to say that no one who is afraid that he or she has committed that sin has, in fact, committed it. The evidence from the text itself indicates that this blasphemy committed by the Pharisees can only come from a heart that is totally and implacably hardened against God. Obviously, a person with a sensitive heart could not commit that sin.”

Those such as I who would question the modern deliverance movement run the risk of being labeled as “dead”, “having no relationship with the Holy Spirit”, and “rejecting the authentic”. The “P” card would be dealt quickly and without hesitation, but to question these practices and others that are contradicting Scripture while resting in Christ’s finished work on the cross for salvation is not Pharisaical. In fact, I would note that it demonstrates a high view of the Holy Spirit and a pursuit of the authentic work of His Spirit in the life of a born-again believer. Those who would question such practices are not denying what Jesus Christ did in Scripture. To the contrary, we affirm it. We are simply questioning practices that are not outlined in Scripture, and one of those practices is casting demons out of Christians. We have not accused Jesus Christ of operating by the power of Satan. We are questioning those who write books and tout spiritual authority in teaching deliverance doctrine based upon their books and their alleged extrabiblical revelation, which goes beyond what is written.

Is denying deliverance by the definition of demon slayers and others blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? No, it is not. Perhaps we should be asking why it appears that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not sufficient enough for such individuals to set the captive free. I sincerely pray and trust that more people will come out of this movement and that they will rest in the sufficiency of God’s Word and Christ’s finished work on the cross to deliver them from the penalty of sin and the power of sin, and one day, to be delivered from the presence of sin in glory. In the meantime, let us find solace in Scripture for spiritual warfare, trusting that the Holy Spirit has sealed us for the day of redemption and that our battle with the demonic as Christians is outward, not inward.

Listen to this episode concerning this topic: Is Denying Deliverance Blasphe – The Lovesick Scribe Podcast – Apple Podcasts