Perhaps that is because he himself suffered from blasphemous thoughts. It is Martin Luther, however, who provides the most helpful commentary. This is helpful for OCDers, because it offers hope for the future, no matter how they are feeling at the moment. It makes sense, because when Jesus was talking to the Pharisees he would have known that they were incorrigible to the end. “Whosoever he be that believeth not man’s sins to be remitted in the Church of God, and therefore despiseth the bounteous mercies of God, if he continue in his obstinate mind till death, he is guilty of sin against the Holy Ghost.” Here, Augustine suggests that the person who commits this sin is one who continues to turn away from God until death. Saint Augustine, as usual, has valuable things to say, He offers the following definition of the unpardonable sin. This is one place in the bible where we need input from great Christian saints. Thus, for instance, the NIV suggests that the unpardonable sin is “attributing to Satan Christ’s miracles done in the power of the Holy Spirit.” The Jerome bible suggests it is, “witnessing the works of the Holy Spirit and declaring them evil.” These exegetical attempts are of no help at all to OCDers. He was speaking to Pharisees who had accused him of being in league with Satan when performing his miracles. The standard interpretation of the foreboding passage is based on the context of Jesus’ words.

So, what was he talking about anyway? It’s no wonder that OCDers get hung up on this. But then he says that no, there is actually something that is never forgiven! What’s that all about? Then, why would it be a sin against the Holy Spirit, and not against Jesus or God? Furthermore, Jesus said these words even before the Holy Spirit came in Pentecost. Even right here in this verse, Jesus starts off by saying that all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven. The entire thrust of the New Testament centers on God’s love and forgiveness.

This is a very difficult passage, indeed. In Matthew, for instance, we find: “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” (KJV). The frightening results of committing it are addressed in three quite similar passages found in the synaptic gospels (Matt 12:31, Mark 3:28, and Luke 12:10). Still, the fearful thought strikes: “What if I have committed the unpardonable sin?” They read certain consoling bible verses over and over.

Perhaps a quarter of the people I see with OCD/scrupulosity have, at one time or another, suffered obsessions about committing “the unpardonable sin,” or “the sin against the Holy Spirit.” Nothing can give them satisfying reassurance that they haven’t done it.

Believing intrusive thoughts ocd