'I feel nothing unusual. Do I have the Holy Spirit?' 'Someone says people who cannot speak in tongues are not saved.' 'I had an irreverent thought. Have I committed the unforgivable sin?' These questions often cause distress. This article answers from Scripture: everyone trusting Christ has the Spirit; tongues are one gift, rather than proof of salvation, and churches understand their present operation differently; and blasphemy against the Spirit must be understood in its biblical context, with comfort for those fearing they have committed it.
Three questions about the Holy Spirit are particularly common:
“Since believing, I have felt nothing unusual. Do I actually have the Holy Spirit?”
“Someone says people who cannot speak in tongues are not saved.”
“I once inwardly cursed God and had deeply irreverent thoughts. Have I committed the sin that can never be forgiven?”
Let us take them one at a time.
Paul is direct:
“…if any man doesn’t have the Spirit of Christ, he is not his.” (Romans 8:9)
Conversely, everyone belonging to Christ has his Spirit. Ephesians says the Spirit is given when someone believes:
“In him you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit…” (Ephesians 1:13)
The Spirit's indwelling therefore does not depend on a particular feeling. Some weep when they believe; others remain quiet. Both experiences are real, but neither is an entry requirement.
Can the Spirit's presence be recognised? Scripture points in several directions:
Some churches teach a further baptism in the Holy Spirit after conversion. Churches understand this differently. They agree, however, that everyone trusting Christ already has the Spirit dwelling within, and can ask daily for his greater filling and guidance (Ephesians 5:18).
At Pentecost, the disciples “were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak”. Visitors heard God's works proclaimed in their native languages (Acts 2:4–8). Some in Corinth also spoke in tongues during gatherings.
Churches faithful to Scripture differ about tongues today. Some believe these New Testament gifts may still operate. Others believe revelatory and miraculous gifts ceased as a normal feature of church life with the foundational apostolic era, while still affirming that God can work miracles today. Scripture Trove does not settle that debate here. Scripture is clear on the following points.
Not every believer speaks in tongues. Paul asks:
“Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret?” (1 Corinthians 12:30)
The expected answer is no. The Spirit distributes gifts “to each one separately as he desires” (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Tongues are neither proof nor a condition of salvation. People are saved through trusting Christ, regardless of a particular gift. Saying those without tongues are unsaved adds a condition Scripture never places upon the gospel.
Gatherings must be orderly and edifying. Paul says, “If any man speaks in another language, let there be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the assembly” (1 Corinthians 14:27–28). He also says:
“However, in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.” (1 Corinthians 14:19)
He concludes the chapter, “don’t forbid speaking with other languages. Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:39–40).
Be particularly attentive if a group pressures you to produce tongues or teaches repeated syllables as a way to learn them. Equally, avoid despising brothers and sisters sincerely praying in tongues.
Jesus did give a grave warning:
“Most certainly I tell you, all sins of the descendants of man will be forgiven, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme; but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”—because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.” (Mark 3:28–30)
Consider whom he addressed. Scribes from Jerusalem saw Jesus casting out demons through the Spirit, yet claimed he did so by the prince of demons (Mark 3:22). Confronted with the Spirit's work through Jesus, they persistently opposed it and attributed it to Satan. Evangelical explanations emphasise different aspects: deliberate slander of Jesus' work in that setting, or persistent rejection of the Spirit's witness to Christ and refusal to repent. Neither equates the sin with a fleeting, unwanted thought.
This differs from momentary angry words, intrusive thoughts or doubts during weakness. In the same passage Jesus first says that all human sins and blasphemies can be forgiven.
An unwanted thought intruding into your mind is not equivalent to your choice or conviction. If you wish to return and seek Christ, do not treat a passing thought as God's verdict of rejection. The door remains open:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
If this question repeatedly returns and causes intense distress, avoid trying to suppress anxiety through repeated self-checking, confession or requests for reassurance; that often makes it stronger. It commonly relates to anxiety and obsessive thinking. Seek help from mental health or medical professionals familiar with obsessive-compulsive disorder, alongside a pastor who understands this struggle. Seeking such help does not indicate weak faith.
Behind these questions lies the same concern: can I stand securely before God?
The Spirit's work directs our eyes towards Jesus. Jesus says, “He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine and will declare it to you” (John 16:14). Lift your eyes towards the Lord who gave himself for you, rather than continually inspecting yourself for feelings or gifts.
One thing to do today: quietly read Galatians 5:22–23, choose the fruit you most lack and ask the Spirit's help in that area. Jesus promised that the heavenly Father would give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him (Luke 11:13).
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