'He who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.' There seems to be such a definite finality to this statement that it does not seem to fit within the whole narrative of the Gospel - a gospel that tells us of a Jesus who is ever willing to heal and forgive. Perhaps, we would have a clearer understanding of this ambiguous line when we read it in its context - the Christian witness in a time of persecution. The central passage here draws a startling contrast between those who speak against Jesus with those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit - the former grievance can be forgiven but not the latter. The reason for this is that the former speak out of ignorance, recognising in Jesus no more than a human reality. Thus, by virtue of their ignorance, they will be forgiven. The latter, however, speak out of Christian knowledge - they know who Jesus is, yet obtusely and obstinately choose to reject and deny Him. Thus, it is not Jesus or God who condemns them to their fate but their very own decision and action. What do we do when we are confronted with the truth? We can either choose to doubt it and proceed to investigate further. Or we can choose to accept it in the light of a new faith and thus be set free! Finally, if we decide to reject even that liberating truth - perhaps, because we fear its life-changing implications - then we are truly enslaved by our deliberate falsehood.