In this supposed contradiction, Jesus statement about the so-called “unforgivable sin” (Mark 3:28-29) is set alongside passages that describe Jesus forgiving all the sins of those who make confession and are converted (1 John 1:9; Colossians 2:13). This is another example of how texts are written to address two different groups: (1) the unrepentant blasphemers, who persist is denying the work of the Holy Spirit, and (2) the repentant believers, who trust in God for the forgiveness of all their sins. Naturally, those who do not repent and reject the work of the Holy Spirit remain unforgiven (cf. e.g., Hebrews 10:29). Likewise, God forgives those who repent of their blasphemes and other sins.
Principle: Pay attention to whom the words are addressed. That can make all the difference in understanding a text.
It's interesting that the people who interpret this passage as referring to a universally, unequivocally unforgivable sin also tend to ignore church history and ancient writings, since we can see the correct interpretation in Augustine, "It is not that this was a blasphemy which under no circumstances could be forgiven, for even this shall be forgiven if right repentance follows it."
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