Tag: blasphemy
Eternal sin?
Scripture reading for February 12: Mark 3
“And the Scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons He casts out the demons.” And He called them to Him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”. . .”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”–for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”” Mark 3:22-25, 28-30
As Jesus was preaching repentance and casting out demons, the Scribes, because of jealousy, labeled Jesus as working miracles and deliverance by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. It is amazing that Jesus called these religious leaders to Himself and tried to help them with a question and a parable that contained the answer and a startling truth about eternal sin. He asked them, “How can Satan cast out Satan?” He went on to state that a house divided against itself would not stand. God was in the business of forgiving sin and blasphemy in lost mankind, but there was a blasphemy of the Holy Spirit that would never find grace.
Thankfully, we serve a God of mercy Who has offered forgiveness of sins to all men and women who will repent and believe in Jesus Christ, His Son. But if individuals persist in resisting the Holy Spirit and Truth of Jesus Christ by blasphemy, no grace could or would be offered. Blasphemy is to attribute the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan and refuse to repent. Jesus personally called to Himself those blaspheming Him, and warned them. This is an eternal sin, never to be forgiven. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit that forgiveness is possible. (John 16:8-11) Jesus wants none to perish. The Holy Spirit gently calls.
Have you ever wondered if you have committed this ‘eternal sin?` How is your heart attitude towards Jesus Christ, healing, and forgiveness of sins? Have you or are you currently resisting the work of the Holy Spirit drawing you to Jesus for forgiveness?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for Your amazing patience and love in sending Your Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment. Use me to share the Good News of Your love and gift of the Holy Spirit through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. May no one be guilty of eternal sin! Amen.
Unforgiveable sin
Scripture reading for January 16: Matthew 12
“But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters. Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will never be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or the age to come.” Matthew 12:28-32
Jesus Christ was filled with the Holy Spirit and did ministry in the power of the Spirit. He was in a spiritual conflict against unseen defeated demonic forces. The religious leaders of His day accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus knew what they were thinking and saying about Him, and told them that if He was doing that, Satan’s kingdom would be divided and could not stand. But He was casting out demons by the Spirit of God as the Strong Son of Man. This demonstrated the presence of God’s kingdom and King directly to them.
Jesus warned these religious leaders about unforgivable sin: accusing the Spirit of God as being the power of Satan. They could speak against Him and be forgiven, but not against a clear revelation of God by the Spirit. Their hard hearts and stubborn refusal to acknowledge Jesus and the kingdom of God would cause them to be eternally damned. Willful rejection of the Holy Spirit’s revelation and a decision against Jesus would have eternal consequences.
Have you ever seen or heard someone who has blasphemed God or the work of the Holy Spirit? How would you characterize your relationship with Jesus? Are you gathering with Him as a result of choosing His salvation and receiving the Gift of God’s Holy Spirit?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the Gift of Your Spirit and His work in my on my behalf. Fill me with the Holy Spirit afresh today that I may participate in the gathering of souls into Your kingdom. Demonstrate the kingdom of God through my life and witness. Amen.