Tag: prince of demons
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.
Possessed by the devil!
Scripture reading for February 18th: Mark 3:7-30, Psalms 37:1-11, Proverbs 10:3-4
Jesus called twelve disciples and designated them as apostles. His purpose was for them to experience life in His presence and learn from Him and then to send them out to preach and have authority to drive out demons. (Mark 3:13-14) Jesus wanted His followers to know Him by personal experience and to catch His heart as He preached the good news, healed the sick and cast out demons. (Mark 3:10-12) The good news was that the kingdom of heaven was near and all men should repent. (Mark 1:15) This message was opposed by the kingdom of Satan and his demonic spirits. A war was taking place in the spiritual realm as the King of the kingdom of heaven cast out the demons of the kingdom of Satan.
Jesus’ family heard about all that was happening and they were concerned and came to where Jesus was. A crowd had gathered with many seeking Jesus and the family members said, “He is out of His mind.” (Mark 3:21)They thought Jesus had gone crazy with this preaching and casting out demons.
“The teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the price of demons He is driving out demons.”(Mark 3:22) Jesus called them together and gave them a parable. “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand. his end has come.” (Mark 3:23-26) The religious leaders of the day were quick to offer an analysis of Jesus’ method of driving out demons. They accused Jesus of using Satan’s power to drive them out. Jesus gave them a quick lesson on why that was wrong reasoning. The only way to drive out Satan, was to have superior power from God.
Jesus then warned them about their line of reasoning. “I tell you the truth, all sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, he is guilty of eternal sin.” (Mark 3:28-29) Jesus’ power came through the Holy Spirit. To accuse Jesus of using satanic power was blasphemy against the Holy Spirit! They were on dangerous ground of being eternally condemned! This is something to ponder!