Tag: unforgiveable sin
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.
Possessed by Beelzebub!
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!