BLASPHEMING THE SPIRIT

LUKE 12:7–12

“And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven”

(Luke 12:10).

Remember that the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan. Jesus replied that this was absurd. During this conversation, a crowd had gathered. After speaking to them, Jesus ate at the home of a Pharisee warning him and others that they were coming under judgment. After eating, the Pharisees continued hotly disputing with Jesus. Jesus began to speak more strongly against them, warning them of the Last Judgment and finally threatening them with the unpardonable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:14–54; 12:1–10).

What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Though many suggestions have been offered, I think the answer lies in the context here and in the context of redemptive history. Remember that the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out, and it is the Spirit who causes men to recognize who Jesus is. Hebrews 6 and 10 contain discussions of unforgivable sins, but the distinction between blasphemy against Christ and the Spirit has disappeared.

Jesus seemed to be saying this: Because the Holy Spirit has not yet been poured out in fullness, the Jews will be forgiven for blaspheming the Son of Man. They will be given a second chance to repent, as we see in the book of Acts. If, however, they continue to blaspheme after the Spirit has come, they will not be forgiven.

But what is the sin, specifically? Since it is blasphemy, we must see it essentially as a verbal sin. In context it is the sin of saying that Jesus Christ is of the devil. Jesus was willing to excuse this blasphemy before Pentecost; but, in the new covenant era it is no longer excusable.

If a person curses Jesus, but does not really know who Jesus is, that sin is forgivable. But if the Holy Spirit has borne witness to a person that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, and that person curses Him, it cannot be forgiven.

CORAM DEO

Psalms 7–9

Acts 17:1–15

Perhaps earlier in your life you cursed Christ. If you have since come to Him, it is clear that your earlier sins were in “ignorance,” not committed in the full spiritual consciousness of your actions. Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Be assured that God forgives the sins of those “former” days.

For further study: Hebrews 6:4–12; 10:26–31; tape #B57INT.56/57

friday

july