Jesus showed His concern about the issue of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. All four gospels give us this account. This shows me that His words about this topic really impressed the apostles (Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3: 28-30; Luke 12:10; John 20:19-24). The great concern over blaspheming the Holy Spirit is that it is the only unpardonable sin (Mark 3:29).
In the context of this verse, Jesus just healed a
demon-possessed man who was blind and mute. The Pharisees doubted his ability
as a human being to do such a thing (Matthew 12:22-23). They knew that Jesus possessed
power they did not hold, and they were jealous of His anointing. Therefore,
wanting to take the focus off Christ, they accused Him of using Satan's power
to heal the man.
This ludicrous comment proved their inconsistent spiritual
philosophy. Why would Satan cast out his own demon? Then, Jesus made it clear
that giving Satan credit for the work of God's Spirit is blasphemy against the
Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:28). This has always been true (Matthew 12:32). The
apostate is turned over to a reprobate mind (Romans 1:28; 1 Timothy 4:1).
Some people have tasted the things of God and then decide
to reject Christ; but some go one step further and blaspheme His name and
discount His deity and attribute his works to Satan. They dedicate their life
to harsh criticism of the Christian world and Biblical beliefs; therefore,
sadly, they will spend their eternity in perpetual damnation for rejecting
Jesus Christ as their Savior (John 3:18).
Prayer:
Father God, Your love, wisdom, power, authority,
righteousness and justice are above reproach; yet, the humanistic mind rejects
You and Your Word. They accuse the Biblical writers of being male chauvinists,
and they say the Bible is an archaic book of fairytales. Your Word is true,
powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). There is
life in every word. Thank You for working out circumstances in our life so that
we accepted rather than rejected the work of Christ in our life.
Thought for the Day:
Those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit are
apostates, and do not get another chance to repent, because after death comes
the judgment. - Hebrews 9:27
