Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

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

Imitators of Christ

 

 

As authentic Believers in Jesus Christ, we lay our sinful, carnal, earthly life at Jesus’ feet and identify with His crucifixion and resurrection (Philippians 3:8). We find our righteousness by faith in Christ, rather than in self-effort (Philippians 3:9; Galatians 3:1-3). Over the weeks and years of our walk with Him, we stop travailing over our sinful state and realize that we are already dead in Christ and raised to walk in newness of a life in Him (Romans 6:4).

 

We are united in mind, character, creativity and vision with our Father, just as Jesus is one with us and with our Father (Ephesians 3:19). We walk, talk, think and pursue a totally different lifestyle now. We are imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1), who is our life (Colossians 3:4). We exalt Him with our thoughts, words and deeds (Ephesians 4:1). Jesus gives us His power and authority over sin and the world, because He dwells within us with all the power of the triune God (1 John 4:15; Colossians 2:9).

 

In the current age of technology, sin is easier to access than ever before. If we have the slightest inclination toward sinfulness, we will certainly find a multitude of outlets for it. However, technology also gives us a wealth of Biblical resources at our fingertips. Out ability to grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God exponentially increases with technology. We also have the opportunity to fellowship with other Christians from around the world from the comfort of our own home, and to share our walk with Christ.

 

God removes the very presence of sin from our life, because we are His Temple. He cannot dwell in the presence of sin (Psalm 5:4; 1 John 5:18). We will reign with Him as priests of God during the Millennium (Revelations 20:6). Entertaining sin in our life or cowering in the corner of our house without using our talents for God will reap for us God’s displeasure (Matthew 25:14-30). God will take our talents and give them to those who are more faithful to His call on their life.

 

Prayer:

Father God, walking down the wrong path in life will affect our place in eternity. We may taste of the spiritual aspects of life, which You provide for us; and then walk away as if they have no value to us. We may sell our birthright as Your children in exchange for the lusts of the flesh. Then, we will walk as apostates for the rest of our life on earth. Hell holds a special place for those who turn their back on You. However, we desire to live only for You, because You live within us (John 14:19).

 

Thought for the Day:

Follow the wisdom from above, cling to that which is good, do not live in hypocrisy and cleanse your ways according to God’s Word (James 3:17; Psalm 199:9).