The one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit ...

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“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

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The central character in today's passage is the Holy Spirit. Jesus first speaks to the fates of those who accept and reject the invitation of God's Spirit to follow Jesus. It is a simple message of ones who say yes and ones who say no. For sure, all of the work is done by the Holy Spirit - no one can boast because they say a simple yes to this glorious invitation. Yet many proudly boast about their rejection of the Holy Spirit thinking they are being so "intellectual".

The rejection of the Holy Spirit is called blasphemy by Jesus and this sort of rejection can not be forgiven as the person has rejected the means of forgiveness. In contrast our Lord speaks to believers about being persecuted by those who have blasphemed the Holy Spirit. He tells them to be at peace and not concern themselves with what to day because he know that it is a purpose of the Holy Spirit to impart wisdom in such situations. Many believers understand this.

I am ever in your debt dear Lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to hear Him today.

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