It is one thing for you to speak ill of the Son of Man. People will be forgiven for every sin they commit and blasphemy they utter. But those who call the work of God the work of Satan utterly remove themselves from God, and those who blaspheme God’s Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this world nor in the world to come. -Matthew 12:31-32 VOICE
I think that blasphemy is a much misunderstood word. I like this definition of it:
Blasphemy (blasphēmía) "switches" right for wrong (wrong for right).In the verse above Jesus puts the word in context as he compares forgivable to unforgivable blasphemy. This small space is inadequate to delineate the many views about what it means to blaspheme the Spirit. Yet I offer a few thoughts.
It calls what God disapproves, "right" which "exchanges the truth of God for a lie."
- There is a sin that will not be forgiven. This seems to be at odds with the idea that everyone will be in heaven.
- This blasphemy seems to be an intentional sin of the heart. It is deliberate and is not repented of.
- In the case above it seems to be committed by religious leaders. It gives me concerns for heresy hunters.
- It reminds me that quenching and resisting the Holy Spirit can have eternal consequences.
Come Holy Spirit. We invite your presence. Help us to be those who bless and do not blaspheme you.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.
The definition sounded deep to me :) I had to read it twice too get it, but yea, it's a good definition.
ReplyDeleteI noticed you changed your profile picture. You look so different here :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Pearlie for the feedback on the post and on my profile pic. ツ
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