Blasphemy against Blasphemy against the Holy Spiritthe Holy Spirit

What does it mean?What does it mean?

““Blasphemy”Blasphemy”

DefinedDefined: Contempt or indignity offered to : Contempt or indignity offered to God. It is to revile, slander, speak lightly God. It is to revile, slander, speak lightly or amiss of sacred things or Persons. It is or amiss of sacred things or Persons. It is a sin not of the lips alone, but issues from a sin not of the lips alone, but issues from the heart (the heart (Matthew 15:19Matthew 15:19). The same ). The same word is translated elsewhere as “evil word is translated elsewhere as “evil speaking” (speaking” (Ephesians 4:31Ephesians 4:31).).

Luke 12:10Luke 12:10

““And anyone who speaks a word against And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy to him who blasphemes against the Holy

Spirit, it will not be forgiven.”Spirit, it will not be forgiven.”

Many fear they have Many fear they have committed this “unpardonable committed this “unpardonable

sin”sin”What’s nearly always the key What’s nearly always the key

to proper biblical to proper biblical interpretation?interpretation?

ContextContext is nearly always the key to is nearly always the key to proper biblical interpretationproper biblical interpretation

Three Critical TextsThree Critical Texts

1.1. Matthew 12:31-32Matthew 12:31-32

2.2. Mark 3:28-30Mark 3:28-30

3.3. Luke 12:10Luke 12:10

Matthew 12:31-32Matthew 12:31-32

31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and 31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.forgiven men.32 “And anyone who speaks a word 32 “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or the age to come.”this age or the age to come.”

Mark 3:28-30Mark 3:28-30

28 “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be 28 “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter;blasphemies they may utter;

29 “but he who blasphemes against the 29 “but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”—subject to eternal condemnation”—

30 because they said, “He has an unclean 30 because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”spirit.”

Mark 3:20ffMark 3:20ff

Reasonable Conclusions about Reasonable Conclusions about “Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit”“Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit”1.1. It is a It is a continualcontinual attitude (“speaks against” attitude (“speaks against”

in Matthew 12 is a present tense verb)in Matthew 12 is a present tense verb)2.2. It is a It is a verbalverbal action (not thinking, but action (not thinking, but

speaking)speaking)3.3. It is a sin and act of It is a sin and act of fullfull knowledgeknowledge

(cannot be committed by someone in (cannot be committed by someone in ignorance)ignorance)

4.4. It is willful disregard for God’s mercy and It is willful disregard for God’s mercy and grace . . .grace . . .

Reasonable Conclusions about Reasonable Conclusions about “Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit”“Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit”

5.5. It is to ascribe to It is to ascribe to SatanSatan the works of the the works of the HolyHoly SpiritSpirit

6.6. It’s root cause is It’s root cause is rebellionrebellion and unbelief and unbelief

7.7. It It cannotcannot be committed by a Christian be committed by a Christian

Why?Why?

Because it is a Because it is a sinsin thatthat cannotcannot bebe forgivenforgiven

Benefits of “Walking According To Benefits of “Walking According To The Spirit” in Romans 8:1-39The Spirit” in Romans 8:1-39

1.1. No Condemnation (1)No Condemnation (1)2.2. Spiritually Minded (6)Spiritually Minded (6)3.3. Life and Peace (6)Life and Peace (6)4.4. Resurrection (11)Resurrection (11)5.5. Sonship (14)Sonship (14)6.6. Assurance (15-16)Assurance (15-16)7.7. Inheritance (17)Inheritance (17)8.8. Hope (24) . . .Hope (24) . . .

Benefits of “Walking According To Benefits of “Walking According To The Spirit” in Romans 8:1-39The Spirit” in Romans 8:1-39

9.9. Patience (25)Patience (25)

10.10. Prayer (26)Prayer (26)

11.11. Purpose (28)Purpose (28)

12.12. Triumph! (35-39)Triumph! (35-39)