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NASB | Matthew 12:31 ¶ "Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 12:31 ¶ "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy [every evil, abusive, injurious speaking, or indignity against sacred things] will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the [Holy] Spirit will not be forgiven. |
Bible Question: To Blasphemed the Holy Spirit is the ultimate sin and it says in Luke12 and in Mark 3:13 that you won't be forgiven. What does it mean to "blaspheme and how do you keep from Blaspheming? |
Bible Answer: Support and Addition .......................... Dear Mattiep, I would like to begin answering your question by using the dictionary. Blasphemy - Irreverence towards God (Holy Spirit) Irreverence - Showing a lack of reverence Reverence - The state of being revered Revere - Regard as worthy of great honor From the basic definitions, it becomes clear that "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit" is the act of denying that the Holy Spirit (HS) is worthy of honor. Of course, for a person to truly believe that the HS did not deserve honor would require that that person denied that the HS was God. If a person was in the state of denying the deity of the HS it would of course be impossible for the HS to come into that person's life. And without the baptism of the HS (not to be confused with the act of being "slain in the spirit") there could be no salvation. This is why blasphemy is the unforgivable sin, because there's only one road to forgiveness and that puts up a roadblock. I would like to point out though that the roadblock is not permanent. All people have at one time in their life been in rebellion against God, and have lived lives which were irreverent toward the HS. It is of note that Luke 12:10 says, "he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven", and not he who has blasphemed against the HS will not be forgiven. In other words, the action being talked about is continuing in the present, not just something from the past. Therefore, I believe that even if a person had said the words, "I blaspheme the Holy Spirit", that God would forgive them if they truly repented. I believe that even if a person had denied the deity of the HS in their hearts (which would also be blasphemy), that if their hearts were changed, would be forgiven by God. Of course, if they do not change, but remain steadfast in their refusal to honor God and the HS, then they will not be forgiven and will die in a state of sin. P.S. Just to nip in the bud ... I am fully aware that this doesn't completely jive with all the possible interpretaions of these passages. However, I believe it makes the most sense, when taken in the context of the entire Bible. |