Blasphemy Against The Holy Spirit

 




There are two questions worth answering in Matthew 12:31-32:

1. What constitutes blasphemy against the Spirit?

2. Why is this kind of blasphemy unpardonable?

Contextually, Jesus was facing fierce criticism from the Pharisees especially with regards to matters the Sabbath as seen in:
• v1-8- Reaping on the Sabbath and
• v 9-14- Healing on the Sabbath.
It was this consistent "flouting of the law" in their opinion that made them conclude that Jesus was casting out demons by Beelzebub (v24).
At this, Jesus' defense was in three parts:
1. A kingdom, city or even a family cannot continue to exist if it is divided against itself (v25-26).
2. When the followers of the Pharisees exorcised demons, the Pharisees claimed it was accomplished by the power of God. Why change of tune now?(v27)
3. When the Messiah cast out demons, it happened by the Spirit of God (v28). An indication that the Kingdom of God has come upon them. It's on this premise that Jesus goes on to speak about the blasphemy against the Spirit.
In answering the first question, it therefore follows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit refers to when a person obstinately attributes those works done by the Spirit of God to the devil, when they have the full evidence that it could only be done by the Spirit of God.
This is also evidenced in Mark 3:28-30.
In answering the second question, it is important to note that the sin here spoken of by our Lord ranks high in the catalogue of presumptuous sins, for which there was no forgiveness under the Mosaic law(the Pharisees understood this) Numbers 15:30,31; 35:31; Leviticus 20:10; 1 Sam2:25
Particularly in reference to the leaders of Israel, Jesus had offered them all the proof that could be expected- the ministry of John, the testimony of the Father, the prophecies of the Old Testament, His own testimony and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Nevertheless they stubbornly refused to heed the Holy Spirit's conviction and accept the forgiveness that Christ offered. Because the leaders rejected all proofs regarding Jesus as Messiah, nothing else would be given and no forgiveness would be offered why? Because Jesus is the only way!! No one goes to the Father except through Him!
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Hebrews 3:15
Remember what it says: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled

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