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THE UNPARDONABLE SIN?
Rod Shimabukuro31Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12:31-32
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?
In all my years of reading, reviewing and learning to study the Word of God, a consistent question among many Christians involves the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. What does this mean? How do we know if we are in danger of this unpardonable sin?
I believe we misrepresent and misinterpret the intention of Matthew’s gospel, if we fail to look more carefully at who Jesus is addressing and what His main point(s) are. I do not see where the Word of God ever instructs us towards the God of love NOT forgiving sin. Except in this passage (Matt 12:31-32). God is not inconsistent in who He is. So we must be careful how we are reading, understanding, observing and interpreting this difficult passage.
The unfortunate misleading teaching, in my opinion, have generally applied this passage in warning sinful Christians. This can be destructive and misleading because the issue is not focused solely on “sin or disobedience” of Christians.
I strongly contend for us as Christians to read verses 31-32 in relationship to it’s contextual setting in verses 22-45.
We must consider who Jesus is speaking to (V. 24-25, 38): The Pharisees and Scribes who were conspiring on how to destroy Jesus (v14). Jesus isn’t speaking to backslidden Christians. He is addressing the Pharisaical spiritual heart, who opposes Jesus, and references His healing of the demon possessed man as demonic activity. So who was in danger of speaking against the Holy Spirit? Pharisees, Scribes - who were seeking to destroy Jesus, referencing Him to be demonic.
As I’ve reread verses 22-45, while looking at preceding and succeeding chapters, I’m observing that Jesus fiercely denounces wickedness in opposition to God redemptive heart and plan...which includes Himself! The Pharisees are opposing God incarnate! WOW - mighty works of God occurred... and look at what happened earlier in Matthew 11:20. Jesus began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. Denouncing cities connected to denouncing the people engulfed in sinful practices in violation to God.
In our day... would those who seek to destroy Jesus, referencing Him to be a demon or demonic - could these be in the “unpardonable sin” category? Only God is and can be Judge of all right?
My application is connected to a heart to help Christians (even Non Christians) who have been guilt ridden, misguided and even manipulated into thinking that God’s love will not or cannot redeem their evil, wicked hearts. Even those who have opposed Jesus in wicked ways - are candidates of God’s redeeming love! God is the ultimate and final Judge.
I want to live differently by growing in understanding who God is, His heart, ways - through His Word. Then to be a pastor/teacher who represents His heart, making disciples of all nations!
Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit!
Thank you for revealing Your heart, ways, Word to me. Help me to guide people to truth. If there is error in me, my thoughts, motives, teaching... Please Correct me, so I will not mislead people! O God - Have Mercy on me, through me...for Your honor!
