Introduction. Matthew 12:31,32 We note in this text the very alarming declaration that Jesus makes about this sin - the fact that is can not be forgiven. That being the case it is important that we understand exactly what it is that constitutes this blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. This evening we will consider this together for a few minutes.
I. The Lord’s Statements on this Subject.
- Matthew 12:31,32 - Context: Casting out demons.
- Mark 3:28-30 - Context: Casting out demons.
- Luke 12:10 - Context: Confession of Christ.
II. The Power to Cast Out Demons.
- The Gospel of Matthew.
- Jesus casts out demons. Matthew 12:22-23
- Pharisees’ criticism. Matthew 12:24
- Jesus’ response. Matthew 12:25-30 (31,32 - Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit).
- The Gospel of Mark.
- Jesus gives the Apostles authority over demons. Mark 3:14-15
- Scribes’ criticism. Mark 3:22
- Jesus’ response. Mark 3:23-27 (28-30 - Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit).
- Analysis.
- Pharisees & Scribes claim Satan is the source of Jesus power. Mark 3:22
- Jesus refutes this claim. Mark 3:23
- The Jews could cast out demons. Matthew 12:27
- If the Jews did this by God’s power - how could they question the source of Jesus’ power? Matthew 12:28
- The source of Jesus’ power was divine (i.e. the Holy Spirit). Acts 10:38
By claiming that Jesus was casting out demons by Satan they were not reviling Him alone. They were blaspheming the Holy Spirit - the source of His power. cf. John 14:11 Note: there were two witnesses that attested to who Jesus was - His words & His works. If the Jews rejected not only His words but even His works they were speaking against the Holy Spirit and were without hope.
- Conclusion. In Matthew & Mark blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is claiming Satan as the source of Jesus power. Since Jesus is no longer physically present it is not possible to attribute to His works Satan as the source of power so it is no longer possible to blaspheme the Holy Spirit in this way.
III. Confession of Jesus.
- The Gospel of Luke.
- We must confess Jesus. Luke 12:8
- We must not deny Jesus. Luke 12:9
- Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is unforgivable. Luke 12:10
- The Apostles are promised the Holy Spirit as a guide to their words. Luke 12:11,12
- Analysis.
- The Holy Spirit was given to complete revelation. John 14:26; 16:13
- What the Apostles wrote were the commands of God through the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 14:37
If someone rejected the message of the gospel (which was revealed by the Holy Spirit - could there be any hope of receiving forgiveness? No! Not “in this age or in the age to come.”
IV. Application - What Does This Mean to Us?
- The most difficult aspect of this teaching is the fact that it is described as unforgivable. Matthew 12:32
- Does this mean any word - any time? (First type - possibly Matthew 12:32. Second type - What about Paul?)
- Paul was a blasphemer - yet he was forgiven. I Timothy 1:13 (against Holy Spirit?)
- Does this mean words for which one does not repent?
- Does this mean a complete rejection of the gospel as the means of salvation? (As it is used in Luke 12 this may have application to us.)
- What hope can remain for such a one? I John 5:16,17 (All sin can lead to death unless it is repented of - Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”)
- Even the Christian who remains in sin is without hope.
- Impossible to renew to repentance. Hebrew 6:4-6
- No sacrifice for sins. Hebrews 10:26,27
Illustration. Carried off by the rush of a river leading to a cliff. 1st man throws a line - you miss it. Second stretches out a pole - you miss it. 3rd (just before the cliff) climbs out on a low branch and reaches for you - if you miss him, you miss your chance.
God spoke to us in times past by the prophets, in the coming of Christ He has offered us salvation, if we reject the message of the gospel (revealed by the Holy Spirit) we have missed our chance.
