Unforgivable

Matthew 12:31-32
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.”

There are some verses in Scripture that are more difficult to understand than others. Satan, who is a master of manipulating the Word of God, (he did it in the garden to Eve and in the wilderness to Jesus) uses this verse to confuse, discourage and frighten believers. Because of the severity of the warning in this passage, it is of utmost importance that we understand what Jesus is saying.

First of all, we know Jesus came to forgive sin. We see in Scripture, those guilty of heinous sins being pardon by Christ. We know Matthew, as a tax collector, was guilty of theft and corruption. Simon the Zealot, no doubt, broke the law in his campaigns against Rome. Paul was guilty of murder. Mary Magdalene, of adultery, and the list goes on and on. We even find a man sentenced to death, receiving pardon for sin during his execution. So we understand ALL sin can be forgiven.

Second, “blasphemy” is the translation of a Greek word meaning, “to speak evil against.” And if we are honest, we will admit we have all been guilty of speaking evil against God. Maybe in a moment of anger, or perhaps like Job, in a time of great despair, or even as the punch line to a joke, whatever the case, we all have been guilty of speaking evil against God. Is Jesus saying we cannot be forgiven? Take a look at the words of Paul the apostle,

“. . . although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” (1Timothy 1:13-14)

Paul admits he had been guilty of blasphemy and yet received pardon from the Lord.

Finally, the key to understanding what Jesus is speaking about, is to look more carefully at the blasphemer to whom He refers. Notice He calls it “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.” The work of Christ in the world was primarily to provide a ransom for the sins of mankind. The work of the Holy Spirit is primarily to lead people to Christ to receive that pardon. If a person rejects the work of the Holy Spirit by refusing to accept Jesus Christ, they have no remedy for their sin. That is why it is unforgivable. Any person who receives Christ will be forgiven any sin they have committed past, present and future. The key is to receive Christ.

If you would like to accept the forgiveness Jesus offers, pray now:

“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner and I ask you to forgive me of my sin, I ask you to come into my life and help me to follow after you.”

If you prayed that today, contact us today at prayer@ccvb.net

Pastor Jim

Questions for Chapter 12

The Pharisees were upset that Jesus broke their tradition. Are there any traditions in your life that Jesus needs to break?
Who was Jesus drawn to when he entered the synagogue? What does that tell you about Jesus?
Jesus gives a basic principle of unity, “a house divided cannot stand.” take some time to pray for unity in your home and in CCVB.
“The strong man” is a reference to Satan. Jesus says when he is bound his goods (unsaved people, struggling Christians) can be plundered. Prayer and the gospel message plunder his goods. Pray again for your unsaved friends and family.
From the list below, circle the sins that can be forgiven?
1. Murder
2. Theft
3. Adultery
4. Blasphemy
5. Lying
The blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is rejecting the salvation that God made possible through Christ. If a person rejects Christ there remains no way for them to be forgiven. If you have not prayed to receive Christ as your Savior, do it now.
“Jesus, I ask you to forgive me of my sin and make me your child”

If you prayed that prayer contact us at prayer@ccvb.net and let us help you grow in Christ.