Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit Flashcards
Interpretations about blasphemy
- Some see it as the continual and determined
rejection of the gospel, therefore, blasphemy
occurs wherever sin is unforgiven. - Others see it as attributing a sovereign work of the
Holy Spirit to Satan. - et al covering a range of interpretations and
conditions
Spiritual foundation
All 3 Synoptic writers record the words of Jesus on blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew & Mark in relation to healing a demon possessed man.
Luke in warning to be aware of the Pharisees.
Definition
To speak ill or abusively of someone
Speech that denigrates or defames, reviling, denigration, disrespect, slander, specifically, of God and what is God’s
Meaning in the NT
A word or act detracting from the power and glory of God.
Meaning in the OT
Contemptuous or dishonoring speech or actions against God
The seriousness of blasphemy
A violation of the 3rd commandment
Exodus 20:7 KJV
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
The punishment for blasphemy
Death for those who willfully commit blasphemy (Lev. 24:15; Num. 15:30)
Some note ignorant blasphemy might be atoned for, based on Num. 15:22
Paul becomes the example in the NT, as a blasphemer who found forgiveness
Blasphemy in the NT
- Jesus is accused of blasphemy in the final week
- Stephen is accused (Acts 6:11)
- Jews who boast in a Law, fail to keep others from
blaspheming (Rom, 2:24) - Paul forced Christians to blaspheme (Acts 26:11)
- Paul blasphemed (1 Tim. 1:13)
- Hymenaeus and Alexander are accused of being
blasphemers (1 Tim. 1:20) - Rich who oppress the poor (James 2:6-7)
- Disciple accused against Diana/Artemis at Ephesus
(Acts 19:37) - Beast (Rev. 13) spoke blasphemies (Rev. 17:3)
Twin sayings
- Say something against the Son of Man, that can be
forgiven. - Say something against the Holy Spirit, never
forgiven.
The second statement appears to contradict the first statement. This is an example of an OT idiom (Gen 2:16-17). The exception is a way to emphasize the gravity of sin. To say something against Jesus was forgivable, but to say something against the Holy Spirit, is an attack on God, and as such, it is unforgivable.
Twelftree’s Observation
Matthew’s account: would mean that to have seen this exorcism, and then say Jesus had an unclean spirit is an attack on the Holy Spirit, i.e. an activity of God attributed to Satan.
Mark’s account: more applicable to the early church. The Christian who does not recognize the working of the Holy Spirit is near apostasy.
Luke’s account: focuses on Jesus’ followers defending themselves and their ministries. To blaspheme would be to deny His work in their lives. Luke also provides an example of the unpardonable sin later in Acts 5:1-5.
Which account is the longest?
Matthew 12:22-37
Where did this occasion occur in Jesus’ ministry?
-He had come as Israel’s Messiah
-He had proven his identity by his miracles
-He performed another miracle here
-He was accused of doing the miracle by the power of
Satan
-He was rejected as Messiah by the religious leaders
What is the context of Matthew 12:22-37?
Jesus has just cast out an evil spirit from a demon possessed man.
He is accused by the scribes of having performed this act, by/through the power of Beelzebub..
What two things was Jesus charged with?
- He is demon possessed.
- He is casting out demons by the prince of demons.
An absurd argument in its entirety
As one writer asked, “Was Satan going to commit
suicide?”
Who accused Jesus of this deed?
The Scribes and Pharisees
