Thursday, June 22, 2006
DECISION TIME
Matt. 12:33-37. "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34. "You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. 35. "The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil. 36. "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment. 37. "For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned."
Matt. 12:33. "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.
This verse is another parable comparing the tree and the fruit of its production. We have no difficulty in understanding that the tree is known by its fruit. Good trees yield good fruit goes without objection.
The difficulty in this verse is found in the word “make” – poieo – observe or consider. An English equivalent would be, “He is not the leader that people make him out to be.” We would understand the same sentence rendered, “He is not the leader that people consider him to be.” Jesus is using this same connotation, “Either make (consider) the tree to be good, or make (consider) the tree to be bad.” Herein He places Himself as that tree to be considered; either good or bad.
Confronting the religious leadership with the gravity of sin so grievous that it will never find forgiveness, Jesus points to His own works of healing and casting out demons. He asks them to consider and come to a final conclusion as to His charge. Is He in possession of Satan’s power; the fruit of a bad tree, or does He possess the power of God almighty? The wrong answer is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and will merit eternal punishment for that very sin.
Jesus asks that the fruit be considered. All parties agreed that sickness and death were the fruit of sin and demon possession was obviously the work of Satan. If then you witness My healing of sickness that obviously would lead to death and have witnessed Me casting demons out of inflicted people; Am I a good tree or a bad tree? Do I produce good fruit or bad?
Here again the religious leadership is trapped. Do they repent and be forgiven or do they blaspheme the power of the Holy Spirit by which Jesus had accomplished these miraculous deeds and commit the eternal sin?
Matt. 12:33. "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.
This verse is another parable comparing the tree and the fruit of its production. We have no difficulty in understanding that the tree is known by its fruit. Good trees yield good fruit goes without objection.
The difficulty in this verse is found in the word “make” – poieo – observe or consider. An English equivalent would be, “He is not the leader that people make him out to be.” We would understand the same sentence rendered, “He is not the leader that people consider him to be.” Jesus is using this same connotation, “Either make (consider) the tree to be good, or make (consider) the tree to be bad.” Herein He places Himself as that tree to be considered; either good or bad.
Confronting the religious leadership with the gravity of sin so grievous that it will never find forgiveness, Jesus points to His own works of healing and casting out demons. He asks them to consider and come to a final conclusion as to His charge. Is He in possession of Satan’s power; the fruit of a bad tree, or does He possess the power of God almighty? The wrong answer is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and will merit eternal punishment for that very sin.
Jesus asks that the fruit be considered. All parties agreed that sickness and death were the fruit of sin and demon possession was obviously the work of Satan. If then you witness My healing of sickness that obviously would lead to death and have witnessed Me casting demons out of inflicted people; Am I a good tree or a bad tree? Do I produce good fruit or bad?
Here again the religious leadership is trapped. Do they repent and be forgiven or do they blaspheme the power of the Holy Spirit by which Jesus had accomplished these miraculous deeds and commit the eternal sin?
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Matt. 12:31-32. "Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.
32. "And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come.
Mark 3:28-30. 28. "Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29. but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" 30. because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."
William Hendriksen writes, “In passing, it should be pointed out that these words by no stretch of the imagination imply that for certain sins there will be forgiveness in the life hereafter. They do not in any sense whatever support the doctrine of purgatory. The expression simply means that the indicated sin will never be forgiven. As to the doctrine of purgatory, supposedly the place where the souls of those who are not eternally lost pay off the remainder of their debt by suffering punishment for the sins committed while still on earth, it is clearly contradicted by scripture, which teaches that ‘Jesus paid it all’.”
So what is this blasphemy of/to the Holy Spirit and how does one avoid it? It is not spelled here in the text so we must look to the context of what is going on and let the context be our guide. We see that Jesus is pronounced guilty of operating under the power of Satan while He denies it and claims to be empowered by God’s Holy Spirit. They both cannot be right; it has to be that Christ operates under the power of Satan or the Holy Spirit. The decision made by the religious leaders was that He operated, healed and cast out demons, by the power of Satan. This was their final decision. This final decision had a progression in sin. Initially we grieve the Spirit by the natural sin we play out in our life’s desires. When this is left unrepented we are led into resisting or suppressing the Spirit where we self-justify our sin. This will progress into a state where one quenches the Spirit where one has euthanized his own spiritual conscious. Upon this state one has become his own god and he cannot respond, nor possesses any ember of the Holy Spirit’s influence internally.
We have a snapshot in clear focus as to what the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit looks like. The lens is capturing in its exposure that of the religious leadership who Jesus will now label as: “You brood of vipers,” pronouncing this heinous and hopeless sin against them.
32. "And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come.
Mark 3:28-30. 28. "Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29. but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" 30. because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."
William Hendriksen writes, “In passing, it should be pointed out that these words by no stretch of the imagination imply that for certain sins there will be forgiveness in the life hereafter. They do not in any sense whatever support the doctrine of purgatory. The expression simply means that the indicated sin will never be forgiven. As to the doctrine of purgatory, supposedly the place where the souls of those who are not eternally lost pay off the remainder of their debt by suffering punishment for the sins committed while still on earth, it is clearly contradicted by scripture, which teaches that ‘Jesus paid it all’.”
So what is this blasphemy of/to the Holy Spirit and how does one avoid it? It is not spelled here in the text so we must look to the context of what is going on and let the context be our guide. We see that Jesus is pronounced guilty of operating under the power of Satan while He denies it and claims to be empowered by God’s Holy Spirit. They both cannot be right; it has to be that Christ operates under the power of Satan or the Holy Spirit. The decision made by the religious leaders was that He operated, healed and cast out demons, by the power of Satan. This was their final decision. This final decision had a progression in sin. Initially we grieve the Spirit by the natural sin we play out in our life’s desires. When this is left unrepented we are led into resisting or suppressing the Spirit where we self-justify our sin. This will progress into a state where one quenches the Spirit where one has euthanized his own spiritual conscious. Upon this state one has become his own god and he cannot respond, nor possesses any ember of the Holy Spirit’s influence internally.
We have a snapshot in clear focus as to what the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit looks like. The lens is capturing in its exposure that of the religious leadership who Jesus will now label as: “You brood of vipers,” pronouncing this heinous and hopeless sin against them.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
REPROBATION
We now turn to the negative and the gravity of what is taking place in the lives that are opposed or indifferent to the Holy Spirit. Mark singularly states that whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" Matthew says it twice: blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven and again whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come.
Our authors, Thomas and Gundry, foot note that the unforgivable (Matt. 12:32) or eternal (Mark 3:29) sin bore a special relationship to the unusual circumstances of that day. The leaders of Israel publicly demonstrated their final and deliberate rejection of the Holy Spirit’s clear attestation to the Incarnate Messiah. Such definitive circumstances are not found elsewhere.
This is the ultimate action that life bears. We know by what we have visited that there is a certain sin that prohibits forgiveness in this age; while one still lives. This is a sealing off of all hope of entering God’s kingdom by one’s own conscious volition. The sad part is that it takes place in this age where there is opportunity to repent. This individual is duped to believe that he is his own sovereign while Satan is holding his reigns. This tells us that the true strong man has removed His saving grace from this individual because of the choices he has made.
Our authors, Thomas and Gundry, foot note that the unforgivable (Matt. 12:32) or eternal (Mark 3:29) sin bore a special relationship to the unusual circumstances of that day. The leaders of Israel publicly demonstrated their final and deliberate rejection of the Holy Spirit’s clear attestation to the Incarnate Messiah. Such definitive circumstances are not found elsewhere.
This is the ultimate action that life bears. We know by what we have visited that there is a certain sin that prohibits forgiveness in this age; while one still lives. This is a sealing off of all hope of entering God’s kingdom by one’s own conscious volition. The sad part is that it takes place in this age where there is opportunity to repent. This individual is duped to believe that he is his own sovereign while Satan is holding his reigns. This tells us that the true strong man has removed His saving grace from this individual because of the choices he has made.
Monday, June 19, 2006
HISTORIC BLASPHEMY
Matt. 12:31-32. "Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.
32. "And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come.
Mark 3:28-30. "Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29. but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" 30. because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."
Matthew spells out the generality of blasphemy in that any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men. Herein lays the hope even of the most heinous individual. No one, as long as he has breath, is without opportunity to repent of his infractions. Passing over the last part of Matt 12:31 (but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.) we focus on more of that which will be forgiven. Whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man [Jesus], it shall be forgiven him. This passage is closed to the era of Christ’s life on earth which both Peter and Paul found pardon.
Peter’s blasphemy is found when Jesus is on trial in Mark 14:66-72 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came, 67. and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him, and said, "You, too, were with Jesus the Nazarene." 68. But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about." And he went out onto the porch. 69. And the maid saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, "This is one of them!" 70. But again he was denying it. And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too." 71. But he began to curse and swear, "I do not know this man you are talking about!" 72. And immediately a cock crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, "Before a cock crows twice, you will deny Me three times." And he began to weep.
Paul (Saul) was in agreement with the stoning of Stephen and put Christians in prison (Acts 8:1, 3). He had chosen the side that would actively scatter. His confession is found in 1Tim. 1:12-1 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service; 13. even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. And yet I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14. and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 16. And yet for this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
32. "And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come.
Mark 3:28-30. "Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29. but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" 30. because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."
Matthew spells out the generality of blasphemy in that any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men. Herein lays the hope even of the most heinous individual. No one, as long as he has breath, is without opportunity to repent of his infractions. Passing over the last part of Matt 12:31 (but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.) we focus on more of that which will be forgiven. Whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man [Jesus], it shall be forgiven him. This passage is closed to the era of Christ’s life on earth which both Peter and Paul found pardon.
Peter’s blasphemy is found when Jesus is on trial in Mark 14:66-72 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came, 67. and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him, and said, "You, too, were with Jesus the Nazarene." 68. But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about." And he went out onto the porch. 69. And the maid saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, "This is one of them!" 70. But again he was denying it. And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too." 71. But he began to curse and swear, "I do not know this man you are talking about!" 72. And immediately a cock crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, "Before a cock crows twice, you will deny Me three times." And he began to weep.
Paul (Saul) was in agreement with the stoning of Stephen and put Christians in prison (Acts 8:1, 3). He had chosen the side that would actively scatter. His confession is found in 1Tim. 1:12-1 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service; 13. even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. And yet I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14. and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 16. And yet for this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
UNFORGIVEABLE SIN
Matt. 12:31-32. "Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. 32. "And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come.
Mark 3:28-30. "Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter;
29. but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" 30. because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."
We continue to see to see Jesus in action even though we are told that He has not yet had a chance to eat from His journey. He has not lent His adversaries the opportunity to speak but continues His exhortation. Truly – amen – I say to you, reflects a deep solemnity; a gravity that commands a supreme attentiveness to the information that will follow.
This information pertains to sin, which is any infraction to God’s law that necessarily must be reconciled by forgiveness or punishment. Included is the revelation that many sins lend themselves opportunity to have forgiveness but there is a sin that remains eternally without any hope for remedy.
Our attention turns to the word blasphemy because blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. This word is a direct transliteration from the Greek – blasphemia – and in the most general sense it is used as insolent language directed at God or one’s fellow man. In our language today we tend to take this word in a more focused infraction against God. This would be tantamount to defaming Him or pulling Him down to the secular realm or a willful degradation of Holy things. This infraction meets its remedy in Lev. 24:16 `Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
Mark 3:28-30. "Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter;
29. but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" 30. because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."
We continue to see to see Jesus in action even though we are told that He has not yet had a chance to eat from His journey. He has not lent His adversaries the opportunity to speak but continues His exhortation. Truly – amen – I say to you, reflects a deep solemnity; a gravity that commands a supreme attentiveness to the information that will follow.
This information pertains to sin, which is any infraction to God’s law that necessarily must be reconciled by forgiveness or punishment. Included is the revelation that many sins lend themselves opportunity to have forgiveness but there is a sin that remains eternally without any hope for remedy.
Our attention turns to the word blasphemy because blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. This word is a direct transliteration from the Greek – blasphemia – and in the most general sense it is used as insolent language directed at God or one’s fellow man. In our language today we tend to take this word in a more focused infraction against God. This would be tantamount to defaming Him or pulling Him down to the secular realm or a willful degradation of Holy things. This infraction meets its remedy in Lev. 24:16 `Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
