Boundary Line

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

THE central focus of Jesus’ exchanges with the Pharisees is the question, “Is Jesus of God or not?” Jesus gave people room to misunderstand him as a man among them. But he condemned those who rejected his divine nature, even when they saw the Spirit’s power work through him. This is what it means to blaspheme the Spirit.

The word “blasphemy” comes from a Greek word meaning “to speak stupid things against.” We could summarize Jesus' meaning this way: “Every sin and stupid word spoken about me will be forgiven men, but the stupid things spoken against the Spirit’s power will not be forgiven.”

How would you feel if someone told you that you speak stupid things? We can understand why Jesus’ words enraged the Pharisees. He directly challenged their certainty. That's difficult for any of us to hear, especially when we are confident in our knowledge and understanding.

Yes, throughout the generations there has been much debate about Jesus. People who are Christians and who are not wonder if Jesus did and taught all Scripture records. Are the miracles, the promises, the hope, the forgiveness, and his sacrificial love real? Amid worldly pressures, limited knowledge, and personal pleasures it seems more comfortable and even more true to decide for ourselves what is true and what is not about Jesus.

God has an absolute forgiveness boundary line he will not cross. To say, “It's stupid to believe the Spirit and the Son are of God,” is to completely reject God. Unbelief is eternal unforgiveness.

Jesus promised he would send help to build our faith: “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

The Holy God has graciously sent his Son and his Spirit to powerfully and lovingly teach you and strengthen your faith. Rejoice and be thankful as you learn of him.

Jesus Teaches: Believe the Spirit’s counsel. Know Jesus. Be forgiven forever.