Speaking to the unpardonable sin...
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.--Matthew 12:31-32
In the context of this passage (12:22-32) verse 22 tells us that a man was brought to Jesus who was demon-possessed, blind and mute. Jesus heals him so that the man both spoke and saw. The people were amazed and wondered if Jesus could be the Son of David. When the Pharisees heard of it, they rejected this clear witness of the Holy Spirit that Jesus was God come in the flesh (casting out a demon and healing) and attributed Jesus' powers to Satan. This is not surprising in that Jesus' healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath (in the previous passage) caused them to immediately go out and hold a council together against Him on how they might destroy Him. The truth was in front of their face and they willfully rejected it. They had observed Him performing other miracles that were clearly done by power supplied by God... Miracles that were "freely given" by Jesus in lovingkindness toward those who were obviously suffering and/or oppressed by evil.
Jesus' words are in verses 31 and 32 are clear, and they are merciful as He is warning the Pharisees against calling His good evil. Their subsequent rejection of Him especially in the light of what they had seen of Jesus and heard of him was willful and according to the explanations I read, showed an utter rejection of the ministry of the Holy Spirit which testifies to Jesus. (John 15:26)
David Guzik: "When that testimony of Jesus is fully and finally rejected, one has truly blasphemed the Holy Spirit and essentially called Him a liar in respect to His testimony about Jesus. The religious leaders were close to this."
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.--John 3:18
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.--John 3:36
Christians who are afraid that they have “blasphemed the Holy Spirit” need not worry, because by that very admission, they have shown that their desire is not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.
Matthew Henry writes:
“Let it be observed that no man who believes the divine mission of Jesus Christ ever can commit this sin” “We have reason to think that none are guilty of this sin, who believe that Christ is the Son of God, and sincerely desire to have part in his merit and mercy: and those who fear they have committed this sin, give a good sign that they have not”
see also Genesis 6:3 and Jeremiah 7:16
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For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.--Matthew 12:37
Your words will either justify you or condemn you.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.--Romans 10:9-10
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Genesis 37....I really love when I reach the story of Joseph in Genesis, and his story goes all the way to Chapter 50! God spends 12 chapters on a single individual. Why? Because Joseph is a beautiful picture of His Son, Jesus! I can't remember when I heard it or who said it but at one time in the very beginning of my walk with the Lord, I was told to look for Jesus on every page of the Bible...it was one of the best pieces of advice I have ever received and in the story of Joseph, we see Jesus everywhere!
For instance, Genesis 37:3 says this:
Now Israel loved Joseph more...of many colors.
Jesus' Father loved Him dearly..
And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." --Matthew 3:17
Who else was hated by His brothers...
But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.--Genesis 37:4
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.--John 1:11
For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world." For even His brothers did not believe in Him. --John 7:4-5
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Psalm 16...Before I read Psalm 16, I read an introduction/background for it. This intro told me that it was a messianic Psalm telling us what Jesus was thinking the night before He was crucified. I read it then, thinking on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. It obviously applies to David but in applying it also to Jesus it became rich with meaning and significance.
For example:
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.--Psalm 16:9-10
As I do your will...as I drink the cup that You have prepared for me, I know You will not leave me in the grave. (my flesh also shall rest in hope) This points to the resurrection.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.--Psalm 16:11
Verse 10 speaks to the resurrection then clearly verse 11 speaks to Jesus' Ascension...of His return to Heaven. (where is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.)
So thankful for Jesus who made Psalm 16:9-11 also true for you and me because He did the will of His Father in heaven. Absent from the body, present with the Lord...
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