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Beyond Forgiveness
Ken SilvaMark 3: 28Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
In the versus of scripture preceding these, the scribes are accusing Jesus of performing miracles by using the power of the evil one. They are denying the true source of strength, power and glory that comes from the Lord our God. They are denying the good works of the Holy Spirit and placing doubt in the minds of the people. The scribes and the Pharisees are knowingly and maliciously maligning the Holy Spirit and hindering his influence in the hearts of men. This passage of Mark warns sternly that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgiveable. It is an eternal sin.
Mark makes it plain that sins are forgiven only if a person repents. Mark 1:4, "John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." In order for anyone to receive forgiveness of sins, they have to repent—that is, to turn from sin to God and trust his grace and follow him. So when Jesus says in Mark 3:28, "All sins will be forgiven the sons of men and whatever blasphemies they utter," he means, all sins and blasphemies from which you genuinely repent. In verse 29 Jesus seems to exclude one sin and one blasphemy from this promise: the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. I think the reason is that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit puts you beyond repentance, and therefore beyond forgiveness. As I process the scripture I recognize that sin is dangerous, it takes many shapes and forms, it hardens hearts and leads to spiritual death. I need to flee from sin, surround myself with Godly brothers who can help keep me accountable and stay in the word.
Dear Lord thank you for your love and the path to the forgivness of our sins. Thank you for your word that speaks to us in truth and love. Please strengthen me if I stray and give me discernment as I face the world each and everyday. I love you Lord, amen.
