#79 Luke 12:8-12 The Unforgiveable Sin?

On July 10, 2022 by Amy Burgin

Joy:
Episode #79 Luke 12:8-12

Welcome

Amy:
Welcome to The Christgazing Podcast. We are so glad you’re here. I’m Amy Burgin.

Joy:
I’m Joy Burgin.

Amy:
If you’re anything like us, you desire to fix your eyes on Jesus amid the distractions and troubles of this world. This podcast makes room for us to do just that. Each week we focus on one passage from the Bible by reading it several times and creating stillness after each reading so we might also be still, listen, and know God more.

We are in a series that takes us through the book of Luke.

Pour Out Your Heart to God

Amy:
Before I read today’s passage, take a minute to pour out your heart to God. Maybe you have a list of questions for which you need answers or a heart filled with grief, anger, anxiety, desire, gratitude, joy, or a mix of all these things and more. Whatever is on your mind, name it and bring it to God in the next minute.

[Pause and pour out your heart to God]

What Does This Passage Say About God?

Joy:
I’m going to read today’s passage two times. As I read, consider the question, what does this tell us about God?

Luke 12:8-12 “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Again?

Take a minute to be still and know what this says about God.

[Pause and know]

What Does This Passage Say About People?

Joy:
As I reread the passage, consider a different question. What does this tell us about people?

Take the next few moments to answer the question, what does this passage tell you about people?

[Pause and know]

Lord, What Would You Have Me Know Or Do Today?

Joy:
As I read for the last time, ask God, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?

Take the next minute to ask God, “Lord, what would you have me know or do today in response to this passage?”

[Pause and listen]

Blessing

Joy:
Christgazer, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. And may you turn your face toward Jesus today and know his love.

One Response

Amy:
In verse 10, Jesus said, “anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” Some people call this the unforgivable sin. I have heard some flippantly throw it out as an excuse saying, “Ah! well, there’s no hope for me because I have committed the unforgivable sin.” Others have expressed concern and worried out loud, “What if I have committed the unforgivable sin?”

To blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is to slander the breath of God, that part of God that filled, animated, and directed the body of Christ. Jesus did not use the past tense “blasphemed”, but rather used the present tense saying, “the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” It comes with the connotation of continual, non-ending blasphemy. Why is this unforgivable? Maybe because to be forgiven, one must first be repentant and one cannot be repentant while at the same time slandering the Spirit of God.

Repentance brings blasphemy to a halt and opens the door to forgiveness.

God’s heart is that every person would come to repentance and be forgiven and united with him in life.

2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Corinthians 7:10 also comes to mind, which says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation.”

And lastly, Romans 2:4, which says, “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.”

His heart is so for you.

Closing

Amy:
Joy and I will be back again next week to go Christgazing together. Until then, don’t forget, when you put your trust in Christ, you are one in whom he dwells and delights, a dearly loved child of God. You are royalty in his strong and unshakeable kingdom. Though trouble abounds, Christ prevails, and so do you.