God's Holy Fire: 'Blaspheming the Holy Spirit'

Monday, January 30, 2023

[Jesus said,] "Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin." He said this because [the teachers of the law] were saying, "He has an impure spirit."
— Mark 3:28-30 NIV

Key Thought

The first part of this Scripture strikes fear in some folks because they sometimes are afraid they may be guilty of this sin. However, in this context, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit means denying the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' ministry and miraculous power. It means saying that Jesus' ability to do miracles comes from the power of demons while denying that his power comes from the Holy Spirit of God. This type of blasphemy is not something we as disciples of Jesus are going to do accidentally!

So, sit down and read through the Gospel of Mark. Be reminded of the great power of Jesus to heal and cast out demons. Then, realize that the power of the Holy Spirit is also at work in you as a follower of Jesus. The power of the Holy Spirit to transform, heal, and make new is at work in you! Give glory to God for the incredible presence of the Spirit in your life.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, when I see the incredible power displayed in the ministry of Jesus, I cannot help but wish I were present when he performed his miracles. However, I am humbled to realize that the Holy Spirit who empowered his miracles is the gift of your presence inside of me, given by your grace to empower, comfort, and encourage me. Use the Holy Spirit to conform me to the character and compassion of Jesus, in whose name I thank and praise you. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 3:28-30 NIV — "Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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