Dear
Dr. Belanger,
I recently rededicated my life to my
Lord. However, as I was
studying in the
book of Matthew, I read that the only
unforgivable sin is blasphemy against
the Holy Spirit. When I read this, ugly
words went through my head, kind of
against my will, and I prayed and prayed
for the cleansing of the Holy Spirit. I
love the Lord and would never say these
things. Why are they in my head? I
feel like I am being torn apart.
Have I committed the unforgivable sin? Now
I am terrified that Jesus has given up
on me and that I will go to Hell.
Please, help me understand.
Thank You, Laura
Dear Laura,
Because of the severity with which Jesus
describes blasphemy against the Holy
Spirit, many people like yourself
unnecessarily fear that they may have
committed the unpardonable sin.
However, one of the characteristics of
such sin is that the Holy Spirit ceases
to convict of sin in one's life. Thus,
the fact that you are convicted and
concerned about this particular sin, or
any other indicates that you are not
guilty of blasphemy against the Holy
Spirit. The only sin that God cannot and
will not forgive is rejecting the Lord
Jesus Christ and His work of salvation.
Therefore, be reassured that God loves
you and desires a relationship with you.
Further Teaching On This Subject...
Blasphemy as noted in Scripture is the
act of speaking evil of God or denying
Him some good which we should attribute
to Him. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is
stating that Jesus did his miracles by
the power of the devil (Matt. 12:22-32)
and is an unforgivable sin (Mark
3:28-30).
Blasphemy always arises out of pride
(Psalm 73:9,11), hatred (Psalm 74:18),
jealousy (Isaiah 52:5). Jesus Christ was
deliberately accused of blasphemy (John
10:30-33).
Can a Christian commit this terrible
sin? The answer is NO!
Note
1 John 3:9.
Can anyone other than Christians commit
the unpardonable sin? The Answer Is
YES! To reject the Lord Jesus Christ and His
atoning work on the cross is
unpardonable. Blasphemy in its worse
form is to reject Christ! Thus,
declaring that Christ Jesus is committed
to irrelevancy. There is no forgiveness
for this sin while one lives in this
state and/or dies in this state.
Can any living sinner commit this sin
and still be saved? Thank God, the
answer is YES!
Romans 10:13 is
inclusive and conclusive. The precious
blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth
from all sin (1 Peter 1:18,19)
Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger
Last
Week's Devotion...
Backsliding...
What Are
The Clues?
There
are three clues that a believer is in
the process of backsliding. The first is
the most obvious clue.
#1.
Over-extended - A pattern of complaining
is the
norm. This one is
dangerous when tolerated... because there is the
provocation to trust in one's own
ability. It only gets darker.
#2. Over-estimating the power of
circumstances. A pattern of
procrastinating is a means of escape.
This one creates a pattern of lying.
#3. Under-estimating God's
promises. A pattern of self-abuse and
condemnation and that of others.
Bitterness is free to do its dirty work.
What is the answer to this dreadful
and deceitful way of living?
HONESTY!
First John 1:5; 2:1,2
Compels One To Be Honest...
1. Expose
Sin In The Light - vs. 1:5,8
2. Express
Sin To The Lord - vs. 1:9,10
3. Expel
Sin From Your Life - vs. 2:1,2
One
of the prevalent challenges for the
Christian is the need for inward
honesty. To resist this challenge is to
guarantee our undoing. Inward honesty
must become a perpetual confession of
our helplessness (2
Corinthians 12:9).
As Christians, we
acknowledge the grace of God as our
total sufficiency. This is why we have
peace in a world that is falling to
pieces.
Honestly,
we know that our entire life is wrapped
up in the grace of God. Concession to
this divine reality breeds a
Christ-centered determination to
live holy. It is the graciousness of
God that prevails even when we are
wavering in difficult times. Being
honest inwardly is the only peaceful way
to enjoy true communion with our Savior. Honesty with the Lord always finds the
graciousness of God as the only
attraction for lasting satisfaction. Today! Just be honest with Christ. He is
forever inclined to help and forgive
you.
Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger
Previous
Devotions...
Bible College @ Home!
We
Are Ready To Help!
Call Now! 1-800-242-5314
Getting Started!
Getting
started has never been easier! It's just a free phone call away!
Calling allows us to put a real voice to all your questions. Our
registrar office will provide you with all the information you need
to make a knowledgeable decision. You will learn about:
-
The History Of Our Bible
College.
-
The Course Outline Of Your Studies.
-
How Long It Will Take To Complete Your Education?
-
Tuition, Payment Options & Scholarships
-
Who Your Professor/Mentor Will Be
-
How Your Education Provides Opportunities To Serve?
-
How To Be Ordained? Learn More...
Click Here
-
How It All Comes Together!
CALL NOW! 1-800-242-5314
International
Calls:1-864-297-5054
Search
For An Answer To Your Bible Question...
Our Doctrinal Statement
