• Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:
    • Reply to discussions and create your own threads.
    • Our modern chat room. No add-ons or extensions required, just login and start chatting!
    • Access to private conversations with other members.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit

Earthling

David Henson
Blasphemy is an anglicized version of the Greek word blasphemia which in Greek meant any injurious, abusive or defamatory speech towards God or men. The English version of the word though, usually applies only to such speech directed to God or sacred things.

Blasphemers were to be stoned to death, but only punishable by death under the Mosaic Law.

Satan was the first and remains the primary instigator of blasphemy (Genesis 3:1-5 / John 8:44-49) for suggesting that God was untruthful. Calling upon the name of God, as mentioned at Genesis 4:26 was apparently not done in an appropriate way, as is indicated by the Jerusalem Targum, which says: "That was the generation in whose days they began to err, and to make themselves idols, and surnamed their idols by the name of the Word of the Lord." It is believed that men began applying the name of God to men, and/or to idols of worship.

The first three of the Ten Commandments dealt with Jehovah God's sovereignty and exclusive right deserving worship. Calling down evil upon God or cursing a chieftain was also blasphemy deserving death. The first case of this happening after the Ten Words were given was when a son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian man was stoned for abusing the name of God and calling down evil upon it. From then on the offense was punishable by stoning to death. (Exodus 20:1-7 / Leviticus 24:10-16)

Blasphemy didn't need to be expressed vocally in the Hebrew Scriptures to be considered as blasphemy. A blatant disrespect for Jehovah God's laws was also considered blasphemy, though the unintentional lawbreaker was given mercy. (Numbers 15:27-31 / Nehemiah 9:18) It didn't always result in death.

Some examples of blasphemy in the Hebrew Scriptures are Eli's sons (1 Samuel 3:12-13), the Assyrian official Rabshakeh, (2 Kings 19:4-6, 2 Kings 19:22-23) and that of false prophets (Jeremiah 23:16-17). Naboth, though innocent, was convicted of blasphemy and was stoned to death based upon the testimony of false witnesses.

The incorrect view began to take effect that the pronunciation of God's name was a blasphemous act based upon a misapplication of Leviticus 24:10-16. Talmudic tradition also indicates that upon hearing the testimony of blasphemous words of the accused, religious judges should tear their garments; this is based upon 2 Kings 18:37; 2 Kings 19:1-4. (Jewish Encyclopedia, 1976, Vol. III, p. 237)

The importance of the name in the Hebrew Scriptures and among Semitic people should not be overlooked. According to Professor G.T. Manely: "A study of the word 'name' in the OT reveals how much it means in Hebrew. The name is no mere label, but is significant of the real personality of him to whom it belongs. . . . When a person puts his 'name' upon a thing or another person the latter comes under his influence and protection." (New Bible Dictionary, edited by J. D. Douglas, 1985, p. 430.)

Deuteronomy 23:2 forbids illegitimate children from coming into the congregation. Adultery, punishable by the death of the unborn child along with the mother and father, (Leviticus 20:10 / Deuteronomy 22:22) was forbidden due to the breakdown of the family arrangement and would result in the child having no inheritance. All of this would have a devastating effect upon society. For this reason the illegitimate child of David was taken. (2 Samuel 12:14) Since Jehovah had a Kingdom covenant with David he wasn't put to death. (2 Samuel 7:11-16)

Paul used the Greek verb blasphemeo at Romans 2:24 in reference to Ezekiel 36:20-21 which demonstrates the harmony of the basic meaning of the word from Hebrew to Greek. Herod committed blasphemy when he claimed the prerogative of God (Acts 12:21-22)

Jesus was accused of blasphemy when he forgave sins, (Matthew 9:2-3) when he claimed to be God's son, (John 10:33-36) and for telling the Sanhedrin that he would sit at the right hand of God, to which they proclaimed him worthy of death. (Mark 14:61-64) They had no authority from the Romans, however, so they shrewdly changed the charge to sedition. (John 18:29-19:16)

Blasphemy against the holy spirit is the only unforgivable sin (Luke 12:10) Blasphemy comes from the heart and must be a willful and deliberate act, not merely a result of imperfection or human weakness.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
What is it? Please discuss and provide scripture.
Thanks
Its a great question. Ever have a bad day and rattle out a few expletives with religious overtones? I'm pretty sure that isn't it!

I think we need to consider the meaning of the words Holy Spirit and Blaspheme.

Holy Spirit is used in vary contexts in both the OT and NT.

Most importantly how Jesus uses the word Holy Spirit that He links with being the comforter:
John 14:16-19

He then explains the role of the Holy Spirit:
John 14:26-28

I'm never entirely sure about the varying understandings Christians have of Holy Spirit or Paraclete

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraclete

How Baha'is see the Holy Spirit is more similar to the Return of Christ or the next Messiah. Why that makes more sense than some internal spiritual experience is the former allows for God's progressive revelation in a very clear manner, whereas every Joe can claim to some special knowledge because they have the 'Holy Spirit' within them.

In the book of Acts where the words Holy Spirit is used more than any other NT book, it is more like the Spirit of Christ comes upon the apostles. That is they are so animated by the reality of Christ in their inner being that are empowered to spread the gospel far and wide. I think its a different use of the same word and why the Holy Spirit is seen as an internal spirit rather than a person in John 14.

Blaspheme has a variety of uses. For a Baha'i it is one who opposes the Returned Christ or His spirit. However there is a special emphasis on those who knowing misrepresent His Cause through slander and calumny thus causing confusion and antipathy in those who would seek the truth. We know Jesus forgave those who threw lots for His clothing. Paul who opposed and persecuted Christians was so transformed by His experience of Christ that he became one of greatest champions for the Cause. We can safely say Matthew 12:31-32 did not apply to either the Roman guards or the apostle Paul.

http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/SAQ/saq-31.html
 
Last edited:

Truthseeker

Non-debating member when I can help myself
Question. -- "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." --
(Matt. 12:31-32)
Answer. -- The holy realities of the Manifestations of God have two spiritual positions. One is the place of manifestation, which can be compared to the position of the globe of the sun, and the other is the resplendency of the manifestation, which is like its light and radiance; these are the perfections of God -- in other words, the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit is the divine bounties and lordly perfections, and these divine perfections are as the rays and heat of the sun. The brilliant rays of the sun constitute its being, and without them it would not be the sun. If the manifestation and the reflection of the divine perfections were not in Christ, Jesus would not be the Messiah. He is a Manifestation because He reflects in Himself the divine perfections. The Prophets of God are manifestations for the lordly perfections -- that is, the Holy Spirit is apparent in Them.
If a soul remains far from the manifestation, he may yet be awakened; for he did not recognize the manifestation of the divine perfections. But if he loathe the divine perfections themselves -- in other words, the Holy Spirit -- it is evident that he is like a bat which hates the light.
This detestation of the light has no remedy and cannot be forgiven -- that is to say, it is impossible for him to come near unto God. This lamp is a lamp because of its light; without the light it would not be a lamp. Now if a soul has an aversion for the light of the lamp, he is, as it were, blind, and cannot comprehend the light; and blindness is the cause of everlasting banishment from God.
It is evident that the souls receive grace from the bounty of the Holy Spirit which appears in the Manifestations of God, and not from the personality of the Manifestation. Therefore, if a soul does not receive grace from the bounties of the Holy Spirit, he remains deprived of the divine gift, and the banishment itself puts the soul beyond the reach of pardon.
This is why many people who were the enemies of the Manifestations, and who did not recognize Them, when once they had known Them became Their friends. So enmity toward the Manifestation did not become the cause of perpetual banishment, for they who indulged in it were the enemies of the light-holders, not knowing that They were the shining lights of God. They were not the enemies of the light, and when once they understood that the light-holder was the place of manifestation of the light, they became sincere friends of it.
The meaning is this: to remain far from the light-holder does not entail everlasting banishment, for one may become awakened and vigilant; but enmity toward the light is the cause of everlasting banishment, and for this there is no remedy.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 126)
 

Shadow Wolf

Certified People sTabber
Satan was the first and remains the primary instigator of blasphemy (Genesis 3:1-5 / John 8:44-49) for suggesting that God was untruthful. Calling upon the name of God, as mentioned at Genesis 4:26 was apparently not done in an appropriate way, as is indicated by the Jerusalem Targum, which says: "That was the generation in whose days they began to err, and to make themselves idols, and surnamed their idols by the name of the Word of the Lord." It is believed that men began applying the name of God to men, and/or to idols of worship.

The first three of the Ten Commandments dealt with Jehovah God's sovereignty and exclusive right deserving worship. Calling down evil upon God or cursing a chieftain was also blasphemy deserving death. The first case of this happening after the Ten Words were given was when a son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian man was stoned for abusing the name of God and calling down evil upon it. From then on the offense was punishable by stoning to death. (Exodus 20:1-7 / Leviticus 24:10-16)

Blasphemy didn't need to be expressed vocally in the Hebrew Scriptures to be considered as blasphemy. A blatant disrespect for Jehovah God's laws was also considered blasphemy, though the unintentional lawbreaker was given mercy. (Numbers 15:27-31 / Nehemiah 9:18) It didn't always result in death.
I find it fascinating that Jews and Christians read some of the same books, but the stories told from those books are vastly different.
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
What is it? Please discuss and provide scripture.
Thanks
Genesis 1:2
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Exodus 8:19
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Exodus 31:18
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

Luke 11:20
But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

Matthew 12:28
But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

The holy spirit is likened to the finger of God.
Therefore it is what he uses to accomplish his will - to do all his powerful works.
From his location in the highest of the heavens God's finger - his spirit, can reach into sheol itself, or the deepest pit, without him having to shift position.
It was used in creation...


Matthew 3:16
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.

Acts 2:1-4
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.

32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

It was used in to anoint God's chosen ones - like pouring oil on the head, and give them ability to have visions beyond normal, and prophecy.

Luke 4:1
And Jesus being full of the Holy Spirit returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Acts 7:55
But [Stephen], being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Acts 11:24
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

2 Peter 1:21
For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

It was used to invigorate with power beyond normal, and to guide the thoughts of individuals.

God's holy spirit, according to scripture, evidently is a force that he uses to do all things. I believe it is the most powerful active force there is.


Hence, when Jesus spoke of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 12:
31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
...it appears then, he was speaking about one who speaks against the most powerful force his father possesses.

That person is therefore denying God's ability (Matthew 12:22-30), and utterly rejecting (Hebrews 6:4), and resisting (Acts 7:51)) his power to save. Thus they are disrespecting God at the highest level.

This seems to be the case, since Jesus says this in relation to the fact that the work he was performing with the use of God's spirit was being attributed to Satan, by the religious leaders.
 
Last edited:

Patrick Miron

Patrick4Jesus
What is it? Please discuss and provide scripture.
Thanks

RSV Bible:Matt.12: [32] And whoever says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come

RSV: Bible Mark.3:[29] but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" --

DOUAY Bible: Mark 3: 29 [29] But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, shall never have forgiveness, but shall be guilty of an everlasting sin.

DOUAY BIBLE COMMENTARY

Mk 3: 29 “29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, shall never have forgiveness, but shall be guilty of an everlasting sin. 30Because they said: He hath an unclean spirit.

HAYDOCK’S BIBLE COMMENTARY

Verse 29
St. Matthew xii. 32. --- Of an everlasting sin; i.e. of eternal punishment. (Witham) --- What is here called everlasting offence, is (as St. Matthew expresseth it) that which shall neither be remitted in this life, nor in the life to come; which words would not be true, says St. Augustine, if some sins were not forgiven in the world to come. Now, as no mortal sin can be forgiven after death, there must necessarily be smaller transgressions, which we call venial; though many of our separated brethren will needs have all sins to be mortal; which is very far from a comfortable tenet.


MY REPLY

This sin in layman’s terms is the denial of God Himself & Jesus as GOD

It is the only unforgiveable sin {1 John 5:16-17 & John 20: 19-23}

It is unforgiveable for the following reasons:

1. God Created humanity in His Own Image {Genesis 1: 26-17]

2. This is accomplished by God at the instant of human-birth; creates a unique “Living Soul” for every human ever born or to be born.


Genesis 2: 6-7[6] But a spring rose out of the earth, watering all the surface of the earth. [7] And the Lord God formed man of the slime of the earth: and breathed into his face the breath of life, and man became a living soul.

3. The term “living Soul” means to emulate our God in being Spirit and Immortal and RATIONAL

4. To deny God and Jesus is the one unforgiveable sin precisely because God Created {“to make out of nothing Genesis 1: 3, 9}precisely so that man as the only rational living thing on earth; man can, could and should be able to discover God’s existence in the Universe that He Created for this very purpose.

5. Hence to not discover {& acknowledge} God then is to live a lie to oneself and ones Creator-God.

6. THAT my friend is the meaning of the verse and term you asked about.

May God guide our life paths,

Patrick
 

David1967

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Its a great question. Ever have a bad day and rattle out a few expletives with religious overtones?

I plead the 5th.:oops:

I'm pretty sure that isn't it!

Thank goodness!, I mean, not that I ever have or anything......Did I mention the 5th?o_O

Blaspheme has a variety of uses. For a Baha'i it is one who opposes the Returned Christ or His spirit. However there is a special emphasis on those who knowing misrepresent His Cause through slander and calumny thus causing confusion and antipathy in those who would seek the truth. We know Jesus forgave those who threw lots for His clothing. Paul who opposed and persecuted Christians was so transformed by His experience of Christ that he became one of greatest champions for the Cause. We can safely say Matthew 12:31-32 did not apply to either the Roman guards or the apostle Paul.

I like that @adrian009 . Thank you!:)
 

David1967

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Just want to say thanks to all who have gone to the trouble of providing your opinion and scripture. You've been very helpful.:)
 

OtherSheep

<--@ Titangel
What is it? Please discuss and provide scripture.
Thanks

Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard [it], they said, This [fellow] doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

What they were calling Satan was actually the Spirit of God.

http://www.htmlbible.com/sacrednamebiblecom/kjvstrongs/B40C012.htm

Read the conversation, look up a few words in the Greek. It's very enlightening. Pharisee (farasaioi) means wound or scatter (parash in Hebrew). And if you do what I did, you'll look up the Greek word behind scattered (v 30, skorpizei). And then look up the word scorpion (Revelation 9:3). Jesus doesn't woe the Pharisees for no reason at all. And He doesn't warn you away from their leaven without cause, either.
 
Last edited:

Patrick Miron

Patrick4Jesus
MY sheep hear MY voice and know ME; {Mt 16:18}

Excuse me but are these not singular tense words? WHY is that?

Can God accept more than just one set of Faith beliefs? Eph. 4:5

God Bless you,

Patrick
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
MY sheep hear MY voice and know ME; {Mt 16:18}

Excuse me but are these not singular tense words? WHY is that?

Can God accept more than just one set of Faith beliefs? Eph. 4:5

God Bless you,

Patrick
Of course He can. Heard of Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. God’s love is greater than we can imagine.
 

OtherSheep

<--@ Titangel
MY sheep hear MY voice and know ME; {Mt 16:18}

Excuse me but are these not singular tense words? WHY is that?

Can God accept more than just one set of Faith beliefs? Eph. 4:5

God Bless you,

Patrick

In John 10, Jesus is the doorway of the sheep, by which we enter and are kept safe. The sheep belong to Jesus, who calls Himself the One Shepherd of the sheep. It's not a one-time one-second belief in Jesus as our savior, it's an ongoing believing trusting doing works-oriented faith.

Ephesians is without-law-gospel... which is a different faith belief.
 

OtherSheep

<--@ Titangel
Of course He can. Heard of Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. God’s love is greater than we can imagine.

Having other gods besides the Father of Jesus is not permitted, because it breaks the first commandment. Your idea of love isn't the Kingdom Gospel's idea of love.
 

RabbiO

הרב יונה בן זכריה
Read the conversation, look up a few words in the Greek. It's very enlightening. Pharisee (farasaioi) means wound or scatter (parash in Hebrew). And if you do what I did, you'll look up the Greek word behind scattered (v 30, skorpizei). And then look up the word scorpion (Revelation 9:3). Jesus doesn't woe the Pharisees for no reason at all. And He doesn't warn you away from their leaven without cause, either.

The word "Pharisees" comes from the Latin, which in turn comes from the Greek. The Greek word is a word equivalent, not quite a transliteration, of the Hebrew word perushim. Perushim means those who keep separate and derives from a root that means separate.

I do not know if there is a Greek homophone for the Greek term for perushim, that means to wound or scatter, but it would be a mistake to attach its meaning to Pharisees.
 

Patrick Miron

Patrick4Jesus
In John 10, Jesus is the doorway of the sheep, by which we enter and are kept safe. The sheep belong to Jesus, who calls Himself the One Shepherd of the sheep. It's not a one-time one-second belief in Jesus as our savior, it's an ongoing believing trusting doing works-oriented faith.

Ephesians is without-law-gospel... which is a different faith belief.

So tell me my new friend,

Jesus is God right?

He 's speaking of HIS Sheep right?

So how many different set of Faith beliefs can Jesus {GOD} have?

Blessings,
Patrick
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
Having other gods besides the Father of Jesus is not permitted, because it breaks the first commandment. Your idea of love isn't the Kingdom Gospel's idea of love.
Religious adherents, Christians included have a long history of misunderstanding what their founders really taught.

Buddhism aside, Islam and Judaism clearly worship One God who is the Creator of all. Moses was the ‘Friend of God’, Jesus was the ‘Son of God’, and Muhammad was the ‘Messenger of God’. Many believe Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the same God. What evidence exists that they don’t?

The Holy Personage of Christ has clear association with the ‘Holy Spirit’.Why not Moses or Muhammad?
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
The word "Pharisees" comes from the Latin, which in turn comes from the Greek. The Greek word is a word equivalent, not quite a transliteration, of the Hebrew word perushim. Perushim means those who keep separate and derives from a root that means separate.

I do not know if there is a Greek homophone for the Greek term for perushim, that means to wound or scatter, but it would be a mistake to attach its meaning to Pharisees.

Would you mind sharing a perspective on what the word 'Holy Spirit' means in Judaism? Thanks.
 

OtherSheep

<--@ Titangel
I do not know if there is a Greek homophone for the Greek term for perushim, that means to wound or scatter, but it would be a mistake to attach its meaning to Pharisees.

Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard [it], they said, This [fellow] doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
12:30 He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.
Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
 
Top