Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

By Dan Petty “Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven” (Matt. 12:31). What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Why is this an unpardonable sin? Context The context of this passage (Matt. 12:22-37) is essential to understanding Jesus’ statement. Jesus had …

Matthew 12:1-8 Did Jesus Authorize Situation Ethics?

By Stan Cox In this article I have been asked to explain, in its context, Jesus’ defense of his disciples in Matthew 12. The Pharisees had accused them of unlawful activity on the Sabbath. This is a difficult passage, and in misusing it, some are led to dangerous conclusions regarding what God allows in our response …