Blasphemy - Never has forgiveness!

Whenever possible, I find it both expediant and beneficial to let the written word of God speak for itself. When this is possible given a certain subject or principle, it generally comes forth with clarity and power. The following is an example of just such power; the written word of God speaking for itself. 

Our story subject principle is taken from two places. First, Matthew chapter 9:1-6; and second, Mark 3:28-30:

So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic laying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you.' And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, 'This man blasphemies!' But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, 'Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier to say, your sins are forgiven you, or to say, arise and walk?But that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins' - then He said to the paralytic, 'Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.'

Enter Mark 3:28-30:

'Assuredly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemies against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation' - because they said, he has an unclean spirit.

Note the religious world accused Jesus of blasphemy; discrediting His accomplishment; His authority, in this case, the power to forgive sin. The book of Mark records Jesus equating this attitude with blasphemy of the Holy Spirit; leading to one of the saddest statements in the entire bible: ' Never has forgiveness.'  Sound familiar? 

Author's note:

This is a stark warning to the religious world regarding the power and authority of the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Not temporarily! Not until your next pastorial induced altar call! Nor your next recital of 1 John 1:9! If you are in Christ, your sins are forgiven by the authority of Christ! Not man's! So that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins!

Commentary by:

George Miller