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"unforgivable sin"
The "unforgivable sin" is the accusation that Jesus performs excorcisms by the power of a demonic spirit instead of the Holy Spirit. This is blasphemy...
This comes from the orthodox study bible page 92!
I didnt think thats what orthodox believe.. well then I might have commited this sin.
This comes from the orthodox study bible page 92!
I didnt think thats what orthodox believe.. well then I might have commited this sin.
Comments
Look at the footnote regarding a parallel verse in the book of Matthew:
"Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is blasphemy against the divine activity of the Spirit....this blasphemy is willful hardness of heart." (page 35)
Accusing Christ of performing excorcisms by the power of a demonic spirit, in the context of that particular event, is simply an example of blapshemy of the Holy Spirit. The Pharisees had witnessed many miracles of Christ, yet due to a wilful hardness of the heart they did not allow that Grace to enlighten them and to lead to the conversion of their minds, hearts and souls. Their hearts being stubborn like a rock, lead them to reject the testimony of the Holy Spirit concerning Christ, that operated through His performance of many great miracles.
The fact of the matter is however, that the Holy Spirit testifies to us in many other more subtle ways (i.e. not necessarily through such blatant miraculous occurings), and we may reject this testimony explicitly or implicitly, expressly or silently. It is this persistent and continued rejection of and resistence to the Spirit Who testifies to us, that constitutes blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
As the OSB states, this resistence and rejection is the result of a willful hardness of the heart and hence it is rooted in the unrepentent sinner. As St Augustine teaches, every sin is repentable; what is not repented of is unforgiven - this is ultimately the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.