Matthew 12:22-37

The warning from the Savior Matthew 12:22-37: After Jesus healed the demon-possessed man the multitude asked, "could this be the Son of David?" (Matthew 12:23) The Pharisees spoke scornfully of the Christ calling Him -- "this fellow." (Matthew 12:24) Jesus warned them to guard their words so as not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit -- a sin that cannot be forgiven. Jesus warned, "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:37) The prayer that we all need to pray is, "Lord, put a watch before the door of my lips!"

Blasphemy is pictured as a horrible sin, but what is it? Many are frightened that they might be guilty of some form of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. The word "blasphemy" means to injure by speaking against. In this text Jesus said that those that blasphemed or spoke against the Spirit could not be forgiven. To deny the personality of the Spirit is to blaspheme Him. When these Jews said miracles that were done by His power were done by the power of the Devil they blasphemed Him. To be hardened against the gospel plan of salvation is likewise to blaspheme the Holy Ghost. With the crucifixion of the Messiah and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost the age of redemption came. If men rejected that which was verified by the Spirit what else could God offer them? They had hardened themselves against the gospel plan and therefore, blasphemed Holy Ghost. Those that continue with such a spiritual disposition have no means of obtaining forgiveness of sins.