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Introduction
Literal View
Contextual View
Doctrinal View
Final Thoughts
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The Unpardonable Sin
The topic of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit appears three times in the New Testament.
Jesus discussed this sin when he rebuked the Pharisees and scribes in Matthew 12:22-32 and Mark 3:20-30. In Luke 12:8-12 Jesus mentioned blasphemy after warning his disciples about the "leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy" (Luke 12:1).
These passages have perplexed many Christians. Scholars admit this is a difficult topic, and offer various interpreta-tions. For clarity their interpretations can be classified into three schools of thought:
| • | Literal - These apologists base their conclusions on the literal meaning of the word "blasphemy" in its strictest sense. |
| • | Contextual - These expositors interpret blasphemy within the context that Jesus discussed this sin. |
| • | Doctrinal - These interpreters integrate other scriptures, outside the contextual accounts, to form their conclusions. |
The above distinctions are not black-and-white. And the views are not mutually exclusive. Most scholars blend ideas from these schools of thought.
Teachings
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| Updated 4/7/2008 | www.LifeofChrist.com |
| © 1998-2008 Ken Palmer | |
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