Tag: Son of Man

Don’t Sin Against the Holy Spirit

Don’t Sin Against the Holy Spirit

As believers in Jesus, we should be careful at all times with our words.  We want to be especially vigilant that we do not speak any words that could be misconstrued as criticizing the Holy Spirit of God.  Let’s see what the Bible says about this:

Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.  (Mt 12:32 NIV, underscoring added)

But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never be forgiven, but is guilty of eternal sin.  (Mk 3:29 ISV, underscoring added)

And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.  (Lk 12:10 MEV)

One commentator says this:

“Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is willful, wide-eyed slandering of the work of the Spirit, attributing to the devil what was undeniably divine. These people had seen as clearly as anyone could see and understood as lucidly as anyone could understand that Jesus performed his miracles by the power of the Spirit.”

That is a clear explanation of what the Bible is referring to when it describes blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  No one who is a follower of Jesus Christ and a servant of the Most high God would ever want to transgress against the Lord in this way. 

Sometimes, it’s just good to remind ourselves of some of these basic ideas so that we can renew our vigilance in these areas.  God bless you.

An Open Heaven

An Open Heaven

There is much discussion in Christian circles and among the highly educated about the concept of “an open heaven.”  I can’t say that I have definitive answers for us, but I always like to open the Bible to read what God is saying about every topic.

The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.  (Deu 28:12) 

This passage of the Bible gives us the idea that “opening heaven” to a person means that they shall experience God’s plentiful blessings, favor, and prosperity.

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.  (Mal 3:10) 

The verse above discusses opening the windows of heaven to pour out ABUNDANT blessings upon each one who gives generously to the Lord’s work, church, and people. 

When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened.  (Lk 3:21)

The Scriptures tell us that at the time of Jesus’ water baptism, as Jesus prayed, the heaven above Him was opened!  The Bible goes on to say:

And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”  (Lk 3:22)

When I ponder Luke 3:21-22 along with John 1:50-51, I start to draw some basic conclusions for myself.  Let’s read the verses in John:

 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”  (Joh 1:50-51) 

This section of Scripture is actually a record of Jesus speaking, and Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” 

The “Son of Man” refers to Jesus Christ, Himself. 

My conclusion from studying these Bible verses is that the person of Jesus IS our open heaven, and all who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord live under an open heaven.  All praises to God most High!

Rewarded for Your Works

Rewarded for Your Works

We don’t often think of this, but the Scriptures tell us that the Lord rewards people for their good deeds.  What a kind, generous, and loving God we serve.

For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.  (Mt 16:27)

. . . who “will render to each one according to his deeds” . . . (Rom 2:6)

. . . knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.  (Eph 6:8)

Just think of it:  WHATEVER good that we do for anyone else, the Lord says that we will receive the same from Him.  This is the best source of motivation that anyone could hope for!  It is the promise of a blessed reward.

When you pay for someone’s gas who’s in front of you; when you help an elderly friend by cleaning their home or taking them grocery shopping; or any of the thousands of other kind and good deeds that you could perform—ALL be rewarded.  Don’t worry!  God has no problem with keeping track of each and every one of us, and our good deeds.

The Lord knows the number of hairs on our heads (Mt 10:30; Lk 12:7), and He cares about everything that concerns each one of us.  He is our protector.  (Deut 20:4; Ps 91:7; Heb 13:6) 

The Lord doesn’t forget His promises to us.  He keeps each and every one.  And we can be confident that the Lord will keep this promise of giving us His rewards.  Praise God!

. . . knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.  (Col 3:24)

Watch & Prepare

Watch & Prepare

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.  (Mt 25:13 NKJV)

Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.  (Mt 24:42)

The Bible verses above remind us to be aware of the return of the Lord—to have a watchful frame of mind and heart.  It’s a good idea to watch and to be expectantly, eagerly awaiting our Savior’s return. Here are two good tips for doing that:

  • In holiness, we prepare ourselves for His coming;
  • Meanwhile, we continue to preach the Good News (gospel) to all mankind.

The Lord instructed us to be holy (Lev 11:45; 19:2; Nmb 15:40; Rom 12:1; 1 Pet 1:15, 16), because we serve a holy God.

In obedience to the Lord, we serve the Kingdom by sharing the gospel with everyone—right until the moment of Jesus’ return.  Lastly, we want to maintain a vital, loving relationship with the Lord Jesus!