Sunday, September 11, 2022

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and Irresistible Grace

If "total depravity" is the condition whereby no one can respond to God apart from "irresistible grace," how can there be a sin such as "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit" that has no forgiveness (the "unpardonable sin")?  (Irresistible grace is divine enablement to respond positively to God, especially in faith to the saving message.  Such grace is necessary because of the total depravity of man, which says that man is too depraved to respond to God in a positive way.)   How can there be a sin without remedy when total depravity has no remedy except for irresistible grace?  If irresistible grace can deliver one from the state of total depravity, then why can't it deliver from the unpardonable sin?  If total depravity keeps one from believing and being saved until they receive irresistible grace, then how can blaspheme of the Holy Spirit done in the state of total depravity be beyond irresistible grace?  Does this mean irresistible grace is not able to save the one who committed the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?  

The teachings of total depravity and irresistible grace don't seem to work with the consequence that blaspheme of the Holy Spirit causes, because why is it without remedy, especially if it is done in the state of total depravity which irresistible grace is supposed to remedy?  Why must there be a sin without remedy when total depravity keeps everyone lost until God gives them irresistible grace so they can be saved?  Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, being the unpardonable sin, indicates human responsibility, and such a responsibility that total depravity and irresistible grace would deny. 

I believe there can be a hardness of heart of the unsaved that has no remedy. It's a state of heart that has become so hard that the truth no longer has an impact.   This blasphemy is not just about being a non-believer, because the consequence is said to be never forgiven. Does this mean there are degrees of "total depravity" that are more than God is able or willing to save?  It seems to me that blasphemy of the Holy Spirit argues against irresistible grace, because if one commits it, then God can't save even them by his so-called "irresistible grace."  It's a kind of "point of no return" of the conscience. 

31 "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12:31-32

"Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; 29 but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation" Mark 3:28-29


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