June 7

A Beacon-Light

But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of eternal sin. — Mark 3:29 BSB

Few words in the Bible have caused more anxiety and fear than these. Scholars do not agree on the exact meaning of what it is to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. But regardless of the precise definition, these words stand as a warning of a terrible danger. They are like a red light over a perilous rock. While we may not fully understand what constitutes the sin, it is certainly our duty to keep as far from its edge as possible.

All willful and determined resistance to the influence of the Holy Spirit is a step toward this point of grave peril. Jesus’ words should lead us to treat every prompting of the Holy Spirit with the utmost reverence, never resisting but always yielding to His guidance. We have no other Friend who can guide us safely home. If we push Him away forever, we will be left in the darkness of eternal night. How long we may continue to reject Him without crossing the line of no return, we do not know. But the mere thought that such a line exists should drive us to instantly accept His guidance.

Oh, where is this mysterious line
That crosses every path—
The hidden boundary between
God’s patience and His wrath?

How far may we go in sin?
How long will God forbear?
Where does hope end, and where begin
The confines of despair?

An answer from the skies is sent:
“Ye that from God depart,
While it is called Today, repent,
And harden not your heart.”