Which other scriptures warn against blaspheming God like in Revelation 16:9? Revelation 16:9 in Context “People were scorched by fierce heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who had authority over these plagues; yet they did not repent and give Him glory.” • This verse pictures hardened hearts choosing cursing over repentance—an attitude Scripture condemns throughout redemptive history. Foundational Commandments about God’s Name • Exodus 20:7 — “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.” • Deuteronomy 5:11 — Repeats the same command in the second giving of the Law, underscoring its permanence. • Leviticus 24:15-16 — “Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin… the whole congregation shall stone him.” Blasphemy was treated as capital rebellion against the Holy One. Historical Examples and Warnings in the Old Testament • Psalm 74:18 — “Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has despised Your name.” • Isaiah 52:5 — God laments that His name is “continually blasphemed all day long.” • Ezekiel 20:27 & 36:20-23 — Israel’s rebellion “profaned My holy name,” prompting God to act “for the sake of My holy name.” • 2 Kings 19:22 — Assyria’s king is indicted: “Whom have you blasphemed and reviled? Against the Holy One of Israel!” Christ’s Teaching on Blasphemy • Matthew 12:31-32 — “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” • Mark 3:28-29 — Adds that the blasphemer “is guilty of an eternal sin.” • Luke 12:10 — Reinforces that rejecting the Spirit’s testimony to Christ is unforgivable. Apostolic Warnings in the Epistles • 1 Timothy 1:19-20 — Hymenaeus and Alexander “have been handed over to Satan so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.” • 2 Timothy 3:2 — In the last days many will be “blasphemers,” signaling widespread apostasy. • 1 Peter 4:4-5 — Unbelievers “blaspheme” when believers do not join their sin, yet “they will give account to Him who is ready to judge.” • 2 Peter 2:10-12 — False teachers “blaspheme in matters they do not understand… they will be destroyed.” • Jude 1:8-10 — Dreamers “blaspheme glorious beings,” contrasting them with Michael’s reverent restraint. Blasphemy in Revelation and the Final Judgment • Revelation 13:5-6 — The beast is given a mouth “uttering haughty and blasphemous words… he opened his mouth to blaspheme God.” • Revelation 17:3 — The scarlet beast is “covered with blasphemous names.” • Revelation 16:11, 21 & 18:21— After further plagues, survivors again “blasphemed God” instead of repenting, confirming a settled defiance that culminates in final judgment. Takeaways for Our Walk Today • Blasphemy is the verbal overflow of a heart in rebellion; Scripture treats it as treason against the Creator. • From Sinai’s law to Revelation’s bowls, God consistently defends the honor of His name and warns that unrepentant blasphemers will face certain judgment. • The antidote is humble repentance and faith in Christ, whose blood covers every sin for those who call on His name—honoring Him instead of cursing Him. |