Topical Encyclopedia Blasphemy, in biblical terms, refers to the act of showing contempt or lack of reverence for God, or claiming the attributes of deity. The Bible contains several prophecies and warnings concerning blasphemy, particularly in the context of the end times and the rise of false prophets and antichrists.Old Testament Prophecies The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding blasphemy through the Law and the Prophets. In Leviticus 24:16, the seriousness of blasphemy is underscored: "Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The whole congregation must stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or a native. If he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death." This commandment highlights the gravity of blasphemy in the eyes of God and the community of Israel. The prophets also spoke of blasphemy in the context of idolatry and rebellion against God. Isaiah 37:23 records a message against the Assyrian king Sennacherib, who blasphemed the God of Israel: "Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!" New Testament Prophecies The New Testament expands on the theme of blasphemy, particularly in the context of the last days. Jesus Himself warned of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which is considered an unforgivable sin. In Matthew 12:31-32, Jesus states, "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." The Apostle Paul, in his letters, warns of a future time when blasphemy will be rampant. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, he describes the characteristics of people in the last days: "But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!" The Book of Revelation The Book of Revelation provides vivid imagery and prophecy concerning blasphemy in the end times. Revelation 13:5-6 speaks of the beast, a symbol of the antichrist, who will utter blasphemies against God: "The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for forty-two months. And the beast opened its mouth to blaspheme against God and slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven." Revelation 16:9 further describes the response of humanity during the outpouring of God's wrath: "And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues; yet they did not repent and give Him glory." Conclusion The biblical prophecies concerning blasphemy serve as a solemn warning to remain faithful and reverent towards God, especially in times of trial and deception. The Scriptures consistently portray blasphemy as a grave sin with severe consequences, urging believers to uphold the holiness of God's name and to be vigilant against the rise of false teachings and antichrist figures. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 13:1,5,6And I stood on the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads the name of blasphemy. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 16:9,11,21 Revelation 17:3 Library New Testament History and Prophecy. 1 Timothy i. 18, 19 To John the Oeconomus. The Dispersion of the Jews, and their Desolate Condition for ... The Title on the Cross A New Kind of King Follows up the Same Argument with Passages from the Old Testament. The Bible and the French Revolution A Divine Saviour. The Bible and the French Revolution. Resources Do Christians believe in three gods? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the World Mission Society Church of God, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God? | GotQuestions.org Blasphemy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost Blasphemy of the Israelites, in Complaining Against God Blasphemy: Against the Holy Spirit, Unpardonable Blasphemy: Backslidden Ephesians Blasphemy: Charged Upon Christ Blasphemy: Charged Upon Saints Blasphemy: Christ Assailed With Blasphemy: Connected With Folly and Pride Blasphemy: False Indictments for of Naboth Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Falsely Accused of, Previously to his Trial Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Stephen Blasphemy: General Scriptures Concerning Blasphemy: Gives No Occasion For Blasphemy: Hypocrisy Counted As Blasphemy: Idolatry Counted As Blasphemy: Infidels, Who Used the Adultery of David As an Occasion to Blaspheme Blasphemy: Job's Wife, when She Exhorted Job to Curse God and Die Blasphemy: Peter, when Accused of Being a Disciple of Jesus Blasphemy: Proceeds from the Heart Blasphemy: Rabshakeh, in the Siege of Jerusalem Blasphemy: Saints Grieved to Hear Blasphemy: Shimei, in his Malice Toward David Blasphemy: The Depraved Son of Shelomith, Who, in an Altercation With an Israelite, Cursed God Blasphemy: The Revilers of Jesus, when he Was Crucified Blasphemy: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms |
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