Topical Encyclopedia Blasphemy, a grave sin in biblical theology, is understood as any act, word, or thought that shows irreverence or disrespect toward God, His nature, or His works. The concept of blasphemy is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where it is often associated with the condition of the heart, reflecting the inner spiritual state of an individual.Biblical Definition and Context In the Old Testament, blasphemy is explicitly condemned and is considered a capital offense. Leviticus 24:16 states, "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 severe punishment underscores the seriousness with which blasphemy was regarded in ancient Israelite society. The New Testament further expands on the concept of blasphemy, emphasizing its connection to the heart. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, highlights that blasphemy is not merely an external act but a reflection of the inner moral and spiritual condition. In Matthew 12:34-35, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, saying, "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil treasure." Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit One of the most profound teachings on blasphemy in the New Testament is the concept of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which is described as an unforgivable sin. In Matthew 12:31-32, Jesus declares, "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 one to come." This passage has been the subject of much theological discussion, with many scholars interpreting it as a willful and persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit's work and testimony about Christ. It is a deliberate and conscious decision to attribute the work of the Holy Spirit to evil, reflecting a hardened heart that is resistant to repentance and faith. Heart Condition and Speech The Bible consistently links the condition of the heart with the words that proceed from the mouth. In Mark 7:21-23, Jesus explains, "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man." This teaching emphasizes that blasphemy, like other sins, originates from the heart. It is not merely a slip of the tongue but a manifestation of an inner spiritual reality. The heart, in biblical terms, is the seat of will, emotion, and intellect, and it is from this core that blasphemous thoughts and words emerge. Guarding the Heart Given the heart's central role in the act of blasphemy, Scripture admonishes believers to guard their hearts diligently. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This exhortation calls for a vigilant and proactive approach to spiritual life, ensuring that one's heart remains aligned with God's will and purposes. In summary, blasphemy is a serious offense against God that proceeds from the heart. It is a reflection of one's inner spiritual state and is closely tied to the words and actions that manifest outwardly. The Bible calls believers to maintain a pure heart, filled with reverence and love for God, to avoid the sin of blasphemy and to live in a manner that honors Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 15:19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library To Pastors and Teachers He Further Proceeds Notably to Interpret the Language of the ... Then, Distinguishing Between Essence and Generation, He Declares ... "Eternal Sin" Prayer in the Unconverted. The Trinity How Love Makes Use of Natural, Servile and Mercenary Fear. Acts VII Matt. xii. 25, 26 The Canons of Dort. Resources Didn't the Old Testament punish blasphemy with death? How is that different from radical Islam? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the unpardonable sin / unforgivable sin? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30)? | 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 |
    |