Sick of Religion? Week 7: Devotional Day 3

Sick of Religion? Week 7: Devotional Day 3

DAY 3 – Wednesday

Daily devotional

Read

Mark 3:29; Luke 12:10; Matthew 12:31-32

Ask

The scribes, by accusing Jesus of having an unclean spirit, show hard-hearted rejection and opposition of God. They, by their hearts and their actions, have firmly rejected Christ and blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. What is the eternal consequence for rejection of Christ’s redemption (Mark 3:29)? As you consider the seriousness and weight of this for many in our world, let this motivate you to prayer.

Reflect

One of the hardest statements for me to hear as a believer is when someone says to me, “God will never forgive me for what I’ve done.” Every time I hear it my heart just breaks for the person sitting in front of me, and I am quick to tell them that it’s not true and bring them to these sets of verses that clearly define the “unforgiveable sin”.

As a newer believer in my thirties, I myself grappled with the concept of the “unforgiveable sin”. I didn’t know enough Scripture to understand exactly what it was, or if I had somehow unwittingly committed it in my early years, and was then disqualified to walk in faith with Jesus. Since that time, these verses have helped me see that “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit” 1 Corinthians 12:3. It is impossible for a committed believer to reject the Holy Spirit in this way.

For those of us who have received Christ’s redemption, we have assurance that we belong to Christ through his Spirit. For those who have yet to receive it, as long as there is life there is still time! This is why we are evangelicals. We want to share this good news with others, and see others come to faith in Jesus. Do you know someone who has yet to receive Christ’s redemption—yourself, a family member, a dear friend? Pray for the Holy Spirit to move them toward Christ. Use these scriptures as a springboard for prayer.