Matthew 12:22-37
Suggested further reading: Luke 11:14-23
Neutrality in religion is impossible (v. 30). There are many
persons who endeavour to steer a middle course in religion. They are not
as bad as many sinners, but they are not saints. They feel the truth
of Christ's gospel when it is brought before them, but are afraid
to confess what they feel. Because they have these feelings they
flatter themselves that they are not as bad as others. And yet they
shrink from the standard of faith and practice which the Lord Jesus sets
up. They are not boldly on Christ's side and yet they are not
openly against him. Our Lord warns all such that they are in a
dangerous position. There are only two parties in religious matters, two
camps, two sides. Are we with Christ and working in his cause? If not,
we are against him. Are we doing good in the world? If not, we
are doing harm. There can be no peace until we are thoroughgoing
and decided in our Christianity.
How exceedingly sinful are sins against knowledge! This is
the practical conclusion that seems to flow naturally from our
Lord's words about the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Difficult as
these words are, they seem fairly to prove that there are degrees in
sin. The brighter the light, the greater the guilt of him who rejects it.
The clearer a man's knowledge of the nature of the gospel, the
greater his sin if he wilfully refuses to repent and believe.
The doctrine taught here is in other Scriptures, too (Heb.
6:4-8; 10:26-27). The unconverted children of godly parents, the
unconverted members of evangelical congregations are the hardest
people on earth to impress. They seem past feeling. The same fire
which melts the wax hardens the clay. In a Pharaoh, a Saul, an Ahab and
a Judas Iscariot there was a combination of clear knowledge and
deliberate rejection of Christ. There was light in the head and hatred
of truth in the heart.
MayGod give us a will to use our knowledge, whether it be
little or great! Maywe beware of neglecting our opportunities! Let
us live up to the light we have and walk in the truth we know.
For meditation: Men ever seek to create a third group within
humanity but Scripture only ever recognizes two. In which are you?
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