Playing With Eternal Fire

# 327 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:11,12 And He said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, "so that 'Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.'"

This is a difficult passage. Why would God clothe His message of light and salvation in the secrecy of parables? Why does He want them to remain in their sin? Doesn't he want all men to come to repentance? (2 Pet 3:9) To understand this passage, remember, that Jesus didn't start using parables until He had exhausted all other means to reach these people.

His teachings and His miracles all plainly pointed to Him as the Christ the Son of God. The parables were not used until after the time that He was accused of having a demon. These people had chosen to resist repentance, and blaspheme the Holy Spirit and commit the unpardonable sin, the gospel of grace would now be hidden from their spiritual eyes.

Never forget that repentance and salvation are gifts from God. 2 Tim 2:25 says, “God may perhaps grant them repentance.” This knowledge of the source of repentance should make all of us think twice before willfully sinning. How do you know that godly sorrow over your sin will ever enter your heart again? How do you know if your heart won't become as closed as the minds of these blasphemers of the Holy Spirit? Oh the mercy of God, and oh yes....the judgment of God!

Not one of these people were the least bit worried about their blasphemy because they did not believe that Jesus is the Christ, and they were judged. God withheld His gift of repentance, and thereby prevented them from realizing forgiveness.

How about you? Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ or not? Are you dabbling in sin, presuming on the mercy of God and asking for a similar judgment? Are you living your life as if God owed you mercy? Friend, that is playing with eternal fire.

But take heart, if you are worried about having committed this sin, you haven't. Repentance and salvation are still available to you! Avail yourself of this gift today.

I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.