An interesting topic that came up in the context of the parables of the sower and of the wheat and weeds is that issue of the unpardonable sin, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matt 12:31-32). Why do some reject the gospel and, apparently, never turn to Christ? We talked about that and perhaps the best succinct statement from one of the study notes said this speaks to flagrant, willful, and persistent rejection of God and his commands. When Jesus was speaking he was talking about those who heard him and turned away. In our present context, “This sin is committed today only by unbelievers who deliberately and unchangeably reject the ministry of the Holy Spirit in calling them to Salvation” (ESV Study Bible note). Resistance to God’s call or periods of sinful thinking or hostility to God can be forgiven. It is only the unrepentant obstinance of an unbelieving person that, as C. S. Lewis put, can lead God to say to the sinner, “your will be done,” leaving him or her in his or her state of rejection.
We also talked about the question why is it not “given” to all to understand the parables and the things of God. This may be God’s sovereign choice, “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’” Rom. 9:15 (RSV).
We also talked about the question why is it not “given” to all to understand the parables and the things of God. This may be God’s sovereign choice, “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’” Rom. 9:15 (RSV).
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