Unforgivable Sin

"Our backslidings are many,
We have sinned against You.
O the Hope of Israel, his Savior in time of trouble,
Why should You be like a stranger in the land,
And like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night? ...
Yet You, O LORD, are in our midst,
And we are called by Your name;
Do not leave us!"
~ Jeremiah 14:7-9 (NKJV)

"He who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation."
~ Mark 3:29 (NKJV)

It was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations.
~ Luke 24:46-47 (NKJV)

While visiting family in Colorado we are blessed to stay in my sister's house. Though she gives us the run of the place as if we owned it, we are only visitors. Our home is in Michigan.

Various places in the Bible refer to the Holy Spirit resting upon a person, as a visitor. Other places refer to the Holy Spirit dwelling within a person as Owner.

I don't claim to have perfect understanding, but may I suggest the following explanation for the Unforgivable Sin?

When the Holy Spirit shows up for a visit, He brings with Him the conviction of sin, and the message of forgiveness and repentance. If He is then refused as a liar (blasphemed), and denied possession as Owner, He will eventually leave us. And we cannot enter eternal life without Him.

The opposite response is to be possessed by the Spirit and give Him run of the place.

Father, how great Your love for us! You grant remission of sin, and replace penalty of death with life. You continue to cleanse us of all impurity, which brings us suffering. Please fill us with desire to yield to Your Spirit's possession.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

On a Personal Note: How can I express my thanks to all of you who prayed for my meeting with my brother John yesterday? God's answer was that we not meet. John mysteriously failed to show up at a favorite haunt. I am trusting the Lord's plan in "whatever."