[Oct. 23d, 1864.]
The doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of Christianity, both as a system of doctrines and as a religion. We stand in special relation to the several persons of the Trinity. The Father is the fountain of law and the author of the scheme of redemption. He devised the plan, he elects and calls. The Son redeems. The Spirit applies the redemption purchased by the Son. We disobey the Father; we disbelieve the Son; we resist, grieve, blaspheme the Holy Ghost. All sin as against the Father or the Son may be forgiven, but the sin against the Holy Ghost can never be forgiven.
I. Its general character. On this subject it may be remarked, 1. That there is such a sin which is unpardonable. 2. It is an open sin, not a sin merely of the heart. It is blasphemy. It requires to be uttered and carried out in act. 3. It is directed against the Holy Ghost, specifically. It terminates on him. It consists in blaspheming him, or doing despite unto him.
II. Its specific character. This includes, 1. Regarding and pronouncing the Holy Ghost to be evil; ascribing the effect which he produces to Satan or to an evil, impure spirit. 2. It includes the rejection of his testimony, as false. He testifies that Jesus is the Son of God. The man guilty of sin, declares him to be a man only. He testifies that Jesus is holy. The other declares he is a malefactor. He testifies that his blood cleanses from all sin. The other that it is an unclean thing, and tramples it under foot.
- It includes the conscious, deliberate, malicious resistance of the Holy Spirit and the determined opposition of the soul to him and his gospel, and a turning away from both with abhorrence.
This sin supposes, 1. Knowledge of the gospel. 2. Conviction of its truth. 3. Experience of its power. It is the rejection of the whole testimony of the Spirit and rejection of him and his work, with malicious and outspoken blasphemy.
It is by a comparison of Mat. 12:31 and the parallel passages in Mark and Luke, with Heb. 6:6–10 and 10:26–29 that the true idea of the unpardonable sin is to be obtained.
III. The consequence of this sin is reprobation, or a reprobate mind. This may evince itself in stolid unconcern. Utter indifference to God and his declarations. Or, it may evince itself in great horror of mind, in the upbraidings and scorpion stings of conscience, and in a fearful looking for of judgment. Every thing which the lost experience, the man guilty of this sin may experience. But nothing experienced by the people of God or by those with whom the Spirit still strives, can be experienced by one thus reprobated.
IV. Importance of clear views of this subject
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Because erroneous views prevail, as, a. That every deliberate sin is unpardonable, as the apostle says, He who sins wilfully. b. Any peculiarly atrocious sin, as [denying Christ by the lapsed. c. Postbaptismal sins.
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Because people of tender conscience often are unnecessarily tormented with the fear that they have committed this sin. It is hard to deal with such persons, for they are generally in a morbid state.
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Because as there is such a sin, every approach to it should be avoided and dreaded. All making light of religion, all speaking against the truth, or the work of the Spirit; all resisting his operations on our own hearts or on the minds of others.
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Because we owe specific reverence to the Holy Ghost on whom our spiritual life depends.