Clouded by Emotion: Studies on the Holy Spirit and Miracles

Excerpt from “Chapter 10: What Is the Eternal Sin”

I pulled into the driveway, willing my tires on the gravel to crunch quietly. I didn’t want to wake my mom and step-dad. I walked up the back steps and slowly turned the key in the door. I silently made my way down the hallway, closed the door behind me, and turned on the light. First order of business: rid myself of the restaurant’s grease-infested uniform. 

Once changed, I did what had become my custom since August. I picked up my Bible and started reading. I had asked Devin, my closest Christian friend, where I should start for a good overview of the Bible, since I was a new Christian. He recommended I start with one of the gospel accounts. I opted for Mark, since it seemed to be the shortest one.
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I turned to the bookmark, which had been placed at Mark 3. I read about how Jesus healed people. I read about when He chose the Twelve. Then, one of the scariest things in my life happened—I encountered Mark 3:28–29:

​Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

I suspect I am not the only one this passage has frightened. Questions flood the unsuspecting reader’s mind. What does it mean to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit? Have I committed that sin? If so, is it true I can never be forgiven? What will I receive on the day of judgment?

​In this chapter, we will address the following questions:

1. What does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit?
2. Is it possible to blaspheme the Holy Spirit today?
3. What other ways can we sin against the Holy Spirit?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BLASPHEME THE HOLY SPIRIT?
To blaspheme simply means to speak against. If Jesus could forgive those who blasphemed and even crucified Him (Acts 2:36–38), then why can He not forgive someone who speaks against the Spirit, whether intentionally or carelessly? Is the value of the Spirit somehow greater than Jesus’ value?

On the surface, this seems harsh and unreasonable. So long as we stay on the surface, we will continue with our questions unanswered, our accusations unfounded, and our fears unsettled. The first step to understanding a Scripture is to read it in its context. Even though the first time I read the passage, I read it in context, I did not pay attention. It scared me, so I isolated it and wondered how it applied to me directly. But the question I should have been asking is how did it apply to the first audience?
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Clouded by Emotion is eminently readable, refreshingly biblical and wonderfully practical. Most of all, it's beautifully God-focused.

Mike Vestal, Preacher

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Many find the topic of the Holy Spirit mysterious and related questions challenging and difficult. With an easy style and expert handling of Scrip-ture, this book will grant truth-seekers of any level a greater understanding of these oft misunderstood topics.

Serge Shoemaker, Minister

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Lance moves from student to teacher as he tackles the challenging and beautiful topic of the Holy Spirit’s actions in our lives—and does so with grace and an open Bible.

Dr. Jeremy Jinkerson, Clinical Psychologist

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Clouded by Emotion is very biblical and gets down to the core issues that many worshipers neglect today. The objective truth of God’s word is dis-cussed and put first, rather than subjective emotions.

Jay Pahetogia, Evangelist

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This book does an excellent job of explaining a difficult topic in plain, under-standable language. I think the use of stories at the beginning of the chap-ters will help people to see the problems that so many have when it comes to their (mis)understanding of the Holy Spirit.

Martin Klamm, Missionary

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Clouded by Emotion will challenge people to take a serious look at the sub-ject of the Holy Spirit.

Mark Lance, Preacher

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Many have written books about the Holy Spirit, but unfortunately few of us turn to the Holy Spirit to see what He says about Himself. Lance has turned the right page… As is typical of the truth, this book will open the eyes of those seeking truth and will disturb the status quo.

Kristopher Sutton, Preacher

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This is an outstanding study, and I’m confident it will accomplish much good in the Lord’s kingdom.

Dr. Kevin L. Moore, Associate Professor of Bible and Missions, Freed-Hardeman University

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Lance brings a biblical and fresh approach to the study of the Holy Spirit. Clouded by Emotion is filled with Scripture and is perfect for personal Bible study or for a class. Just like his book, Transformed, the reader will notice Lance’s gentle approach to a topic that has been heavily debated. You will come away from this book with a greater appreciation and love for the Holy Spirit.

Mark Reynolds, Preacher

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Lance Mosher has written a thoughtful and well-organized overview of this important subject. The reader will benefit from the lessons and their strong connection to the text of Scripture.

Dr. Mark Blackwelder, Dean of the College of Biblical Studies, Freed-Hardeman University

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Lance has skillfully tackled a very difficult topic in the religious world. He approaches the topic of the Holy Spirit and who He is with the way we get to know Him: the word of God. I recommend this book if you want a deeper study of the Spirit and His purpose.

Chris Jones, Christian

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Scripture quotations are taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation