Who is the Ultimate Advocate?

(Luke 12:8-12)

An advocate is someone who speaks on behalf of another to put their position or case in the best possible terms to achieve a desired outcome. No it’s not the dictionary meaning but good enough for what we want here. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if there was an advocate when you get into trouble or needed help who always gave the perfect answer? One who would just shut down any alternative arguments? Well there is such an advocate to speak on your behalf…and his services won’t cost you a dime (or a cent, penny or brass razoo…depending on where you live and your local currency!)

The Holy Spirit

In this section of scripture we see Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will be the ultimate advocate. Jesus says, “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious how or what you are to answer or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Verses 11 and 12)

In your time of need when you are under investigation or whatever, the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. And not just any words but words that cannot be disputed or contradicted. Jesus tells us this saying, “Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” (Luke 21:14-15)

Just consider that for a moment. If you go to court the lawyers or solicitors spend weeks, months or sometimes years to prepare a case so they can advocate on your behalf. But the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say in the hour they are needed so that you do not have to prepare. And his words and wisdom will stand the force of any opposition that comes against them.

Now that’s what I call an advocate!

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

In the first section of this scripture we also see that there is only one unforgivable sin: blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that if someone were to speak a word against him they would be forgiven. Many people have and do exactly that, but when and if they turn to the Lord they are forgiven those errors, generally caused through a lack of knowledge.

But there is no turning back from the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Why is this so? Some churches teach that the Holy Spirit is part of the God head and as such must not be blasphemed. That is rubbish! If part of the so-called God head were holy and not to be blasphemed then ALL of it should be in the same situation. Whether the Father, Son or Holy Spirit it should be a sin to blaspheme any of them if this were the case.

I do not accept this teaching at all. I believe the reason that Jesus says the Holy Spirit must not be blasphemed is much simpler than that.

The work of the Holy Spirit, for a being who is perfect, is the worst and dirtiest job of all. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within a person and thus has to put up with the imperfections, failures and weaknesses of the person they are in-filling. Could you imagine going from a place where all is perfect to live in a sewer? Well that’s sort of what the job of the Holy Spirit is a bit like.

If this is the case then it would be even worse if the Holy Spirit were to be maligned and blasphemed against. It is for this reason I believe the only unforgivable sin is to blaspheme the Spirit.

I’m interested in your opinions too on this one. What do you think is the reason why this is the only unforgivable sin?

(Picture sourced from stock.xchng www.sxc.hu/)

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The Unforgivable Sin
The Unpardonable Sin