Question 28: Please explain Matthew 12:31 and 1 John 5:16, 17. J. K.
Answer: Read Mark 3:22-30. Notice the 30th verse “Because they said He hath an unclean spirit.”
The Lord Jesus was casting demons out of men, the Pharisees and Scribes could not deny that, but their wickedness was so great that they deliberately put it down to the power of Satan, thus they blasphemed or spoke injuriously of the Holy Ghost, this showed their malice and enmity against God. And the Lord said “It shall not be forgiven him” (who committed it) “neither in this world, (that is, the age of law that then was) “neither in the world to come” that is, in the Millenial age. (See J. N. Darby’s Translation).
In this present time we can say to every man: “Whosoever believeth on Him shall receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43. 1 John 5:16, is God’s discipline on His children, there is no special sin mentioned. We might be able to discern that a believer was chastened and pray for his restoration, or, we might feel that his sin was unto death. It is the death of the body that is spoken of (1 Cor. 11:30). Some had died and some were weak and sickly, here it was because they did not discern the Lord’s body in the Lord’s supper. Acts 5:1-11 is another sample.
Question 29: Was the woman in Luke 7:36 to 50, Mary Magdalene? Is Matthew 26; Mark 14; the same case? Has it any connection with that of John 12? F. F. S.
Answer: The woman in Luke 7:37, is unknown except in her character, her name is hidden; there is no evidence I know of in Scripture to say her name was Mary.
Matt. 26:7; Mark 14:3; John 11:2; 12:3; refer to Mary of Bethany and to the one occasion.