Sons of Perdition - Matt 12:31-37

Jesus continues trying to teach the Pharisees, but I don’t think that they are very interested in learning at his hand. In the next few verses, there are several JST that are important and so when I quote the verses, I will be giving it as the JST version in italics. Jesus continues, “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men who receive me and repent; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” Without the JST version of this verse, it sounds like Jesus is saying that he will forgive all sin to anyone, which we know is not the case. He has the ability to forgive all sin, but cannot unless there is repentance, because mercy cannot rob justice. Verses 31 and 32 are difficult to understand because Jesus speaks about transgressions against Him, as being forgivable, but transgressions against the Holy Ghost as unforgivable, “neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” I’ve struggled for a long time with the concept of perdition, afraid to commit the unforgivable sin on accident. But the more I study the scriptures and come to know the Savior, the more I realize that God sets us up for success, it is not possible to commit blasphemy against the Holy Ghost on accident. In fact, it’s pretty difficult to do in this life at all because there is so much that goes into it. The IM quotes President Spencer W. Kimball as teaching, “The sin against the Holy Ghost requires such knowledge that it is manifestly impossible for the rank and file (members of the Church) to commit such a sin.” The IM also Quotes the Prophet Joseph Smith as teaching, “What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin? He must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto him, and know God, and then sin against him. After a man has sinned against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance for him. He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it; and from that time he begins to be an enemy.”

We have to recognize that perdition is a choice. Sons of Perdition are in that state because they actively choose to, because they refuse to repent. We’ve read numerous times that Jesus will give everyone only what they accept, he tells everyone everywhere to come unto him but he respects their agency. I believe that those in the celestial kingdom will be there because they want to be there, and I believe that that’s true of all the other kingdoms as well. Everyone will be where they want to be. It’s like Brad Wilcox says, it won’t be us begging Jesus to let us into heaven, it will be Jesus begging us to want to be there.

Jesus uses an interesting phrase as he continues that I think is important to note. He tells the Pharisees “that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” I wondered what “idle word” meant and there are some cross references, one being Ecclesiastes 5:2 which says, “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” I definitely relate to the concept of not being hasty or rash with what I say. I have really worked hard to get to the point where I am not just blurting out whatever I want. Sometimes I feel like I don’t speak up enough now, because I’m so afraid to over react or make a scene. I’m going to have to work to bring it to a balance. Another cross reference is Ephesians 5:4 which says, “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” Interesting concept there, loud laughter comes to mind. I’ve struggled with this for sure, and I think I’m getting better but I still have to work on it.