In 1966, John Lennon (frontman for The Beatles) stated in an interview, “Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue about that; I know I’m right and I will be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus now. I don’t know which will go first—rock & roll or Christianity” (Jordan Runtagh, Rolling Stone, July 29, 2016). This is but one example of those who have exhibited the spirit of blasphemy in modern times. Blasphemy literally means, “to speak harm” or “damage” and it is always seen in an attitude of disrespect against the character of God.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, blasphemy has always been a serious offense because it is the opposite of praise. Under the Old Testament law, it primarily was an action against God’s name. In fact, if an Israelite cursed God he was guilty of blasphemy and was to be put to death (Lev. 24:14-16). The Assyrians were guilty of blasphemy when they claimed their army was mightier than God (2 Kings 19:6) and the Edomites blasphemed when they rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem (Eze. 35:12). Under New Testament Law, blasphemy also includes anything done against Christ and the church. The Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy when He said, “I am the Son of God” (John 10:36) and Paul recognized himself as a blasphemer when he was persecuting the church (1 Tim. 1:13).
Unfortunately, blasphemy is still all around us today. When a person takes the Lord’s name in vain, using His name in an empty and meaningless way, it is considered blasphemy (Exo. 20:7; 2 Tim. 3:2). Other modern examples would be: burning a Bible, creating artwork that dishonors God, or portraying God or Jesus in a perverse or dishonorable way on T.V. or movies. The command is to “put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth” (Col. 3:8).
Blasphemy will certainly keep a person out of Heaven; however, as with others sins, it can be forgiven. Jesus said, “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him . . . (Mat. 12:32). Some may speak harsh words against the Lord out of ignorance, but later repent and obey the Gospel being forgiven (Acts 3:17-19). Unfortunately, there are others who will never repent and continue in sin, rejecting the only sacrifice for sins through Jesus (Heb. 10:26). The bottom line is to always love, honor, and respect the Godhead in all that we say and do (Mat. 22:37-40; 1 Tim. 1:17).
Derrick Coble
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, blasphemy has always been a serious offense because it is the opposite of praise. Under the Old Testament law, it primarily was an action against God’s name. In fact, if an Israelite cursed God he was guilty of blasphemy and was to be put to death (Lev. 24:14-16). The Assyrians were guilty of blasphemy when they claimed their army was mightier than God (2 Kings 19:6) and the Edomites blasphemed when they rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem (Eze. 35:12). Under New Testament Law, blasphemy also includes anything done against Christ and the church. The Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy when He said, “I am the Son of God” (John 10:36) and Paul recognized himself as a blasphemer when he was persecuting the church (1 Tim. 1:13).
Unfortunately, blasphemy is still all around us today. When a person takes the Lord’s name in vain, using His name in an empty and meaningless way, it is considered blasphemy (Exo. 20:7; 2 Tim. 3:2). Other modern examples would be: burning a Bible, creating artwork that dishonors God, or portraying God or Jesus in a perverse or dishonorable way on T.V. or movies. The command is to “put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth” (Col. 3:8).
Blasphemy will certainly keep a person out of Heaven; however, as with others sins, it can be forgiven. Jesus said, “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him . . . (Mat. 12:32). Some may speak harsh words against the Lord out of ignorance, but later repent and obey the Gospel being forgiven (Acts 3:17-19). Unfortunately, there are others who will never repent and continue in sin, rejecting the only sacrifice for sins through Jesus (Heb. 10:26). The bottom line is to always love, honor, and respect the Godhead in all that we say and do (Mat. 22:37-40; 1 Tim. 1:17).
Derrick Coble