Why Is Blasphemy Of The Holy Spirit Unforgivable?

It Leaves No Further Possibility Of Faith.
There are many sins. All are forgivable but one. Even the sin of rejecting Christ is forgivable if the rejection is out of a heart of doubt or unbelief, and if the unbeliever later repents and believes in Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Savior. Every adult is doubtful and unbelieving ... before they repent and believe. But, it is different, and unforgivable, when it is "Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit", of which Jesus spoke in these two verses....

"Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, (Jesus) it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come." Matt.12:31-32. 

Why does Jesus say that speaking against Him (Jesus, "the Son of man"), and other blasphemies will be forgiven ... "but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven"? A person may not be aware of exactly who Jesus is, whether the Bible is true or not, whether God is true or not, and speak against all of it, but later, believe, repent and be forgiven and saved, as was Paul. The same is not true of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Here is why. The Holy Spirit's place in the Trinity is to "prove" to human hearts their guilt of sin, their need for righteousness and the certainty of judgement. When the Holy Spirit has "proven" and convinced the lost soul of his need for Christ, forgiveness and redemption, and that soul knows God is real and Jesus came to save him, but he still rejects, with rebellion, what the Holy Spirit has convinced him of .... that is Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit proved God's case, but the guilty sinner not only rejected what he now knew to be true, but took sides against it.
   
This is what Jesus was alluding to when He said, "And when he (the Holy Spirit) is come, he will  reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment .... Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more." John 16:8 & 10. Whereas no man has ever seen the face of God (Jn.1:18) because God does not personally appear to men, and Jesus came to bring the message of God and the Gospel of salvation, it is the Holy Spirit who "reproves" or proves the truths of God to the hearts of men. What God ordained, Jesus delivered, but it is the Holy Spirit who convicts, convinces, and "proves" to the very souls of humanity that it is all true. So when the Holy Spirit has thoroughly proved and convinced a person that God is real, and they are sinners ripe for judgement, in need of righteousness, and that Jesus died for their sins and will save them, and they know that they know that it is true ... but reject the witness of the Holy Spirit anyway and take sides against Him, that is unforgivable. That is the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and that is the sin of Lucifer.

Saul of Tarsus blasphemed Christians and Christ Himself, and persecuted them,
("Saul, breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord...." Acts 9:1) but he did not blaspheme the Holy Spirit. He was fanatically religious but sincerely believed he was "doing God a service" Jn.16:2. He did not believe Jesus was the Christ (Messiah) of the Jews until Jesus struck him down with light on the Road to Damascus. That light not only blinded Saul, but opened his spiritual eyes and he said, "Lord who art thou" and Jesus sent him to a Christian, Ananias, to hear the Gospel, be saved and baptized. Saul's name was changed to Paul, when he was saved, and he later testified ..."(I) was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.  1 Tim.1:13. If he had not done it "ignorantly", but knowingly, he would not have obtained God's mercy but would have been guilty of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. This verse signifies the difference between the sin of rejection done "ignorantly in unbelief" and the sin of rejection done "rebelliously with certain knowledge" that you are wrong and Christ right. Unrepented of rejection done "Ignorantly in unbelief" is forgivable if repented of in acceptance of Christ by grace through faith. Not so with the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit when a person already knows the truth of Christ with certainty and still rejects the witness of the Holy Spirit that Jesus is the prophesied Messiah, Son of God, and Savior. You see, believing in Jesus is of no benefit if the believing sinner rejects Christ as his Savior anyway, and refuses to repent and surrender his will and life to the LORD. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 1:17.

Even the Devil "believes in Jesus", but does not submit in sincere repentance and acceptance of Him as his LORD and cannot now do so. It is too late for him. Satan has always known exactly who Jesus was and is, but it didn't save him because he knew the truth about God and Christ before Genesis one, when he was Lucifer, in heaven with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. But Lucifer rejected the God he knew was God and fought against Him. (Isa.14:12-15). That is Unforgivable and the reason Lucifer can never be saved. He already has known the truth of God and hated it and fought against what he knew to be the truth of God. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." James 2:19. You believe there is one God? Good for you ... but the devils believe that much.

Then there was the case of Legion, the Demoniac, demon possessed, lost, miserable, controlled by Satan who himself, recognized and knew who Jesus was. But Legion, when he heard Jesus, did not commit the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Instead, he accepted Christ, was saved and delivered from Satan. But the devils who already knew exactly who Jesus was, and hated Him anyway, were cast out of Legion into the swine. Mark 5:1-17.

There are few sins so bad as religious heresy and corruption. All of the High Council, Religious Court (Sanhedrin) of the Jews, had strong knowledge of their coming Messiah, and knew Jesus fit the description perfectly, but just one of them resisted the others and came to ask Jesus sincere questions, under cover of darkness.... and was converted. "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." John 3:1-2. Note Nicodemus said, "we know" referring to the Jewish High Council of which he was a member. That body of Old Testament scholars "knew" who Jesus was, and rejected Him in spite of His fulfillment of all of the Messianic prophecies. It was the Holy Spirit, through the O.T. scriptural prophecies that convinced them Jesus was their Messiah ... But their rejection turned into strong rebellion and they conspired to kill Jesus.... anyway. That mixture of certain knowledge, rejection and rebellion is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
who convinced them through their own Bible prophecies.

Here is one of the most astounding, unimaginable portions of scripture in the Bible. We see the entire council of these Pharisees, having heard Jesus's message, seen His miracles, and recognized Him as their Messiah ... But now realizing they might lose their position, income, prestige and followers, began plotting a way of doing away with Him. Their High Priest, Caiaphas, steps up before them and says to them, "Do you know who we are dealing with? Don't you realize how this will affect us if we acknowledge who this man is? Our Bible prophets of old foretold his coming in great detail ...  He is the Messiah and 'it is expedient for us that he die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not'" And then it says that Caiaphas, the High Priest listed the prophecies of Jesus, "not of himself", but from the scriptures "that Jesus should die for the nation of Israel" and not just for them "but also he would gather together in one the children of God." That certain knowledge is what launched their vicious attack upon their known Messiah, and led to His crucifixion. "Then from that day forth they took counsel together to put him to death." That is
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Here is where it happened in John 11...
"Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation. And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death." John 11:47-53.

They took the killing of Jesus upon themselves, to fulfill the prophecies, and 
schemed to have their Roman masters do the vile deed. That, my friend, is The Blaspheme of the Holy Spirit who had "proven" and convinced them that Jesus was the Jewish Christ, Messiah of prophecy, but they rejected Him and sought ways to kill Him anyway.... since it was prophesied.

These religious Pharisees then tried to trick Jesus into saying something which would either anger the other Jews against Him, or the Roman Government, so one or the other would attack Him or execute Him."Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him (Jesus) in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples ... saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth .... Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute (taxes) unto Caesar, or not?" Matt.22:15-17. This they said to trip Jesus up with a trick question ... knowing who he was, but caring more for their Judaic religion and their positions in it than for the God and Messiah of their religion ... Judaism.

The blasphemy of the Holy Spirit reveals itself in the impenetrable callousness of the hopelessly lost soul ... "Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness." Eph. 4:19. "Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron." 1 Tim.4:2. "Past feeling" with no conscience" is the definition of the self-centered, sociopathic narcissist of whom we see many in politics and positions of power in today's world.

If you still have a desire to be right with God ... saved from your sins, you have not committed this sin and there is still hope for you. .. But come to Him now.

"...Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on (not just "in") the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:30-31. 

Who Is This Amazing Carolina Panther's Quarterback Headed For The Super Bowl?

Mrs Blair and I live in Mansfield, Texas, about 10 miles from Cowboy Stadium in Arlington. I have always been a Cowboy's fan, though not quite a fanatic, but I can't watch them play. I tell myself its just a stupid game and doesn't really matter if they win or lose. But, as a died in the wool Texan, with sand in my boots and bow legs, I am a Lone Star Flag waver ... probably more so than Old Glory since Obama came out of the shadowy unknown and was elected by the lame brain majority of U.S. citizens. So since I now feel like an illegal immigrant in a foreign communist country, when I'm switching through the TV channels looking for something that makes sense, and can't stand to watch the Cowboys, I watch the other teams. Since the twilight zone era of Obama, I have written off all those states which elected him and pull for those who didn't, when I watch football. So my teams are all Southern. But, I also pulled for the Arizona Cardinals, until now.

You see, today the Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers were in the playoffs to determine who would play in the Super Bowl. So when I am in a straight betwixt two, I watch for which side cheats, has a bad attitude or if any of their players show signs of being a Christian. Right off the bat ... or, I should say "kick-off", I saw the Panther's Quarter-Back glance up to heaven with what looked like a whispered prayer. Yes, I chose my team based on that sliver of possibility that he, Cam Newton might be a Christian. Later, after he personally ran for a touchdown, he pointed to heaven with both index fingers an instant before the cameraman quickly switched away from him. 

As it turned out, Cam Newton proved to be the most adroit, amazing Quarter-Backs I have ever seen. He made two touchdowns himself and they won the game 49 to 15, and will play the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl. I like the Broncos and Peyton Manning, but those Panthers are going to win Super Bowl #50, in my opinion.

After the game, I searched the internet to see if I could find if Cam Newton is a Christian. Here is what I found....

Cam, played for two other colleges before coming to Auburn. He got into trouble twice in those early college days, before he got out of his teens. But, God only knows, I did a few things equally bad when I was that age, so I won't judge him for his infractions at this late date. Every young person has to wade through the snakes before getting their lives on track, especially before they learn to walk straight and stay out of the ditches, and when they don't yet know the Lord. It could be, the reason he doesn't flaunt his faith now is because of those early moral failures, and he doesn't want to appear to be a hypocrite. Lets see how he handles his fame and future before we dig into his past like a bunch of Armadillos looking for grubs. If you insist on a feast of worms, I suggest you save time and dig into your own past.

Cam Newton was, of course, a college football star at Auburn before becoming one of the greatest Quarterbacks in pro football history, but he gave the glory to God for his success. At Auburn he said, publicly,  "It's just a God thing, I thank God every single day. I'm just His instrument and He's using me on a consistent basis daily. He is using me to extend His word and I'm a prime example of how God could turn something that was bad into something that was very great .... If God is with me who can be against me?" A quote from Romans 8:31.

Cam recently had a serious auto wreck when a car pulled out in front of him and he tried to avoid a collision. The Charlotte, N.C. Observer reported that Cam said he was driving south on Church Street when he saw the other car pull out and attempt to cross in front of him. The Observer reported that "The quarterback said he 'tried to avoid the car, but the Buick "clipped the back of my truck." The impact of the collision caused Newton's black pickup truck to overturn."

Newton feels blessed for escaping the serious accident with relatively minor injuries. The Carolina Panthers reported on the team's Twitter account that the quarterback suffered two fractures in his lower back and no internal injuries.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department crash report, Newton was driving at the posted speed limit of 35 mph during the time of the accident.

The 25-year-old Atlanta native took to Facebook to post this message: 

"I do not know where to begin because by the look of that picture someone is supposed to be dead or severely injured worse than what I am right now!"While I am resting up, the thought that keeps flashing in my mind is that GOD IS GOOD and someone has (their) protective hands on my life shielding me from any danger that may come my way!"

So it appears we have another Christian, or at least a seeker, in a key position, who may become an Ambassador for Christ. We shall see. Somebody in Charlotte see that he gets a witness for Christ. Pray for Cam. RB

Carolina Panther's Quarterback, Cam Newton ... High Potential for Christ.   RB

True Science Has Always, Eventually, Neutralized "Science Falsely So Called"

Truth will survive forever ... Error shall cease to be.

"Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." 2 Thess.2:4.

The word, "Science", from the Latin "scientia", means "to know". Webster's first definition of the word is, "Knowledge obtained by study and practice". That meaning and definition is exactly the same as the word's use in the Bible. It is only used twice, once in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament. The prophet Daniel used it in Dan.1:4 in reference to a "certain" few of the captured Jews in Babylon who were exceptionally knowledgeable and "skillful" in many areas of "science". The King of Babylon wanted to teach them the Babylonian language so he might use their rare knowledge and "understanding" to strengthen his Babylonian Empire. Daniel lauded those Jewish scholars "Children .... well favoured, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans." Dan.1:4.

The second and last use of the word "science" is found in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul was cautioning young Timothy to be faithful to all he had learned about the holy things of God. And not become caught up in the "profane and vain" claims of the opponents of Christ and Christianity, by use of unscientific and false theories which contradicted true knowledge (science). "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called." 1 Tim.6:20.

So, there you have it. There is a True Science and a False Science. But, what would you expect of Satan who perverts God's word? Wouldn't he also pervert God's science... knowledge of God's universe? After all, God is the Creator of the universe and therefore of the Geometry of space and time. He is the God and Creator of gravity which bends space and time. He is the God and Creator of those mysterious "Black Holes" swirling around and warping vast beams of light. He is the God and Creator of both limitless infinity and the limitless finite. Each of which is perfectly, intricately organized and accurate to truth and reality.

True science is constantly correcting and realigning false knowledge concepts... "science, falsely so called". It seems an endless process.

So be patient, Christian, truth will win out and error and "false science" will be lost in the lost souls of the vanquished. Even they shall be forced to their knees with a final confession on their tongues that "The Lord, He is God", but to no avail, except that truth is forever justified and error forever banished.

Old Testament:
"I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." Isa.45:23. 

New Testament:
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." Rom.14:11.

Every Christian Is In A Life-Time Miraculous Race To The Finish

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...." Hebrews 12:1-2

The point of the Christian Race is not to run faster than everyone else or to beat all those other Christians to the Finish Line. The point, of being a participant in this God ordained event, is ....

1. We run this lifetime race in service to our God and for His glory. Our race is being witnessed by God, the sponsor and Judge, Jesus his Son, his Holy Spirit, his holy angels and a "great cloud of witnesses". So we must do our very best, obey the rules of the race and not push or trip other runners or turn to the right or left, but stay on track.... to the finish line where Jesus the finisher awaits us.

2. A runner must "lay aside every" unnecessary hindrance and encumbrance which would impede him/her from running the race to our very best ability so as to please the sponsor and  judges, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,  and bless that great crowd of witnesses.

3. A runner must be absolutely certain he or she is running in the right direction, toward the goal and finish line "set before us".

4. A runner must never stop but keep moving in the right direction, "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher" of the race. And, following His example, to "run with patience", pace ourselves until we must slow to a trot and then a walk and then with baby steps and cross the finish line crawling if necessary. RB

Here is an example runner crawling across the finish line in third place.RB
______________________________

By Stephanie Gallman, CNN

Updated 9:32 AM ET, Tue February 17, 2015

(CNN)Lifelong runner and Austin Marathon race director John Conley has been a part of many races, but none of the finishes he's been a part of quite compare to what he saw Sunday in Texas.

"What we saw was a champion," Conley said. "The toughest person on the planet."

Conley's not talking about Cynthia Jerop, the women's winner, who finished the 26.2-mile race in 2:54:21.

He'd expected to see Kenyan runner Hyvon Ngetich. According to reports he'd received from the race course, she had been leading most of the race.

But with just two-tenths of a mile left to run, Ngetich began to wobble and stagger, and eventually fell down. She attempted to get back up and keep running but was unsuccessful, Conley said.

But Ngetich never stopped moving forward.

With members of the race team 's medical staff walking on all sides cheering her on, Ngetich crawled to the finish line.

"As bad as it looks, we knew she was prepared to finish," Conley said.

With just 2 meters left for her to crawl, Ngetich was passed by second place finisher Hannah Steffan. Ngetich placed third, with a time of 3:04:02.

Conley said Ngetich crawled more than 400 meters (1,312 feet) to cross the finish line, leaving her knees and elbows bloodied and her hands stained from the pavement.

She was immediately rushed to a medical tent, where she was treated for dangerously low blood sugar, Conley said.

Ngetich told CNN affiliate KEYE she doesn't remember finishing the race.

Her "exceptional effort," inspired applause from nearly every marathon spectator and inspired Conley to adjust her prize money so she receives the same amount of money as if she'd come in second.

"You ran the bravest race and crawled the bravest crawl I have ever seen in my life," Conley said to Ngetich on Sunday night, "You have earned much honor."

Ngetich said it's just what she does.

"In running, you have to keep going," she said.

Click on the picture below, and be patient, to watch this video of runner crossing the finish line and coming in third... but she finished the race and placed. As a witness to her determination, you can't help but love this champion runner. RB

By Stephanie Gallman, CNN

Updated 9:32 AM ET, Tue February 17, 2015

The King Selects His Chosen From Among All Of The Volunteers

A certain King advertised, and sent out invitations, for volunteers to go on a special mission into foreign lands to represent his Royal interests. No salary was offered. Most of his subjects were too busy with their own interests and income to volunteer. They didn't trust their King to treat them fairly and reward them for their service. He would deal with their distrust later.

Among the volunteers were a few who were so sick of themselves, and so loved the King that they were more concerned with his interests than their own, but knew that if they looked after his interests he would look after theirs. Their main concern was to please their King and do his Royal will. They trusted in him.

Also among the volunteers were some who didn't want the job but were afraid not to volunteer lest the King seek vengeance upon them. Others were so bored with their present life, husband or wife that they volunteered on the chance they might be happier somewhere else or find a new, more desirable mate. Then, there were those volunteers who wanted a free vacation with new acquaintances in a different environment.  Some thought volunteering might strengthen their resume or that they might meet new prospective customers for their own business if they joined the King's service. A few even thought that if they volunteered, the King might drop all criminal charges against them so they could avoid His judgement and remain free to do their own thing.

What none of them knew was that the King had a divine, super computer program containing all of the knowledge in all of the libraries and public records and in all of the universe about everything and everybody ... including them. He knew each of them better than they knew themselves.

So, on a day appointed, all the volunteers, sincere and insincere, came before the King as a volunteer. As he passed before each of them, he "selected" one here and one there according to his "foreknowledge" of each and every one of the volunteers. He set those he chose, selected and elected aside for training in the King's service. They were first sent to the Royal Bath, cleaned up, groomed and properly attired. They were then sent to their studies of the Royal Manuscripts and thoroughly prepared to represent the King all over the world.

The English word "select" is from the Latin word "selectus" and means to elect or "select aside" or "set aside" for special reasons... or to "separate the chosen from all those not chosen". "Sanctification" is the same thing.

It has not been determined which came first, Latin or Greek, but each has formed with root words in the other. English has absorbed many words from both.

Jesus used the word "sanctified" in His prayer concerning those he selected, elected  and chose: Bear in mind the Greek word "hagiazo" translated "sanctify" in the New Testament, means "to set apart".  Jesus prayed for his disciples in Bible days and also for His "set apart", chosen ones of today, in John 17:15-20.

"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word."

"Wherefore (YOU) come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord ...." 2Cor.6:17.

You may not yet be among those chosen, selected, elected or sanctified but if you are sincere and desire to serve the King, you must first be among the volunteers. He will not force you into His service, but said, "Come unto Me." John 7:37.

The Measurment Of True Greatness From The Lips Of Jesus

From the beginning of time, men have labored, sacrificed, and cheated, lied and killed in a never ending struggle to surpass. succeed, exceed, and increase in power, possessions, position, wealth and fame. Cain killed Abel, in a fit of jealousy, because he thought himself less than his brother. Kings, warriors, politicians and sociopaths have sought power, wealth and fame in order to have more, be more, and know more than everyone else. Some even seek power, wealth and fame in a kind of reverse approach to fulfill their burning ambition by publicly defending the poor, and attacking the wealthy, as educators, politicians, or millionaire movie stars.... and even as Preachers. Strange antics indeed in the feverish climb up the ladder of recognition and greatness in the eyes of other men an women...but what of God's approval? How does He reckon greatness?

Even the Apostles were absorbed with "greatness" in spiritual matters. "Greatness" in Christ's Church and in the Kingdom Of God as well....
"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Matt.18:1.

Jesus answered the question by taking a little child up into his lap and said ....
"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matt.18:4. So, learning from the lips of Jesus, himself, "humility" reflects greatness. Something few rich, famous and powerful people in men's estimation, have much of.... ordinarily. I truly believe that there is no great spirituality where there is no great humility. In fact, "Jesus humility" is not caused by poverty, starvation, inferiority or weakness, but something more divine. Jesus, as God in the flesh, owns all the of the universe. He owns all of the food, all of the power, all of the strength, all of the fame ... and yet, He was humble and saw true humility in that little child. Also notice that his words, "humble himself" indicate that we are personally responsible for our humility or the lack of it.

Jesus is our example of humility. Paul says , in Phil.2:8. "...He humbled himself...." by taking on a human body and becoming a man so he could sacrifice that body on the cross. Jesus said of himself, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly ...." Matt.11:29.  Some would say He violated humility when, at Passover, He angrily drove the greedy Money Changers and sellers out of God's holy Temple with a whip, in John 2:13-16, or
when he called the Pharisees whitewashed graves full of rotting dead men's bones. But being humble does not negate boldness, holy anger or the necessity of speaking the truth.

Another key to true greatness is revealed by Jesus in Matt.23:11-12. "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." 
So true greatness is wrapped up in humble service to God and to those "Created in the image and likeness of God". That is the mind of God.

Whether God keeps a list of "lesser/superior greatness" or not, He knows precisely where each of us is in relation to His own judgement of our faithfulness, callings, obedience and sincerity. He sees and knows the extent and level of each of our humility and service. Though all Christians are equally saved, by grace, we are not all equal in our service to God and awards at the Judgement Seat Of Christ. But each of millions of Christians has a unique place on God's faithfulness scale which only He can know.... thankfully.
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." Matt.16:27.

The measure of true greatness, among men, is neither determined by themselves nor by other men. Who would have said of John the Baptist, when he was in prison, questioning his own faith, disgraced in the eyes of man and then beheaded, that he was the greatest man ever born prior to that time? And yet, that is exactly what Jesus said of him."Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist...." Matt.11:11. (Relates to the O.T.)

Obviously Jesus evaluates men from a totally different perspective than do other men .... even Christians. The difference is that we mortals only know what we see, hear or imagine to be true. We cannot know what is in the mind and heart of another person .... But God does, and only He can judge with complete accuracy.

Nobody has any idea who may be the greatest Christian who ever lived, except God Himself. It will probably be some unknown, humble, loving, faithful mother or a hard working, reliable, witness for Jesus who gave the nearest to 100% of himself  or herself to God, which means ... also to needy people.

True greatness, in God's eyes is not only unknown to fleshly minds but totally incomprehensible to human understanding.  His judgement alone is perfect. If there is a divine ranking from greatest to least great Christians, it is totally in the Omniscient judgement of God alone. I, for one, am content to leave it there, where it is secure for eternity.... even if I am the last Christian on the "humility and service" list.... that will be exactly where I should to be.

 "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2 Cor.10:12. 

Keep Moving In The Right Direction ... Even If Only In Baby Steps

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Heb.12:1.

That "race" is the Christian life, seeking His will, studying His word, a prayer life, following Him, giving witness to His judgement, love, grace, forgiveness and salvation. That is "the race that is set before" every Christian.

This scripture is not speaking to to the unsaved who are not yet in "the race", which God has set before every Christian. It does no good for non Christians to try to "lay aside every weight and besetting sin". Only those believers who have had all their sins forgiven, past present and future, who also have the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit to deal with those weights and besetting sins can overcome them. One must first have Christ before they can ever successfully do battle with the devil and temptation. Without Christ there is no hope of overcoming sin of any kind.

There must be a million different varieties of sin which hound us down, plague us throughout life even unto death, and undermine our yearnings to be more Christ-like. Sin destroys nations, churches, homes and Christian testimonies. And yet, as believers, we are God's children, and he does not give up on us any more than a good parent gives up on their child. He does allow suffering and difficulty to discipline us and get us back in the race, but He doesn't stop loving us and convincing us of our guilty sins. Though we will never be perfect, we must continually seek forgiveness and a closer walk with Jesus, to be more effective Christians.

I think the most egregious sins are religious ones, perverting the Gospel, Christ's church and His Holy word. There are certain denominational "doctrines" that are off target, out of focus theological positions, which have their appeal in the faulty mind-set of their adherents, that their witness is neutralized. Some are just perverted enough to confuse and mislead, but not so much as to alarm the hearers. A twisted, tangled mind is attracted to a twisted, tangled religion, as a perverted mind is receptive to perverted input. Satan knows all the idiosyncrasies and vulnerabilities of each person's flesh and the besetting sin each of them is inclined to, and he is there to supply it.

I believe God not only knew Adam and Eve would yield to their lust for "the tree of knowledge of good and evil", but also knew the besetting sin of each of their millions of descendants ... yours and mine. The conflicts we all face daily, are nothing more or less than our individual part in this Battle Of The Ages, between good and evil, God and the devil, which every human has faced since Genesis 3. And don't delude yourself; we are all guilty to some degree .... "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8.

The whole purpose of Christ's coming into this world and paying our sin debt on that cross was to first forgive our sins and second to give us grace to overcome our besetting sins that we might effectively spread His good news to a sinful, lost world. Don't quit trying, or give up on yourself ... God hasn't. Trust Him to help you through your temptations and trials ... and keep on sharing the His saving grace. Even though you and I aren't  perfect Christians .... and never will be, we must stay in God's word, prayed up and with a repentant heart. The important thing is to keep moving in the right direction ... even if only in baby steps. RB