“Whose Fault Is It?” – MARK 3:26-30

The charge by the scribes that the disciples and Jesus had an “unclean spirit” and cast out demons is illogical (“a house divided against itself cannot stand”), but is also dangerously offensive. Satan is an intelligent being ruling his domain and the demoniacs were affected by forces in Satan’s realm. The “spirit” in Jesus and His disciples was God Himself, the “Holy Spirit”. As Jesus taught, error at this fundamental level of attributing the work of God to the work of Satan is unforgiven as it is an (not “the”, but one of this class) eternal sin. This sin brings on death, and is thus spiritually fatal (1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 John 5:16, 1 Timothy 5:6, Hebrews 6:4-6 and 1 Corinthians 11:30). As Isaiah said by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (5:20).

Many have argued that it is no longer possible for people today to commit this “unforgivable sin” since the scribes “saw” the works of Jesus and we can only “believe”. Part of the problem with this thinking is that men have imposed the definite article “the” into a phrase where Jesus used the “indefinite article “an”. The solution to understanding an “unforgiven eternal sin” is to see this specific incident as merely an example of a larger class of sins. Both the miracles and forgiveness of sin is an act of God Himself. To attribute either or both to Satan or to deny they are the work of God is blasphemous. So long as this blasphemy continues, there can be no forgiveness. As such, it becomes “an” eternal sin.

It is quite interesting that Jesus begins teaching (Mark, chapter 4) in parables right after this. The first parable gives us insight into all others because Jesus Himself provides the “key” to unlock its truths. Notice that it is Satan who snatches the word away from hearers (Mark 4:15). The scribes were guilty of attributing the work of God to Satan; but, is it possible to attribute the work of Satan to God (see Isaiah 5:20, again)? Would this not be a larger class of sin that continue on in the sinner since there is no repentance and therefore that sin is unforgiven and eternal?

Let’s return to the matter of religious division that results from interpretation of Scripture. If two people read the same passage and draw two differing conclusions, then there are only two options. Either only one of them is right or both of them are wrong. It cannot be that BOTH of them are right. In the religious world today we have a multitude of groups that read the same Bible and divide themselves into sects based upon their interpretation. Wanting to believe the best in people (most of the time) and not wanting any who believe in God to be lost, people willingly conclude that there is no discernable, absolute truth and it is OK for men to draw differing opinions from the Scriptures because no man can perfectly interpret Scripture.

While the last statement is correct, the remainder asserts that it is God’s fault that people do not understand Him. Interesting. Jesus said it was Satan’s fault (Mark 4:15).

For centuries men have tried to justify religious division by saying it is part of God’s plan and two groups can believe contrary interpretations of Scripture and BOTH be “right” because we cannot know and discern absolute truth. Division – by this reasoning – is God’s fault because He did not communicate adequately.

Is that not attributing Satan’s work to God?

Maybe that is why Peter, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, taught us to add to our faith … knowledge (2 Peter 1:6).

There are many good and moral Muslims who believe in Jesus, but are in error in their understanding of salvation, Scripture, Jesus and the heavenly Father.

There are many Jews who are good and moral people, but have interpreted the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms to point to a Messiah who in not Jesus and who is yet to appear.

There are many good and moral Mormons who believe in Jesus, but think He “became a god” and is not God, the son of God.

Each group sincerely believes what they have read and are passionate about their faith. Are they right? Not according to Jesus (John 14:6, John 1:1-5). Can faith come from a source other than Christ? Not according to Paul (Romans 10:17). Is divine truth subject to personal interpretation? Not according to Peter (2 Peter 1:20-21). Maybe we should be very careful about what we believe and foster a deeper understanding. When there is division over the Scriptures, either God is at fault or an interpreter is wrong.

People say it’s God’s fault.

Jesus says that Satan snatches away the Word of God.

What say you?