27/09/2013 - LYING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

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Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.

Acts 5:10

People who are of God know how much the Father fights for them when they are being tempted. He even allows us to be tempted, but makes the way of escape. The Almighty helps us in everything, provided we allow it. However, if the individual does not heed His voice, he or she will transgress and, as a result, will be in the hands of the tempter. If there is no sincere repentance, those who fall will never rise (Ezekiel 18:30, Acts 2:38).

Those who fear the Lord may find themselves in the edge of a cliff, but when they are about to fall, they turn around. On the other hand, those who have no fear of God are led by the offers of the evil one and even if they are aware that what they are about to do will turn out to be their downfall, they fall into sin just the same. It was precisely in this way that Ananias and Sapphira executed their diabolical plan (Acts 5:1-11). They would have had a beautiful future if they had been respectful of the Most High.

The temptation must be repelled at once; otherwise, the individual will give in to passion, for example, and will no longer think straight. But until the last moment, the Holy Spirit will convince that person that he or she is on the way that leads to death (Galatians 5:17-23; John 16:8-11). No one sins for being tempted, but when they fall into temptation. No matter what temptation befalls you, besides paying no attention to it, rebuke it energetically in the Name of Jesus, establishing yourself in the Word.

The fatal blow is when the individual denies, in the presence of God, that he or she has sinned. Both Ananias and his wife Sapphira could have confessed their diabolical plot and be forgiven. But even under the divine assurance they chose to lie. Then judgment came from heaven through Peter. Never lie, because lies are wiles of the devil and practicing them is like receiving a death sentence (Revelation 22:15).

He who belongs to God knows what is best to preserve salvation rather than material possessions (Matthew 6:19-20), or to avoid being put to shame for his sinful deeds. All that has been done with the help of Satan will only be destroyed if it is fully confessed. What did that couple profit by acting dishonestly with the Lord? They were dishonest not for having kept part of the sales proceeds, because it was all theirs, but for lying to the Holy Spirit, who convicted them of sin (John 16:8).

The sin against the Holy Spirit has no forgiveness (Mark 3:28-29). It can cause instant physical death, but will also result in the second death – eternal damnation, which will be the fate of all liars. So if you have transgressed against someone, do not lie to the Holy Spirit, who has convinced you of your error. Go, confess and obtain divine forgiveness.

In Christ with Love,

R. R. Soares