Gumby
Here are some references I would use to show Paul's 'already but not yet' theology:
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
'He (God) anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come'
Ephesians 1:13-14
'When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession'
Ephesians 4:30
'And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption'
In these terms, I'd interpret blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (denying his power) as rejection of your salvation - or throwing away your inheritance. He cannot indwell or work in your life if you refuse to acknowledge him.
Ianone brings up an interesting point. How does free-will come into play if you are purchased by christ blood yet choose to leave.......as many here have done because they cannot accept it as truth any longer?
It's a very good point. On this, I initially see two options but there are almost certainly more (dammit I wish I had more thinking time!). You could take the ultra-Calvinist 'never saved in the first place' view or, the one which says that we simply don't know what's going to happen in the future, right up to judgement day. I know folks who have rejected Christianity for many reasons and then years later rediscovered it. Then again, there's still that other question of would a Christian
want to lose their salvation anyway?
