Grieve Not the Spirit, February 21

The Holy Spirit of God

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30.FLB 58.1

Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved.^{97Testimonies for the Church 5:120.}FLB 58.2

Men have the power to quench the Spirit of God; the power of choosing is left with them. They are allowed freedom of action. They may be obedient through the name and grace of our Redeemer, or they may be disobedient, and realize the consequences.^{98Gospel Workers, 174.}FLB 58.3

The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit does not lie in any sudden word or deed; it is the firm, determined resistance of truth and evidence.^{99SDA Bible Commentary 5:1093.}FLB 58.4

It is not that God sends out a decree that man shall not be saved. He does not throw a darkness before the eyes which cannot be penetrated. But man at first resists a motion of the Spirit of God, and, having once resisted, it is less difficult to do so the second time, less the third, and far less the fourth. Then comes the harvest to be reaped from the seed of unbelief and resistance. Oh what a harvest of sinful indulgences is preparing for the sickle! ...FLB 58.5

On the other hand, every ray of light cherished will yield a harvest of light. Temptation once resisted will give power to more firmly resist the second time; every new victory gained over self will smooth the way for higher and nobler triumphs. Every victory is a seed sown to eternal life.^{100Testimonies for the Church 5:120.}FLB 58.6

God destroys no one. The sinner destroys himself by his own impenitence.^{101Testimonies for the Church 5:120.}FLB 58.7

No one need look upon the sin against the Holy Ghost as something mysterious and indefinable. The sin against the Holy Ghost is the sin of persistent refusal to respond to the invitation to repent.^{102SDA Bible Commentary 5:1093.}FLB 58.8

There is no ... hope of the higher life, but through the submission of the soul to Christ.^{103Steps to Christ, 32.}FLB 58.9