Topical Bible: Character of the Wicked: Blasphemous

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The character of the wicked is often depicted in Scripture as being blasphemous, a trait that signifies a deep-seated irreverence and disrespect for God and the sacred. Blasphemy, in its essence, involves speaking or acting in a way that shows contempt or lack of reverence for God, His name, His attributes, or His works. This characteristic is frequently highlighted in the Bible as a hallmark of those who are opposed to God and His righteousness.

Old Testament Depictions

In the Old Testament, blasphemy is a serious offense against the holiness of God. Leviticus 24:16 states, "Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The whole congregation must stone him. Whether he is a foreign resident or a native, if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death." This severe penalty underscores the gravity of blasphemy in the eyes of God and His people.

The Psalms frequently describe the wicked as those who speak against God with arrogance and disdain. Psalm 74:18 laments, "Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name." Here, the wicked are portrayed as those who mock and spurn the name of the Lord, demonstrating their blasphemous nature.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, blasphemy continues to be a defining trait of the wicked. Jesus Himself warns against the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 12:31 , He declares, "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." This warning highlights the severity of blasphemy as a sin that can lead to eternal separation from God.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, also addresses the blasphemous nature of the wicked. In 1 Timothy 1:20 , he mentions Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom he "handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme." This action indicates the destructive nature of blasphemy and the need for corrective measures to address it within the community of believers.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophetic books of the Bible often speak of the blasphemous actions of the wicked in the context of judgment. In Daniel 7:25 , a prophecy concerning a future ruler states, "He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws." This ruler's blasphemous speech against God is a key aspect of his wickedness and rebellion.

The Book of Revelation also vividly portrays the blasphemous character of the wicked in the end times. Revelation 13:6 describes the beast as one who "opened its mouth to blaspheme against God and slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven." This depiction serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate opposition between the forces of evil and the holiness of God.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The blasphemous character of the wicked is not merely a matter of speech but reflects a deeper spiritual rebellion against God. It is an expression of the heart's defiance and rejection of divine authority. The Bible consistently warns against such attitudes, urging believers to honor and revere God's name and to live in a manner that reflects His holiness.

In summary, the character of the wicked as blasphemous is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, illustrating the profound disrespect and opposition that the ungodly have toward God. This trait is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a warning to all who would take lightly the sacredness of God's name and His divine nature.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 22:65
And many other things blasphemously spoke they against him.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 16:9
And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which has power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Ancient Form of Government Utterly Corrupted by the Tyranny of ...
... Blasphemous defence of these robbers ... That one sentence in which God describes the
true character of a ... unworthy procedure in any way, were to be wicked over much ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the ancient form.htm

Letter cix. To Julian, Bishop of Cos.
... joined himself too rashly to those blasphemous heretics, and ... who drank in more greedily
the wicked poison, have ... But the character of him [474] who has usurped ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter cix to julian bishop.htm

Book v. Our Reply, in the Previous Books, to the Mad and ...
... I was denouncing that blasphemous sense in which the heretics ... the same it cannot
lose this character of true ... to slay the righteous with the wicked, for then ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book v our reply in.htm

Evidences of Regeneration.
... the minds of all who know wicked men and ... feelings have in themselves no moral character,
and that ... class who have the rebellious and blasphemous feelings which ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxix evidences of regeneration.htm

Its Meaning
... who knowingly pronounces a wicked person to ... moral transformation in His character;
but understand ... resurrection, exonerated from the blasphemous charges which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/2 its meaning.htm

The Bible --The Background and the Picture.
... order that we might see the true character of God ... The words and doings of wicked
men and demons ... recorded there, and they are often licentious and blasphemous. ...
/.../the biblethe background and the.htm

Tenth Commandment
... Up to a certain point his character shone magnificently, but ... was what led Achan up
to the wicked deed that ... employ sons of Belial to bear blasphemous and fatal ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

Mr. Evil-Questioning Tried and Executed
... I have told you his parentage and education, now as to his character. ... done about
a God who is true and faithful, is to put a wicked and blasphemous question ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/mr evil-questioning tried and executed.htm

Letter clvi. To Leo Augustus.
... diabolical purpose, men may learn the character of those ... name, and not to let
blasphemous parricides, who ... of the Church: that by quelling wicked attempts you ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter clvi to leo augustus.htm

The Old and New Testaments have Many Things in Common -- Far More ...
... is peculiarly prophetic in its character and contents ... himself seven other spirits
more wicked than himself ... a reference here to Satan's blasphemous imitation of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the old and new testaments.htm