Topical Bible: Character of the Wicked: Infidel

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The term "infidel" traditionally refers to an individual who lacks faith, particularly in the context of religious belief. Within the biblical framework, the character of the wicked, including the infidel, is often depicted as one who rejects or opposes the knowledge and worship of the one true God. This rejection is not merely intellectual but is deeply rooted in moral and spiritual rebellion.

Rejection of God and His Ways

The infidel is characterized by a deliberate refusal to acknowledge God. Psalm 14:1 states, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good." This verse highlights the intrinsic link between disbelief and moral corruption. The infidel's denial of God leads to a life marked by wickedness and a lack of moral restraint.

Moral and Spiritual Blindness

The infidel is often portrayed as spiritually blind, unable to perceive the truth of God's existence and His righteous standards. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 , the apostle Paul writes, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." This spiritual blindness is a significant aspect of the infidel's character, preventing them from understanding and accepting the gospel.

Pride and Self-Sufficiency

Pride is a defining trait of the infidel, as they often place their trust in human wisdom and strength rather than in God. Proverbs 28:26 warns, "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe." The infidel's self-sufficiency and reliance on human understanding are seen as foolishness in the biblical narrative, leading to their ultimate downfall.

Hostility Towards God and His People

The infidel is frequently depicted as hostile towards God and those who follow Him. Romans 8:7 states, "The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so." This enmity is not only directed towards God but also manifests in opposition to His people and His purposes on earth.

Consequences of Infidelity

The Bible warns of severe consequences for those who persist in infidelity. In John 3:36 , it is written, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him." The infidel, by rejecting the Son, remains under God's judgment, facing eternal separation from Him.

Call to Repentance

Despite the grim portrayal of the infidel, the Bible extends a call to repentance and faith. Acts 17:30 declares, "Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent." The invitation to turn from infidelity and embrace faith in God is a recurring theme, underscoring God's desire for all to come to the knowledge of the truth.

In summary, the character of the wicked, particularly the infidel, is marked by a rejection of God, moral and spiritual blindness, pride, hostility towards God, and the dire consequences of such a stance. Yet, the biblical narrative consistently offers hope through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 10:4
The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 14:1
The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that does good.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Wicked Heart Set to do Evil.
... Is this a very amiable trait of character in you? ... He says"Your son has been so wicked
and has committed such crimes, he must be hung. ... He is an infidel! ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/viii the wicked heart set.htm

Be Ye Doers of the Word, not Hearers Only, Deceiving Your Own ...
... I have heard of an infidel, who would be moved ... any relation to themselves, would
heartily approve his character. The reason why wicked men and devils hate God ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be ye doers of the.htm

Edited by the Rev. CH Spurgeon.
... the reward of the righteous, the judgments of the wicked, the necessity ... are you an
infidel? ... morning, and requested her to sustain the principal character in a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/edited by the rev c.htm

Letter xi. Mental Cultivation. Reading.
... and the evil nature of sin, as manifested in the conduct of wicked men, who ... The infidel
would pronounce this inconsistent with the character of a ...
/.../letter xi mental cultivation reading.htm

Attributes of Love.
... denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." Strictly speaking ... A wicked character,
and governmental relations and considerations, may forbid benevolence to ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xii attributes of love.htm

The Bible --The Background and the Picture.
... that all that is wicked had its origin with wicked men and ... is a thought at once
involving the moral character of God ... I will let an infidel answer this question ...
/.../the biblethe background and the.htm

Isaac Newton.
... in his opinion, were the vicious and the wicked. ... interesting part of this great man's
character, cannot be ... barrier does it present to the infidel, to perceive ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/isaac newton.htm

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... Such is the character intended in the text"Such ... end of his existence"the modern infidel
terms used ... indifference whether it found him righteous or wicked. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxv the good man.htm

John Chapter xi. 55-57; xii
... fame of a good character: for a good character is as ... and yet what communion had the
believer with the infidel? ... life to the good, and bring death to the wicked. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate l john chapter xi.htm

True Christianity Defended
... to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall ... such a charge against men
of so established a character? ... unto;" especially if he be not an infidel, or a ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 134 true christianity defended.htm