The Atrocity
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The term "The Atrocity" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, it can be understood as a reference to acts of extreme wickedness and violence that are condemned throughout Scripture. The Bible provides numerous accounts of such acts, often highlighting the moral and spiritual decline of individuals or nations that turn away from God.

Biblical Context

In the Old Testament, the Canaanite nations are frequently depicted as engaging in atrocious practices, including child sacrifice and idolatry. Leviticus 18:21 warns the Israelites, "You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD." Such practices were considered abominations and were a primary reason for God's command to drive out these nations from the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 9:4-5).

The account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 is another example of atrocity, where the cities were destroyed due to their grievous sins. Genesis 19:13 states, "For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has grown loud before the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it."

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets frequently spoke against the atrocities committed by Israel and other nations. The prophet Amos condemned the nations surrounding Israel for their brutal acts. Amos 1:13 declares, "This is what the LORD says: 'For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even for four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead to enlarge their territory.'"

Jeremiah also speaks against the atrocities committed by Judah, warning of impending judgment. Jeremiah 7:30-31 states, "For the sons of Judah have done evil in My sight, declares the LORD. They have set up their abominations in the house that bears My Name, and so have defiled it. They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter My mind."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ emphasizes the heart's condition as the root of all evil actions. In Matthew 15:19 , He teaches, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." The apostle Paul further elaborates on the sinful nature of humanity in Romans 1:29-31 , describing people as "filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity."

The New Testament also speaks of future atrocities, particularly in the context of eschatological events. In Matthew 24:21 , Jesus warns, "For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again."

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The Bible consistently portrays atrocities as the result of humanity's rebellion against God. Such acts are seen as manifestations of sin and are met with divine judgment. The call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ is presented as the solution to the problem of sin and its resulting atrocities. Through Christ, believers are called to live lives marked by love, justice, and righteousness, standing in stark contrast to the atrocities condemned in Scripture.
The Atoning Sacrifice
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