Topical Bible: Alliance and Society With the Enemies of God: Saints Deprecate

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In the biblical narrative, alliances and associations with the enemies of God are consistently portrayed as perilous and spiritually detrimental. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings against forming such alliances, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity in devotion to God and His commandments.

Old Testament Warnings and Examples

The Old Testament is replete with instances where the Israelites were cautioned against forming alliances with pagan nations. In Deuteronomy 7:2-4 , God commands the Israelites, "And when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following Me to serve other gods."

The consequences of ignoring this command are vividly illustrated in the history of Israel. King Solomon, despite his wisdom, formed alliances through marriage with foreign women, which led him astray. 1 Kings 11:4 states, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been."

Similarly, King Jehoshaphat's alliance with King Ahab of Israel is another example of the dangers of such associations. Despite being a righteous king, Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab led to near disaster in the battle at Ramoth-gilead (2 Chronicles 18). The prophet Jehu rebuked Jehoshaphat, saying, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you" (2 Chronicles 19:2).

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to remain separate from those who oppose God. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 , the Apostle Paul admonishes, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?"

The early church faced pressures to conform to the surrounding pagan culture, yet the apostles consistently encouraged believers to stand firm in their faith and avoid compromising alliances. James 4:4 starkly warns, "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God."

Saints' Deprecation of Alliances with Enemies

Throughout church history, saints and theologians have echoed the biblical warnings against forming alliances with those opposed to God. They have emphasized the importance of spiritual discernment and the need to prioritize allegiance to Christ above all else. The writings of early church fathers, reformers, and contemporary Christian leaders often reflect a deep concern for maintaining the purity of the church and the faith of individual believers.

The saints' deprecation of such alliances is rooted in the understanding that spiritual compromise can lead to moral decay and a departure from the truth of the Gospel. The call to holiness and separation from the world is a recurring theme, urging believers to live as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession" (1 Peter 2:9).

In summary, the biblical narrative and subsequent Christian teachings consistently warn against forming alliances with the enemies of God. Such associations are seen as a threat to spiritual integrity and faithfulness to God's commands, urging believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 49:6
O my soul, come not you into their secret; to their assembly, my honor, be not you united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they dig down a wall.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 6:8
Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 15:4
In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honors them that fear the LORD. He that swears to his own hurt, and changes not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook