Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical theology, condemnation refers to the divine judgment and eternal separation from God that is reserved for those who reject His truth and turn away from the faith. Apostates, individuals who have abandoned their religious beliefs, particularly those who have renounced the Christian faith, are often highlighted in Scripture as being subject to this severe judgment.The New Testament provides several warnings about the fate of apostates. In the Epistle of Jude, the author explicitly addresses the issue of apostasy and the condemnation that awaits those who turn away from the truth. Jude 1:4 states, "For certain men have crept in unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." This passage underscores the idea that the condemnation of apostates is not a new concept but one that has been established long ago. The Apostle Peter also speaks to the fate of apostates in his second epistle. In 2 Peter 2:1-3 , he warns, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep." Here, Peter emphasizes that the condemnation of apostates is both certain and imminent. The Book of Hebrews provides further insight into the spiritual peril of apostasy. Hebrews 6:4-6 warns, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age—and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame." This passage highlights the gravity of apostasy and the difficulty of returning to faith once one has fully turned away. The theme of condemnation for apostates is also present in the Old Testament. The Israelites, who repeatedly turned away from God despite His continuous guidance and provision, faced severe consequences for their apostasy. In Jeremiah 2:19 , the prophet declares, "Your own wickedness will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me," declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. This serves as a historical example of the consequences of turning away from God. Throughout Scripture, the condemnation of apostates is portrayed as a just and inevitable outcome for those who reject the truth of God after having once embraced it. The biblical narrative consistently affirms that apostasy leads to spiritual ruin and eternal separation from God, underscoring the seriousness with which the faith is to be held and the dire consequences of abandoning it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jude 1:4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays. The Necessity of Actual Grace The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin The Universality of Actual Grace Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance. Jesus in the Garden of Olives. Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ... The Epistles of Paul. Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources What does it mean that there is no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can an elder come under the same condemnation as the devil (1 Timothy 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Why does the Bible contain so much condemnation? | GotQuestions.org Condemnation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Condemnation of the Wicked, an Example Condemnation: According to Men's Deserts Condemnation: Apostates Ordained To Condemnation: Chastisements are Designed to Rescue Us From Condemnation: Conscience Testifies to the Justice of Condemnation: Increased by Hypocrisy Condemnation: Increased by Impenitence Condemnation: Increased by Oppression Condemnation: Increased by Pride Condemnation: Increased by Unbelief Condemnation: Inseparable Consequence of Sin Condemnation: Saints are Delivered From, by Christ Condemnation: The Law is the Ministration of Condemnation: The Law Testifies to the Justice of Condemnation: The Sentence of God Against Sin Condemnation: Unbelievers Remain Under Condemnation: Universal, Caused by the Offense of Adam Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) |
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