Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the condemnation of the wicked is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the divine justice and righteousness of God. This theme is vividly portrayed in various narratives and teachings, serving as a solemn reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God's commandments.One of the most illustrative examples of the condemnation of the wicked is found in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities are depicted in the Book of Genesis as epitomes of moral depravity and wickedness. Genesis 18:20-21 states, "Then the LORD said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous, I will go down to see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.'" The narrative continues with Abraham's intercession for the cities, highlighting God's willingness to spare the righteous even amidst widespread wickedness. However, the lack of righteous individuals leads to the ultimate destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19:24-25 records, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." This account serves as a powerful example of divine judgment, emphasizing that God's patience has limits when faced with persistent and unrepentant sin. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is frequently referenced throughout Scripture as a warning to future generations. In the New Testament, 2 Peter 2:6 states, "If He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly," underscoring the enduring significance of this event as a cautionary tale. The condemnation of the wicked is not limited to historical narratives but is also a central theme in prophetic literature. The prophets often warned Israel and surrounding nations of impending judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry. For instance, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the judgment against Babylon in Isaiah 13:11 : "I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity; I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless." In the New Testament, Jesus Himself speaks of the final judgment, where the wicked will face eternal separation from God. In Matthew 25:41 , Jesus declares, "Then He will say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" The condemnation of the wicked serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness and justice of God. It underscores the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the means of escaping divine judgment. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 2:5 , warns, "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed." Throughout Scripture, the condemnation of the wicked is presented not only as a warning but also as an invitation to seek God's mercy and grace. The consistent message is that while God is just and will not tolerate sin indefinitely, He is also loving and offers redemption to those who turn to Him in faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Peter 2:7And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: Torrey's Topical Textbook Jude 1:7 Library On Pentecost. That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ... I Remember Indeed that one of These People, when He was Convicted ... The Letter of the Synod, Relative to Its Decisions: and the ... The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ... Whether all Dissimulation is a Sin? The People among whom we Labour. Its Meaning Rash Decisions. John Chapter xi. 55-57; xii Resources What does it mean that God is merciful? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of federal headship? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible teach mortal and venial sin? | 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) |