Topical Encyclopedia The theme of forsaking God and the subsequent inclination of men to follow their own devices is a recurring motif throughout the Bible. This concept underscores the inherent danger and folly of abandoning divine guidance in favor of human wisdom and desires. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings about the consequences of such actions.Old Testament Insights In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently turned away from God, choosing instead to follow their own paths. This pattern is evident in the Book of Judges, where the cycle of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is repeated. Judges 21:25 states, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." This verse highlights the chaos and moral decay that ensue when people forsake God's commandments and pursue their own understanding. The prophet Jeremiah also addresses this issue, lamenting the people's stubbornness and refusal to heed God's word. Jeremiah 2:13 declares, "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water." Here, the metaphor of broken cisterns illustrates the futility and insufficiency of human efforts apart from God. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to emphasize the dangers of forsaking God. In Romans 1:21-22 , the Apostle Paul describes the consequences of rejecting God: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools." This passage illustrates the spiritual blindness and folly that result from turning away from God. Jesus Himself warns against the perils of self-reliance and the rejection of divine truth. In John 15:5 , He states, "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." This metaphor underscores the necessity of remaining connected to Christ to bear spiritual fruit and avoid the barrenness of self-directed living. Consequences of Forsaking God The Bible consistently portrays the consequences of forsaking God as severe and far-reaching. Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." This verse encapsulates the ultimate peril of relying on human judgment over divine wisdom. The account of King Saul serves as a poignant example of the tragic outcomes of forsaking God. Initially chosen by God to lead Israel, Saul's disobedience and reliance on his own judgment led to his downfall and rejection by God (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Call to Return to God Despite the grave consequences of forsaking God, the Bible also offers hope and a call to repentance. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 , God promises restoration to those who return to Him: "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 further illustrates God's readiness to welcome back those who have strayed. The father's joyous reception of his repentant son symbolizes God's grace and forgiveness for those who turn back to Him. In summary, the Bible provides a clear and consistent message about the dangers of forsaking God and the inevitable tendency of men to follow their own devices. Through historical examples, prophetic warnings, and teachings of Jesus, Scripture calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith and reliance on God, highlighting the blessings of obedience and the perils of self-reliance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 2:13For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Hindrances to Mourning Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved. Of Immediate Revelation. Israel's Hope Encouraged; An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, The Doctrine part ii Resources What is lordship salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God tell Hosea to marry a prostitute (Hosea 1:2)? | GotQuestions.org What is the proper way to handle sin in my life? | GotQuestions.org Forsaking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Forsaking God is Forsaking: His Commandments Forsaking God is Forsaking: His Covenant Forsaking God is Forsaking: His House Forsaking God is Forsaking: The Right Way Forsaking God: Backsliders Guilty of Forsaking God: Brings Confusion Forsaking God: Brings Down his Wrath Forsaking God: Children of Israel Forsaking God: Curse Pronounced Upon Forsaking God: Followed by Remorse Forsaking God: Idolaters Guilty of Forsaking God: Kingdom of Israel Forsaking God: Kingdom of Judah Forsaking God: Leads Men to Follow Their own Devices Forsaking God: Prosperity Tempts To Forsaking God: Provokes God to Forsake Men Forsaking God: Resolve Against Forsaking God: Sin of, to be Confessed Forsaking God: The Wicked Guilty of Forsaking God: Trusting in Man Is Forsaking God: Unreasonableness and Ingratitude of Forsaking God: Warnings Against Related Terms |
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