Topical Encyclopedia Self-delusion, a state where individuals deceive themselves into believing falsehoods, is frequently depicted in the Bible as a hallmark of the wicked. This characteristic is often associated with a rejection of truth and a preference for lies, leading to moral and spiritual decay.The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings about self-delusion. In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah laments the self-deception of the people of Judah, who persist in their sinful ways despite clear warnings from God. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse highlights the inherent tendency of the human heart towards deceit, a condition that the wicked embrace rather than resist. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses self-delusion in his letters. In 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 , Paul speaks of those who "perish because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them." He continues, "For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness." Here, self-delusion is portrayed as both a consequence and a judgment for rejecting the truth of God. The wicked, in their self-delusion, often exhibit a false sense of security and self-righteousness. Proverbs 30:12 describes a generation that is "pure in their own eyes, yet unwashed of their filth." This self-perception is a dangerous form of self-delusion, as it blinds individuals to their true spiritual state and need for repentance. The Psalms also reflect on the self-delusion of the wicked. Psalm 36:2 observes, "For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin." This verse underscores the blinding effect of pride and arrogance, which prevent the wicked from recognizing their own sinfulness and turning to God for forgiveness. Self-delusion is further illustrated in the parables of Jesus. In the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), the rich man deceives himself into believing that his wealth guarantees security and happiness. Jesus concludes the parable with a stark warning: "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God." The rich man's self-delusion leads to his ultimate downfall, as he fails to acknowledge his dependence on God. The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of self-delusion, urging believers to seek truth and wisdom from God. James 1:22 advises, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves." This call to action emphasizes the importance of aligning one's life with God's truth to avoid the pitfalls of self-deception. In summary, self-delusion is a defining trait of the wicked, characterized by a rejection of truth, a false sense of righteousness, and an ultimate separation from God. The Scriptures call for vigilance and humility, encouraging believers to seek God's wisdom and truth to guard against the deceitfulness of the heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 49:18Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise you, when you do well to yourself. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Resurrection of Christ. Preliminary Definition of the Subject The Atonement and the Modern Mind The Epistle of St. James Resources Is faith in God a crutch? | GotQuestions.orgIs Richard Dawkins' caricature of the God of the Old Testament accurate? | GotQuestions.org Why did God condone such terrible violence in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Delusion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Delusion: A Characteristic of the Wicked Self-Delusion: A Characteristic of Wicked People Self-Delusion: Church of Laodicea Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Christ Shall not Come to Judge Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Christ Will not Come to Condemn Us Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Gifts Entitle Us to Go to Heaven Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Gifts Entitle Us to Heaven Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that God Will not Punish Our Sins Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Our Lives Shall be Prolonged Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Our Lives Will be Prolonged Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Our own Ways are Right Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Privileges Entitle Us to Enter Heaven Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that Privileges Entitle Us to Heaven Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we are Above Adversity Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we are Better than Others Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we are Pure Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we are Rich in Spiritual Things Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we May Have Peace While in Sin Self-Delusion: Exhibited in Thinking that we should Adhere to Established Wicked Practices Self-Delusion: Fatal Consequences of Self-Delusion: Frequently Persevered In, to the End Self-Delusion: Frequently Preserved In, to the Last Self-Delusion: Obstinate Sinners often Given up To Self-Delusion: Prosperity Frequently Leads To Self-Delusion: The Laodicean Congregation Related Terms Serious-minded (4 Occurrences) |
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