Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of sin is intricately tied to the behavior and expectations of the wicked. Throughout Scripture, the wicked are often depicted as those who live in defiance of God's commandments, indulging in sinful acts with the expectation of impunity. This expectation is a recurring theme, highlighting the moral and spiritual blindness that accompanies a life of sin.Expectation of Impunity The wicked, in their arrogance, often believe they can escape the consequences of their actions. This expectation of impunity is rooted in a misunderstanding of God's justice and patience. In Psalm 10:11, the psalmist describes the mindset of the wicked: "He says to himself, 'God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.'" This verse captures the delusion that God is either unaware or indifferent to their sinful deeds. Similarly, in Ecclesiastes 8:11, the Preacher observes, "When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil." The delay in divine retribution is misinterpreted by the wicked as a sign that they can continue in their sinful ways without fear of judgment. False Security The wicked often find a false sense of security in their prosperity and power. In Psalm 73:12, Asaph laments, "Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth." This apparent success leads them to believe they are beyond the reach of divine justice. However, this is a temporary illusion, as the psalmist later realizes the ultimate fate of the wicked. Proverbs 1:32 warns, "For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them." The complacency of the wicked, rooted in their expectation of impunity, ultimately leads to their downfall. Divine Justice Despite the wicked's expectation of impunity, Scripture affirms that God's justice will prevail. In Psalm 37:28, it is written, "For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked will be cut off." This assurance of divine justice serves as a reminder that the wicked's expectation of impunity is unfounded. The prophet Malachi also addresses this issue, declaring in Malachi 3:5, "Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, adulterers, and perjurers, against oppressors of the widows and the fatherless, and against those who deprive the foreigner of justice, but do not fear Me," says the LORD of Hosts. This passage underscores the certainty of divine judgment against those who persist in wickedness. Call to Repentance While the wicked may expect impunity, the Bible consistently calls for repentance and a turning away from sin. In Ezekiel 18:30, God implores, "Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to your ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your offenses, so that sin will not be your downfall." This call to repentance is a testament to God's mercy and desire for all to turn from their wicked ways and seek His forgiveness. In conclusion, the expectation of impunity among the wicked is a recurring theme in Scripture, reflecting a profound misunderstanding of God's justice and patience. While the wicked may temporarily prosper, the Bible assures that divine justice will ultimately prevail, and calls all to repentance and righteousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 10:11He has said in his heart, God has forgotten: he hides his face; he will never see it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 50:21 Psalm 94:7 Library Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Samech. Atonement. Letter cxlv. (AD 412 or 413. ) The Scheme of Necessity Denies that Man is Responsible for the ... Triumph Over Death and the Grave Of the Senses, and their Pleasures in the Brutes and in Man; and ... Repentance unto Life Ananias and Sapphira. Circular Letter to the Clergy of the Arch-Deaconry of Suffolk. Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |