Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, sin is a fundamental concept that denotes a transgression against the divine law and will of God. The wicked, as described in Scripture, are those who live in persistent rebellion against God, and their actions are characterized by sinfulness in all aspects of their lives. This entry explores the nature of the wicked and their pervasive guilt as depicted in the Bible.Nature of the Wicked The wicked are often portrayed as those who have turned away from God and His commandments. Their lives are marked by a continual pattern of sin, reflecting a heart that is hardened against the truth. The psalmist declares, "The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth" (Psalm 58:3). This verse underscores the inherent sinfulness and rebellion present in the wicked from the very beginning of their lives. Guilt in Actions The wicked are described as being guilty in everything they do, as their actions are not aligned with God's righteousness. Proverbs 15:9 states, "The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness" . This contrast highlights the divine disapproval of the wicked's ways, which are contrary to the pursuit of righteousness. Perpetual Sinfulness The Bible emphasizes the continuous nature of the wicked's sin. In Isaiah 57:20-21, it is written, "But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and muck. 'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked'" . This imagery of a restless sea illustrates the unceasing turmoil and sinfulness that characterize the lives of the wicked. Deception and Lies A significant aspect of the wicked's guilt is their propensity for deception and lies. Jesus, in addressing the Pharisees, said, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). This association with the devil, the father of lies, underscores the wicked's alignment with falsehood. Rejection of God The wicked's guilt is further compounded by their rejection of God and His authority. Romans 1:28-32 provides a vivid description of their depravity: "Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity" . This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of their sinfulness, which permeates every aspect of their being. Consequences of Wickedness The Bible warns of the dire consequences awaiting the wicked due to their persistent sin. In Psalm 1:4-6, it is written, "Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish" . This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate fate of the wicked, who are guilty in all they do. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of the wicked is one of pervasive guilt and sinfulness. Their actions, thoughts, and intentions are consistently contrary to the will of God, resulting in divine disapproval and eventual judgment. The Scriptures provide a clear depiction of the wicked's state, serving as a warning and a call to righteousness for all who seek to follow God's ways. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 21:4An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 21:24 Library The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin The Sin of Unbelief A Retreat, or a Rout? Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts If, Again, it is Certain that we are the Most Wicked of Men... Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin On Our First Parents and their Fall Believe Just Now Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin The Answer to the Objection Raised. Resources What does it mean to be a slave to sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sin nature? | GotQuestions.org What is the worst 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) |