Topical Bible: The Earth: Corrupted by Sin

◄ The Earth: Corrupted by Sin ►

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The concept of the Earth being corrupted by sin is a foundational theme in the biblical narrative, reflecting the profound impact of human disobedience on creation. This corruption is first introduced in the early chapters of Genesis and is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the pervasive nature of sin and its consequences on the world.

The Fall and Its Immediate Consequences

The corruption of the Earth begins with the Fall of Man in Genesis 3. Adam and Eve's disobedience to God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil results in a curse upon the ground. Genesis 3:17-19 states, "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return."

This passage highlights the immediate impact of sin on the Earth, transforming it from a place of abundance and ease to one of toil and struggle. The ground itself is cursed, producing thorns and thistles, symbolizing the broken relationship between humanity and creation.

The Widespread Corruption Before the Flood

As humanity multiplies, the corruption of the Earth intensifies. Genesis 6:11-12 describes the state of the world before the Flood: "Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways."

This passage underscores the extent of sin's impact, not only affecting human relationships but also permeating the entire creation. The Earth is depicted as being filled with violence and moral decay, prompting God's judgment through the Flood.

The Ongoing Struggle with Sin

Throughout the Old Testament, the theme of the Earth's corruption continues. The land of Israel, promised to the descendants of Abraham, is often depicted as suffering due to the people's unfaithfulness. Leviticus 18:25 warns, "The land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its iniquity, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants."

The prophets frequently speak of the land mourning and languishing under the weight of sin. Isaiah 24:5-6 declares, "The earth is defiled by its inhabitants, for they have transgressed laws, violated statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt."

The New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the corruption of the Earth is acknowledged, but there is also a promise of redemption. Romans 8:20-22 speaks to this hope: "For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time."

This passage reveals that the Earth, though corrupted, is part of God's redemptive plan. The creation itself longs for liberation from the effects of sin, anticipating the ultimate restoration that will come through Christ.

The Eschatological Hope

The Bible concludes with a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, free from the corruption of sin. Revelation 21:1-4 describes this future reality: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'"

This eschatological hope points to the ultimate reversal of the curse, where the Earth is no longer corrupted by sin but is renewed and restored in perfect harmony with God's original design.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 6:11,12
The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 24:5
The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sin a Power in Reversed Action.
... But it is corrupted by sin. ... death throbs and thrills his life to Satan, to sin, and
to ... say, "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth," for it ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xiii sin a power in.htm

Because the Rapture of a Part of the Church Only, Would Leave the ...
... He be taken out of the way") can the Man of Sin appear ... the days which immediately
preceded the Flood "All flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth" (Gen.6 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 because the rapture of.htm

That Adam in his Sin Forsook God Ere God Forsook Him, and that his ...
... when the soul itself forsook the body, corrupted and decayed ... body would not return
to the earth from which ... His righteous infliction on account of sin; for God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 15 that adam in his.htm

The Person Sanctified.
... upon the consciousness, yet even the will itself is corrupted by sin. ... 2:11); and
again he saith: "Let not sin reign in your ... He dwells in the Church on earth. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xiv the person sanctified.htm

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his ...
... Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, &c." A ... and all followeth: and then he that
corrupted himself, is ... Oh! how infectious an evil is sin, of a pestilentious ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv they have corrupted.htm

Original Sin
... fit to live: "Away with such a flow from the earth!" But would ... Ye were born in sin:
Therefore, "ye must be born again," born ... By nature ye are wholly corrupted. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 44 original sin.htm

The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness
... And I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ... of wicked men,
that has drawn many thousands into this sin, and so corrupted their good ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of drunkenness.htm

Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man
... All the faculties of the soul are corrupted by sin ... great their boldness in the service
of sin and Satan. ... The earth is opening her mouth to swallow up alive Korah ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/evans the fall and.htm

Evils Brought in by Sin.
... by a certain covenant of alliance on the part of sin, since indeed the earth has
been ... and so at length the elements, being first corrupted, have handed ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter li evils brought in by.htm

Whether one who Has Already Obtained Grace, Can, of Himself and ...
... grace as to the mind, yet it remains corrupted and poisoned ... flesh, whereby it serves
"the law of sin," Rom.7 ... temptation," and "Thy Will be done on earth as it ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one who has already.htm