Topical Bible: The Punishment of the Wicked: Shall Be: Increased by Neglect of Privileges

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of increased punishment for the wicked due to the neglect of privileges is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. This principle underscores the idea that greater knowledge and opportunity bring greater responsibility, and failure to act upon these privileges results in more severe consequences.

Scriptural Basis

1. Luke 12:47-48 : "That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, much more will be demanded." This passage clearly illustrates that those who are aware of their responsibilities and fail to act accordingly will face harsher punishment than those who are ignorant.

2. Matthew 11:20-24 : In this passage, Jesus denounces the cities where most of His miracles were performed because they did not repent. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes... But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you." The cities that witnessed Jesus' works and yet remained unrepentant are warned of a more severe judgment, highlighting the increased accountability due to their privileges.

3. Hebrews 10:26-29 : "If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries... How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?" This passage emphasizes that those who have received the knowledge of the truth and yet choose to sin will face a more severe punishment.

Theological Implications

The increased punishment for neglecting privileges is rooted in the justice and holiness of God. The Bible teaches that God is just and fair, and His judgments are based on the light and opportunities given to each individual. Those who have been granted greater revelation and understanding are expected to respond accordingly. The neglect of such privileges is seen as a greater affront to God's grace and mercy, warranting a more severe response.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the biblical context, privileges often referred to the knowledge of God's laws, the presence of His prophets, and the witnessing of His miracles. The Israelites, for example, were given the Law and the Prophets, and their failure to live up to these privileges often resulted in severe consequences, as seen throughout the Old Testament. Similarly, in the New Testament, the Jewish leaders and people who rejected Jesus despite witnessing His miracles and teachings were held to a higher standard of accountability.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, this principle serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility that comes with spiritual knowledge and opportunity. It calls for a diligent and faithful response to the privileges of knowing God's Word, experiencing His grace, and being part of a community of faith. The neglect of these privileges not only affects one's spiritual growth but also has eternal implications as outlined in Scripture.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 11:21-24
Woe to you, Chorazin! woe to you, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 10:13-15
Woe to you, Chorazin! woe to you, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Civil Government.
... us to resist evil, and adds, "Whosoever shall smite thee on ... folly, or cowardice,
or cruelty, or wicked or flagitious ... are sent by him for the punishment of evil ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Matthew xx. 1, and C.
... as Labourers, and live useless, wicked, and profligate ... will aggravate their Guilt
and their Punishment, that they ... then shall ye also, that are accustomed to do ...
/.../sermon xviii matthew xx 1.htm

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... obligation is contracted:"an obligation to punishment for dealing ... oath.[360] Indeed,
it is the wicked alone who ... and the days of their mourning shall be ended ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter v covenanting confers obligation.htm

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
... any truth in what they tell us about eternal punishment; nor do ... "He that watereth
shall be watered ... She resided in the most wicked and abandoned part of the city ...
/.../letter xiii christian activity.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... firmness and Christian meekness, to refuse to obey the wicked laws which ... string:
"Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Slavery is ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

The Fourth Book
... a single act of confession, from eternal punishment for his ... see that he is comparing
the wicked Christians with ... And shall not uncircumcision, which is by nature ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm

The Dispensation of the Divine Favours Reconciled with the ...
... divine justice is really displayed in the punishment of the ... We shall give only one
illustration of the justness ... continuance in evil-doing, the wicked may place ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter v the dispensation of.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... O then, neglect thy soul no longer, but consider ... think that because a man is increased
in outward ... holy scripture: 'The name of the wicked shall rot' (Proverbs ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647.
... As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as a ... of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment
thereof ... Father, [1230] making intercession; [1231] and shall return to ...
/.../the westminster confession of faith.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... for nearly three centuries, and increased too, notwithstanding ... and his apostles"and
the Trinitarians shall be made to ... of Rome and their wicked governors, who ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm