Holy God, Fallen World: Book 2 - Jesus Christ, Conqueror of Sin, Satan, and Death

By David W Rece

God has been engaged in a deadly conflict against the satanic influence of the fallen world ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and brought sin and death into the world and into the lives of every person since then. The essence of the conflict is simple. God wants every person to be saved and to have eternal life, and He sent His Son Jesus Ch

• Language: English
• Publisher: David W. Rece
• Release date: Sep 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781087966380

David W Rece

David Rece is a retired executive who lives in Schertz, Texas, a small community near San Antonio. He and his wife Jan have been married for more than twenty-five years, and their two families together have five children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. David completed the General Bible Course from Liberty University, and has a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, an MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and graduated with distinction from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. David has taught Bible classes for the past twenty years, and he and Jan have hosted Bible Study classes in their home, often twice a week, ever since David retired in 2005. David also has taught a weekly Men's Bible Study at his local church, although classes are presently in recess. For all his classes, David has written the notes that are used as a textbook, and for many years prepared a brief weekly bulletin for his classes with the objective of raising the level of interest in the Bible by his students. David also is the author of two other books: Did You Know? Two Hundred Short and Simple Bible Stories Having Eternal Significance; and Holy God, Fallen World: Book 1---Fascinating Old Testament Stories That Reveal God's Interaction with Sinful Mankind.

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Section 1 --- GOD'S CONFLICT WITH THE FALLEN WORLD

1

The Changing Battlefield

God has been engaged in a conflict against the fallen world ever since Adam and Eve were deceived by Satan's lies in the Garden of Eden. They disobeyed God by eating the fruit of the forbidden tree, and their ill-conceived action brought sin and death into the world, which transformed what had been a perfect existence into a fallen world.

Over the many centuries that are covered by the Old Testament of the Bible, the conflict between God and the fallen world primarily involved the behavior of the people. God established principles that mandated righteous behavior, and He motivated people to live righteously and to obey His principles by providing blessings for faithful dedication and obedience. When God's principles were ignored and His commandments disobeyed, His blessings were withdrawn. When the disobedience persisted, God applied serious penalties.

Under the Old Covenant with Israel, the relationship between God and the people was mostly directed over a corporate or national jurisdiction. That is, obedience and disobedience were largely based on the collective actions of the society, rather than by individuals. Of course, even in the most immoral situations, God always had faithful people who were obedient to His commands, but the blessings and curses as recorded in the Old Testament were usually directed at kings and kingdoms and societies as a whole, rather than individuals.

This is not to say that individuals were not involved in the conflict. Satan is an evil spirit whose influence permeates the fallen world, but the actions that result from his influence are committed by individual people. The actions of a society, whether good or bad, are always executed by people, and God always knows how to determine who are His enemies and who are the people faithful to Him.

One other interesting thing about the Old Testament is that there is very little discussion about the life hereafter. For the most part, blessings and curses involved physical things like adequate rainfall, good crops, protection from enemies, long and healthy lives, and other such earthly matters. There are, of course, verses that speak of the afterlife.  However, there is very little information about the spiritual life that every person possesses. Of particular note is that most people did not know how they stood spiritually with God at any particular moment.

Under the Old Covenant, acceptability to God depended upon obedience to His commands set forth in the Mosaic Law. Unfortunately, no person was able to obey the Law completely; therefore, everyone was destined to condemnation. Under the New Covenant, God promised to put His law into the hearts of the people, and to forgive their sins. Under the New Covenant, every man will know God (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

The New Testament introduced a completely different relationship between God and the people with the coming of Jesus Christ.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

Being acceptable to God no longer depends upon man's obedience. Under the New Covenant, a person's acceptability to God depends upon what he or she believes about Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, two major changes have taken place in the battle between God and the fallen world. The battle is no longer in the physical domain, where violence dominates, and God enables one side to win, or decrees one side to lose. Those physical battles still occur, but the most important battle is now a spiritual struggle for the souls of the people of the world. Those who believe in Jesus Christ have their sins forgiven, and they inherit eternal life. Those people who reject Jesus are lost in their sins, awaiting eternal punishment.

Further, the battle is no longer waged to gain worldly value. The gift of eternal life given to believers has no direct relationship to the quality of the believer's life. Whether he is a wealthy person or living in poverty, a person's faith in Jesus brings him the incomparable gift of eternal life in the presence of Jesus. In His trial before Pontius Pilate, Jesus asserted that He was not of this physical world. Jesus's kingdom and the kingdom of every person who believes in Him is not of this world, but of the eternal kingdom to come.

Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (John 18:35-36)

This does not mean that the conflict between God and the fallen world is not real, or that it is not still deadly. The enemies of God, compelled by satanic influence, are determined to distract or destroy God's people whenever possible. Many Christians have been martyred for their faith. However, even though enemies may have destroyed the physical bodies of God's people, they cannot prevent the ultimate victory as God's people inherit eternal life.

Jesus's sacrificial death on the cross destroyed the power of Satan over the lives of believers in Christ. With His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin, Satan, and death itself. In one of His final messages to His disciples, Jesus warned them of the coming persecution they would face, but He assured them that He had overcome the world.

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:32-33)

The apostle Paul wrote a great deal about the eternal battle between God and the fallen world. Few men, if any, had to endure the amount of persecution and suffering that Paul faced. However, in the face of such great danger and constant difficulties, Paul knew without a doubt that Jesus had indeed conquered the world. Paul also knew the eternal life that awaited him was a far greater blessing than the light affliction he was suffering in this world.

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. (2 Cor. 4:16-17)

So, with that confident, Christian hope in mind, the stories in this book will reveal Jesus Christ in many ways. He is the Great Physician and the wisest man who ever lived. But, most wonderful of all, Jesus is the perfect, sinless man who was willing to die for the people of the world. Jesus Christ is the Savior and Lord of every person who will repent from his sinful life, and place his faith in Him.

2

The Coming of Jesus Christ

This is the second book I have written about the eternal conflict between our Holy God and the fallen world which has existed ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit.  With that one rebellious act, the perfection of the Garden of Eden was destroyed, and Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden into what had suddenly become a dangerous, fallen world. 

From that moment on, there has been a continuous conflict between God, who demands righteousness, and the people of the fallen world, who are under the influence of Satan, and whose thoughts and behavior are continually antagonistic to God's principles.  Even though God has total control of all things, He has allowed Satan to have limited power over the events of the world for a period of time.  You will recognize satanic influence in many of actions by the characters in the stories, and in the decisions they made. The most telling example of satanic influence was the hatred and the murder of Jesus Christ.

That conflict between God and the fallen world has continued non-stop over several thousands of years on many separate battlefields, and it continues to this very day.  Some of the conflicts are minor skirmishes that involve only individuals, but some are major battles that involve entire societies or nations.  However, regardless of the size or type a battle might be, the beginning of every assault against God's principles takes place in the heart and mind of every individual. 

Book 1 of Holy God, Fallen World contained stories taken from the Old Testament that were vivid examples of this conflict.  Most often, the stories involved God's chosen people, the Israelites.  God promised them wonderful blessings if they would remain faithful to Him, but they repeatedly rejected God's principles, and turned away from Him to embrace the pagan religions and the immoral influence of the fallen world.  It is one of history's most tragic mistakes that the Israelites, having been witnesses and beneficiaries of God's mighty power and His blessings many times, would choose the fallen world.  

More than two thousand years have passed since the time Jesus walked the earth. However, the nature of the people of the fallen world has not changed.  People today are still rebelling against God. Every day throughout the world, we see evidence of  the immorality and violence that occur when God's righteous principles are ignored.  The conflict is not over; in fact, with every passing day it seems to be intensifying!  

As the conflict between God and the fallen world moved forward into the first century AD, the Israelites (the Jews) were under the domination of the Roman Empire.  What was once the powerful, independent nation of Israel had become the Roman province of Palestine.  The Jews continued to speak words of commitment to God, and they continued to practice the rituals and ceremonies of Judaism.  However, the religious leaders were speaking empty words that disguised a self-centered devotion to their own ideas and their own interpretation of God's laws.  All the while, the people were living for the most part in disobedience to God's righteous principles. 

However, a powerful new element had been introduced into the conflict.  Knowing that all men and women were destined for condemnation because they were not able to free themselves from the sinfulness of the fallen world, God in His mercy sent His Son Jesus into the world in human form to offer the people, both Jews and Gentiles, a way to break free from their sinfulness.  Jesus came to die a sacrificial death on the cross to atone for the sins of the world, which would satisfy God's demand for justice. 

Because of Jesus's sacrifice, all people who believe in Him in saving faith are forgiven of their sins, and receive eternal life.  Jesus's death on the cross offers every person a chance to leave the clutches of the fallen world, and enter into peace with God.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:16-19)

Sadly, most people in the first century during the ministry of Jesus chose to stay in the darkness of the fallen world.  They preferred the darkness, and rejected the righteous principles of God.  But, with the coming of Jesus Christ, it became a different battle.  Before He came, the people did not have the power to overcome the sinful nature they had inherited because of Adam's original sin.  They were living in bondage in the fallen world doing battle against God until they died and were sent to eternal punishment.  With the coming of Jesus, however, men and women who believe in Him are forgiven, and transformed into a new life. It is a life eternally committed to Jesus as Lord, and living in obedience to God's righteous principles.   

The Jews who rejected Jesus were doomed because they refused to believe the truth that He taught.  However, the kingdom that Jesus was revealing to all who listened to Him was not located in the physical world.  Jesus was introducing the truth about the kingdom of God.  It is an eternal, spiritual kingdom, inhabited by people who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.  By believing in Jesus Christ in saving faith, men and women receive citizenship in God's eternal kingdom, and become adopted children of God. Jesus's sacrificial death on the cross changed forever the nature of God's conflict against the fallen world.  

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. ... Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:24-25, 28-29)

In today's world, the righteous principles of God are rejected by the people of the fallen world.  Every day, we are witness to their increasingly corrupt, immoral, and violent behavior.  As Paul prophesied in Romans 1, people not only have come to accept immorality and extreme sinfulness, they now approve, and even applaud, those who commit such heinous crimes.  As a result, the people of the fallen world are on a path to inevitable destruction. 

The only means of salvation for people of the fallen world is to repent from their sinfulness, and place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.   

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:        no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

3

Man’s Rebellion against God

The history of man’s relationship with God can be best characterized in one word—rebellion.  With few exceptions, humanity has continually lived in rebellion against God for thousands of years.  Even in the perfect environment of the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve gave in to temptation, rebelled, and brought sin into the world. 

The Bible does not provide much detail about life outside the Garden of Eden in the first centuries after the banishment of Adam and Eve. However, what history there is reminds us of man’s sinfulness with examples such as the story of Cain, who murdered his brother Abel.

Although scripture does not mention it, murder must have become a normal thing at that time.  After Cain’s murder of Abel was revealed, Cain himself expected to be killed by others, so God mercifully placed a sign of protection upon him. 

In the centuries that followed, wickedness and immorality became so widespread that God had no alternative but to condemn and destroy the sinfulness and corruption by sending the Great Flood to annihilate the world and its people.  Only eight people, Noah and his family, survived to repopulate the earth.

And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (Gen. 6:5–8)

A little more than four hundred years after the Great Flood, God set into motion the next phase of His plan for the world.  He chose a man named Abram (later changed to Abraham) to leave his pagan homeland, and move to a land that God selected.  That land was Canaan, which would one day become the home of God's chosen people, the descendants of Abraham.  This promised land eventually became the nation of Israel.  Israel would be a nation and a society which was created by God, and was based on a legal structure and a religious system patterned after the righteousness of God himself.

It was to have been an ideal society.  However, even in such a seemingly ideal environment, man’s inherent sinful nature made it impossible for Israel to realize its potential.  The people squandered the blessings and opportunities God provided because they were not able to live according to His laws.  They repeatedly violated their covenant with God, and turned away from His righteous principles to embrace the wickedness and false religions of the fallen world. 

The disobedience and rebellion of the Israelites proved that men and women operating under their own power cannot live righteously.  They are inexorably drawn into the influence of the fallen world, where they become willing participants in the conflict against God.

More than a thousand years later, the early New Testament Church experienced the same problem of sinfulness.  No more than twenty to thirty years after Christ ascended to heaven, churches were already turning away from the teaching of the true Gospel to embrace false doctrine.  Much of what was written in the Bible by the apostles Paul, John, and Peter warns about two dangerous trends occurring in the Church: embracing false doctrines, and living immoral lives.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:28–30)

The two threats of false doctrine and immorality are woven tightly together.  Righteous behavior is impossible unless righteous doctrine and godly principles are learned and obeyed.  The refusal of men and women to follow God’s principles grows more widespread with each passing year.  The people of the fallen world are becoming increasingly rebellious and corrupt.  Further, the standards of the world have declined steadily, and have become openly tolerant about sinfulness, just as Paul prophesied in Romans 1. 

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Rom. 1:28-32)

Even in the United States, a nation that was founded on Christian principles, we are witnessing widespread lawlessness, violence, and blatant disregard for the values established by our forefathers.

Our loving God has patiently withheld His punishment of the sinfulness, being merciful in giving sinful people the opportunity to repent and come to Him.  The command to repent is often seen in the scriptures, but the command was usually ignored.  Sadly, the same is true today.  What does it mean to repent?  Some say that it means that I am sorry for what I have done.  That is a part of it, of course, but repentance goes far beyond that!  One definition is to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better.  It is not possible for a man to be saved, and then to continue to live the same unrighteous life he lived before.

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. (1 John 3:6)

People in the fallen world do not like to acknowledge their sinfulness, but that is the first step to repairing their broken relationship with God.  Avoiding the discussion of sin is just one way that the culture of the fallen world tries to confuse people.  Fortunately, the Bible tells the truth about our sinful condition, and what we must do to correct it.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8–9)

God’s Word teaches that all men and women sin. It is in our nature, and cannot be overcome without God’s help.  When a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, the power of the Holy Spirit comes to the believer, and the bondage to sin is broken.  Seek Jesus today!

4

The Conflict between the Spirit and the Flesh

In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul teaches that believers in Jesus Christ face a choice of whom they will choose to follow in their everyday activities and decisions.  According to Paul, there are only two choices: the Spirit or the flesh.  The Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, who indwells every person who believes in       Jesus Christ. In drastic contrast, the flesh refers to a person's human, carnal nature under the influence of the flawed culture of the fallen world. The flesh is in direct opposition to the principles of God. 

A most crucial question is faced by believers every day whenever a decision or a choice is to be made in their lives. Will they choose to walk according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or according to the carnal influence of the flesh? The two choices are in direct conflict with each other, and no compromise is possible. 

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.              (Gal. 5:16–17)

This conflict between the Spirit and the flesh is one of the most fundamental issues found in the Bible.  Sometimes the choice is expressed as being between light and darkness, with light signifying the guidance of the Holy Spirit and darkness representing the flesh, the evil influence of the fallen world.

All human beings possess a sinful nature inherited because of the original sin of Adam and Eve, and no person in his own power has any defense against it.  Therefore, every person is destined to sin. Some people might deny they are sinners, but scripture is very clear on this matter.  Unless a person comes to accept the truth that he is a sinner, there is no remedy for his condition, and he will be lost in his sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:15-17)

There is only one way for a sinner to overcome the power of his sinful nature.  By placing his faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord the sinner becomes transformed into a new creation, and he is freed from the controlling power of sin.  He is then free to choose whether to sin or not, but he must choose correctly if he wants to please God.  No believer should choose to sin. He must choose to walk in the Spirit.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom. 12:2)

People under the influence of the sinful nature routinely commit acts and exhibit behavior that are directly opposed to God’s righteous principles.  We are all witnesses to this, particularly in this day and age. The immorality taking place in the fallen world every day is almost unbelievable.  Dishonesty, corruption, and violence have become so commonplace that not only are such actions tolerated, they are even accepted or approved of.  Such is the power of the flesh.

The Bible clearly and repeatedly teaches that people living in sin will not inherit the kingdom of God.  They are condemned.  However, the Greek verb translated as living describes continual, habitual action, meaning that immoral behavior is the normal lifestyle.  People whose basic lifestyle is represented in the unrepentant practice of immoral acts cannot belong to God.   Immoral behavior characterizes all unredeemed people, although not every person exhibits this immoral behavior in to the same degree. 

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal. 5:19–21)

Unfortunately, believers undoubtedly can and do commit sins on occasion.  However, a true believer will not persist in sinning.  Like the prodigal son, the backslidden believer will ultimately suffer remorse when he realizes that he has fallen, and he will be convicted by the Holy Spirit, or will be disciplined by God.  Eventually, a true believer will turn back to God in repentance. 

In stark contrast to walking according to the sinful nature of the fallen world, believers are commanded to walk in the Spirit.  Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers will exhibit in the daily walk of their lives the characteristics known as the fruit of the Spirit.  Like good trees, their lives will bear good fruit. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22–25)

The most powerful defense available to protect believers against the lure of the sinful nature is the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer.  Believers are to live by the Spirit and to walk by the Spirit.  Remember, the form of the Greek verb translated walk indicates continuous action, or a habitual lifestyle, not merely occasional walks.  Walking also implies progress.  As a believer submits to the Spirit’s control, he or she grows in his or her spiritual life. 

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. (Rom. 8:9)

Obedience to God's word and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit provide the power required to overcome all the threats of the sinful nature.  By walking in the Spirit, believers will bear the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  When this fruit is not seen in a believer's life, it is a warning that the flesh may be gaining the upper hand. 

Walking in the Spirit will lead to a life of unity, harmony, and righteousness.  Believers must choose to walk in the Spirit if they want to please God.  Listen to the Spirit today!

5

Today’s World, as Seen by the Prophet Jeremiah

We have all heard the expression: There is nothing new under the sun.  Of course, the correct understanding of that statement depends upon how you interpret the word, "new."   Obviously, the world is changing daily, and has done so since its creation.  New things constantly appear, particularly in the field of emerging technology, which has had an almost indescribable impact on our lives.

New ideas and new capabilities have been a common occurrence in the United States and other countries ever since the time of the Industrial Revolution.  They can be seen in medical care, in assisted living for the elderly and the disabled, in methods of education, and numerous other new developments in every discipline—EXCEPT ONE.  Men and women are still controlled by a sinful nature that causes them to reject the righteous standards of God, and to inflict damage and suffering on others.  This has been true ever since Cain murdered Abel thousands of years ago.  Since that time, human conduct and the behavior of the fallen world have not improved one bit.

The Bible reveals countless examples of humanity’s rebellion against God, which always leads to a culture in which individuals repeatedly victimize each other.  There can be various reasons for this.  Sometimes, it is just cruelty, but usually it is because of a desire by one person to gain some financial benefit or other advantage over another.  These desires are fueled by the satanic influence of the fallen world.  Past examples of humanity’s cruel behavior and its repercussions provide valuable insight for future generations.  Sometimes, by studying the examples from history, people can avoid the mistakes and disasters of the past.

In his letter to the church in Corinth, the apostle Paul referred to the disaster that befell the Israelites on their journey through the wilderness during the Exodus.  The people had rebelled against God by refusing to trust Him to bring them victoriously into the Promised Land.  Because of their unbelief and lack of faith, God condemned the Israelites to wander in the desert until they died.  Paul used that tragic example to warn the Corinthians that their disobedience and rebellious behavior put them at risk of God’s judgment, just as had been the case for the rebels of Israel.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (1 Cor. 10:11–12)

If Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, feared that history could repeat itself through God's judgment falling upon the disobedient Corinthians, it is prudent to believe the same warning is appropriate concerning the United States today, which has also rebelled against God.  The people may think they are doing fine, but, in fact, they are poised for a fall.  Our society had become diseased by immorality, corruption, and violence to a degree not seen in the past.  

An even more forceful example of God's punishing wickedness and unfaithfulness can be seen in His judgment against Israel after the people had been established in the Promised Land.  For centuries thereafter, the Israelites disobeyed God’s laws, victimized their brothers, and worshiped other gods.  They ignored God’s warnings over and over until His patience had been exhausted by the continual sinfulness of the people. God executed judgment, and the people were destroyed. They were cast out of the land.

Few people have witnessed the sinfulness of the fallen world as closely as the prophet Jeremiah.  He proclaimed God’s Word to the people of Judah and Jerusalem for forty years or more, repeatedly warning them that their sinfulness was leading them inexorably to destruction.  Tragically, the people refused to listen to God's warnings, and He condemned them to destruction by the nation of Babylon. By their own rebellious actions, the Israelites assured their own destruction.  

The similarity between Judah and the United States today is striking.  Judah was tremendously blessed by God, and that has been true for the United States, also.  The people of Judah had experienced God’s providence on their lives, and they knew He demanded obedience and righteous behavior.  The same is true for the United States.

However, despite their knowledge of God, the people of Judah chose to reject Him and go their own way.  Sadly, the people of the United States are making the same ill-considered choice.  It is like Jeremiah had the United States in mind when he issued his prophecies.

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place." … Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? (Jer. 7:3, 8–10)

Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? (Jer. 9:9)

If we look closely and keep an open mind, it becomes very obvious that the United States is doing exactly what Judah was doing more than 2,500 years ago.  Murder, stealing, adultery, and perjury are commonplace.  In ever-increasing numbers, the people of the United States are rebelling against God’s will, and are following the immoral ways of the fallen world.  Even worse, our nation has come to despise God, and many people are actively attempting to cancel Him out of our society!  How can we expect to avoid His judgment?

Turning away from the righteous standards of God and placing one’s confidence on the flawed wisdom of humanity will always lead to disaster.  The foolishness of the wisdom of the world is taking us down a path that can only lead to destruction. King Solomon, the wisest person in the world of his time, wrote the formula for a prosperous and successful life, and we must hearken to his words.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Prov. 3:5–6)

It is a tragic thing to see the decline of our wonderful country as satanic influence permeates every aspect of our society, seeking to seduce or compel all people away from the righteous standards of God.  Government, education, recreation, and the workplaces have all fallen prey to the immoral and corrupt ideas of the fallen world. 

Like Israel and Judah and Jerusalem and the church in Corinth, the people of the United States and the entire world, as well, are on a course to destruction.  Our Holy God will not tolerate wickedness forever.  There is but one avenue of escape.  The people must repent, and turn to God by placing their faith in God's Son, Jesus Christ.  Do not delay.  It is a matter of life or death.

6

Characteristics of True Believers—Part 1

The Epistle of 1 John was written by the apostle John when he was an elderly man in the city of Ephesus, late in the first century AD. The congregations for which he was responsible had been divided by false teaching that caused many members to leave the Church.

Those who departed had come to embrace the heretical teaching of Gnosticism, which was the most dangerous false doctrine emerging from the fallen world to threaten the Church at that time. Gnostics claimed to have special knowledge that was required for salvation. Among their heretical beliefs was the view that Jesus could not have been both man and God. Further, since the body and spirit were separate parts of a person, the Gnostics believed immoral behavior in the flesh had no impact on one’s salvation.

The apostle wrote the epistle of 1 John to affirm the doctrine of Jesus Christ and to expose the heresy of Gnosticism. Accordingly, the epistle describes the characteristics of true believers, as contrasted with the false beliefs advanced by the Gnostics. By studying these characteristics, believers of every era can readily see if there are trouble spots or warning signs in their behavior, or even in their faith. John’s purpose