The concept of the "increase of wickedness" is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, highlighting periods when moral decay and sinfulness become rampant among people. This increase is often depicted as a sign of spiritual decline and is frequently associated with divine judgment or the end times.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the increase of wickedness is often linked to the disobedience of God's people and their turning away from His commandments. The book of Genesis provides an early example with the narrative of Noah's time: "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time" (Genesis 6:5). This pervasive wickedness led to the judgment of the flood.

The prophets also spoke against the increase of wickedness among the Israelites. Isaiah lamented the moral decay of his time, saying, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter" (Isaiah 5:20). Such passages underscore the societal inversion of moral values and the resulting divine displeasure.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself warned of the increase of wickedness as a sign of the end times. In the Olivet Discourse, He stated, "Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12). This prediction suggests that as sin becomes more prevalent, it will have a chilling effect on love and righteousness among believers.

The Apostle Paul also addressed the issue in his letters, particularly in his description of the last days. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, he writes, "But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!" . This passage paints a vivid picture of the moral and spiritual decline that characterizes the increase of wickedness.

Theological Implications

The increase of wickedness is often seen as a test of faith for believers. It challenges them to remain steadfast in their commitment to God despite the surrounding moral decay. The Bible encourages believers to stand firm and to be lights in a dark world. Ephesians 5:11 exhorts, "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them" .

Furthermore, the increase of wickedness serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the hope of redemption. The Bible consistently calls individuals and nations to turn back to God, promising forgiveness and restoration for those who do. The prophetic literature, while often condemning wickedness, also holds out the promise of renewal and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom.

Eschatological Significance

In eschatological terms, the increase of wickedness is a precursor to the return of Christ. It is a sign that the world is moving towards the culmination of history as foretold in Scripture. Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and to look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. As Jesus said, "When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28).

The increase of wickedness, therefore, is not only a reflection of human sinfulness but also a part of the divine narrative that points to the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness and justice.