Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, the concept of wickedness is consistently associated with actions and attitudes that are contrary to the will and character of God. The Bible portrays God as holy and just, and His anger is kindled against those who persist in wickedness. This entry explores the nature of wickedness, the reasons for God's anger, and the consequences faced by the wicked.
Nature of WickednessWickedness in the Bible is characterized by a deliberate and persistent rebellion against God's commandments and moral order. It encompasses a wide range of sinful behaviors, including idolatry, injustice, deceit, violence, and immorality. The wicked are often described as those who reject God's authority and pursue their own desires at the expense of righteousness.
God's Anger Against the WickedThe Bible clearly states that God is angry with the wicked. This divine anger is not arbitrary but is a response to the violation of His holy standards.
Psalm 7:11 declares, "God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation each day." This verse underscores the continuous nature of God's displeasure with wickedness.
Proverbs 15:9 further illustrates this point: "The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness." God's anger is rooted in His love for justice and righteousness, and His desire for His creation to reflect His holiness.
Consequences for the WickedThe Bible warns of severe consequences for those who persist in wickedness. These consequences are both temporal and eternal. In the temporal realm, the wicked often face the natural repercussions of their actions, such as broken relationships, societal discord, and personal turmoil.
Proverbs 11:21 states, "Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape."
Eternally, the Bible speaks of a final judgment where the wicked will face God's wrath.
Revelation 21:8 provides a sobering picture: "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death."
Call to RepentanceDespite His anger, God extends an invitation to the wicked to repent and turn from their sinful ways.
Ezekiel 33:11 reveals God's heart: "Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’"
The New Testament echoes this call to repentance, emphasizing God's patience and desire for all to come to salvation.
2 Peter 3:9 states, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance."
In conclusion, the Bible presents a clear and consistent message: God is angry with the wicked due to their rebellion against His righteous standards. However, His anger is tempered by His mercy, offering redemption and forgiveness to those who turn from their wicked ways and seek His grace.
Nave's Topical Index
Psalm 5:5,6The foolish shall not stand in your sight: you hate all workers of iniquity.
Nave's Topical IndexPsalm 7:11
God judges the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
Nave's Topical Index
Romans 9:13
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Corinthians 10:5
But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
God's People Delivered.
... It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. ...
The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm
God Does Whatsoever He Wills in the Hearts of Even Wicked Men.
... He does in the hearts of even wicked men whatsoever ... God says by the prophet Ezekiel,
"If the prophet be ... destroy him from the midst of my people Israel." [3204 ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 42 xxigod does whatsoever.htm
God's People Delivered
... It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. ...
The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm
How the Israelites after this Misfortune Grew Wicked and Served ...
... How The Israelites After This Misfortune Grew Wicked And Served ... He had an admonition
from God not to overlook the ... his first attempt, more of the people came to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how the israelites.htm
Article I: of God.
... God's grace, concerning God's Word, to be angry at the ... we murmur against the doing
and will of God, when He ... day that it hurts us to see wicked people in good ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 1 article i of.htm
Twenty Sixth Sunday after Trinity God's Judgment when Christ ...
... godly must have eternal good, and the wicked, on the ... and comfort themselves in the
confidence that God will not permit the wrongs of his people to continue ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty sixth sunday after trinity.htm
How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with ...
... 51, and in several others of his people, chastened of ... judgments of pure wrath which
attend the wicked; and this ... soul that is wrestling with an angry God for sin ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxvii how shall one.htm
He Proves against Trypho that the Wicked Angels have Revolted from ...
... He proves against Trypho that the wicked angels have ... for you assert that angels sinned
and revolted from God." ... In vain will they labour for a people which will ...
/.../chapter lxxix he proves against trypho.htm
The Minute Prescriptions of the Law Meant to Keep the People ...
... the Law Meant to Keep the People Dependent on ... expostulations: [2926] avoid contact
with the wicked: [2927] "let ... For what recompense shall man receive from God? ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xix the minute prescriptions of.htm
Of the Prophecy that is Contained in the Prayer and Song of ...
... "Wert Thou angry at the ... the people of my pilgrimage," departing quite from the wicked
people of his ... that nation was to suffer such wrath of God, because, being ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 32 of the prophecy that.htm
Resources
What is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is wisdom literature? | GotQuestions.orgIs annihilationism biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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