Forgetting God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often leading to dire consequences for individuals and nations. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings about the spiritual, moral, and societal repercussions of neglecting the remembrance and reverence of God.

Spiritual Consequences

Forgetting God primarily results in spiritual decline. In Deuteronomy 8:11-14, Moses warns the Israelites, "Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God by failing to keep His commandments and ordinances and statutes which I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses in which to dwell, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." This passage highlights the danger of prosperity leading to pride and spiritual amnesia, where reliance on God diminishes as self-sufficiency increases.

Moral Consequences

The moral fabric of a society unravels when God is forgotten. Judges 2:10-12 illustrates this, stating, "After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation rose up who did not know the LORD or the works that He had done for Israel. So the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt." The absence of knowledge and remembrance of God led to idolatry and moral decay, as the people turned to false gods and abandoned the commandments that upheld righteousness.

Societal Consequences

Forgetting God can lead to societal instability and judgment. In Hosea 4:1-2, the prophet declares, "Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land: 'There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.'" The absence of God's knowledge results in a breakdown of social order, characterized by rampant sin and injustice.

Divine Judgment

The ultimate consequence of forgetting God is divine judgment. In Jeremiah 18:15-17, God laments, "Yet My people have forgotten Me; they burn incense to worthless idols that made them stumble in their ways, in the ancient paths. They made them walk on byways, on roads not built up. Their land will become a desolation, a perpetual object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and shake their heads." The forsaking of God leads to desolation and scorn, as divine protection and blessing are withdrawn.

Call to Remembrance

The Bible consistently calls believers to remember God and His works. Psalm 103:2-5 exhorts, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with loving devotion and compassion, who satisfies you with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." Remembering God is not only a safeguard against spiritual decline but also a source of blessing and renewal.

In summary, the consequences of forgetting God are profound and multifaceted, affecting the spiritual, moral, and societal dimensions of life. The Bible provides a clear warning and a call to remembrance, urging believers to keep God at the center of their lives to avoid these detrimental outcomes.