Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of forming alliances or maintaining close associations with those who oppose God is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as detrimental to one's moral and spiritual integrity. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings against such associations, emphasizing the potential for moral corruption and spiritual downfall.
Old Testament ExamplesOne of the earliest examples is found in the account of the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. God commanded them to avoid making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, warning that such alliances would lead them astray. In
Exodus 34:12-16 , God instructs, "Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst." The Israelites' failure to heed this warning led to idolatry and moral decay, as seen in the Book of Judges.
King Solomon's alliances through marriage with foreign women who worshiped other gods serve as a poignant example of how such relationships can lead to spiritual compromise.
1 Kings 11:4 states, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been."
New Testament TeachingsThe New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to be cautious in their associations. In
2 Corinthians 6:14-15 , the Apostle Paul advises, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?" This passage underscores the inherent conflict between the values of the faithful and those who oppose God.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsThe Bible consistently portrays alliances with the enemies of God as leading to moral compromise and spiritual decline. Such associations can dull one's sensitivity to sin and weaken one's commitment to God's commandments.
Proverbs 13:20 warns, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This proverb highlights the influence that one's companions can have on their character and moral decisions.
Historical and Prophetic WarningsThroughout the prophetic books, the consequences of forming alliances with ungodly nations are vividly illustrated. The prophets often rebuked Israel and Judah for seeking military and political alliances with pagan nations rather than relying on God.
Isaiah 31:1 declares, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD."
Practical Application for BelieversFor contemporary believers, these biblical principles serve as a caution against forming close relationships or partnerships that could compromise their faith and values. The call to be "in the world but not of the world" (
John 17:14-16) challenges Christians to engage with society while maintaining their distinctiveness as followers of Christ. The wisdom of Scripture encourages believers to seek relationships that edify and strengthen their walk with God, avoiding those that could lead to moral and spiritual ruin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Corinthians 15:33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Religion and Amusement.
... They are the friends, not the enemies of religion. ... religion has not such strong alliance
with the ... their comfortless boarding-houses; some society besides their ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/religion and amusement.htm
Latitudinarian Churchmanship.
... any other spirit than as the dreaded enemies of Protestantism ... But an alliance of
the kind contemplated would perhaps ... the spirit of the larger society, can never ...
/.../chapter v latitudinarian churchmanship.htm
Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... have seen, Jehoshaphat, encouraged by his alliance with the ... of the corresponding
grades of society in Syria ... go into captivity before their enemies, thence will ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm
The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... Apollo, whom he confounded with his god Mithra; finally ... the Theban Pharaohs, had
become ruinous, he rebuilt ... and the advantage that this alliance afforded them ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm
part ii
... the soul or the ship of human society; and pray ... church you look upon the images of
God's saints, believe ... By whatever passions enemies may attack you, endure it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm
Resources
What is the World Evangelical Alliance? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church? | GotQuestions.orgWho was A.W. Tozer? | GotQuestions.orgAlliance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus