Condemnation: Increased by Impenitence
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Condemnation, in the biblical context, refers to the judgment and disapproval by God upon sin and unrighteousness. The Scriptures consistently affirm that God's judgment is just and that His condemnation is a response to sin. However, the Bible also reveals that condemnation is not merely a result of sin itself but is significantly increased by the hardness of heart and impenitence of individuals.

Impenitence Defined

Impenitence is the state of being unrepentant, showing no remorse or contrition for one's sins. It is a willful persistence in sin, characterized by a refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing or seek forgiveness. The Bible warns that such a state leads to greater condemnation because it reflects a rejection of God's grace and mercy.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Romans 2:5 : "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed." This verse highlights that an unrepentant heart accumulates divine wrath, indicating that impenitence exacerbates one's condemnation.

2. Hebrews 10:26-27 : "If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries." Here, the deliberate continuation in sin after knowing the truth is a form of impenitence that leads to severe judgment.

3. Proverbs 29:1 : "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." This proverb illustrates the danger of resisting correction and remaining impenitent, which results in sudden and irreversible destruction.

4. Matthew 11:20-24 : Jesus denounces the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their unrepentance despite witnessing His miracles. He declares that their judgment will be more severe than that of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing that impenitence in the face of divine revelation increases condemnation.

Theological Implications

The increase of condemnation due to impenitence underscores the gravity of rejecting God's offer of repentance and forgiveness. It is not merely the act of sin that incurs judgment, but the persistent refusal to turn from sin and seek reconciliation with God. This principle is rooted in the justice of God, who desires repentance and offers grace but will not overlook a hardened heart.

Call to Repentance

The biblical call to repentance is urgent and clear. God, in His mercy, provides opportunities for repentance and restoration. As seen in 2 Peter 3:9 : "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This divine patience is an invitation to turn from impenitence and avoid increased condemnation.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on condemnation increased by impenitence serves as a solemn warning and a call to repentance. It highlights the seriousness of a hardened heart and the necessity of seeking God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 11:20-24
Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Doomed People
... of God's Holy Spirit, may read their own condemnation. ... the words of Christ, found
ever-increased cause for ... the soul, or confirming it in hopeless impenitence. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 64 a doomed people.htm

A Warning Rejected.
... pursuits, and sinners become hardened in their impenitence. ... support of worldly powers,
receives a like condemnation. ... cry, 'We are rich, and increased in goods ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /21 a warning rejected.htm

A Warning Rejected
... pursuits, and sinners become hardened in their impenitence. ... support of worldly powers,
receives a like condemnation. ... cry, We are rich, and increased in goods ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 21 a warning rejected.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... people in Christ and His work had steadily increased. ... forward, Jesus declared that
the impenitence of the ... entreaty, was now heard in rebuke and condemnation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
... is sharply contrasted with the condemnation of the ... rebuked him for his own impenitence
and lack ... understanding quickened and their knowledge increased; but one ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the third period chs.htm

The Mystery
... were of little avail against the Waldenses, and what was unseasonably applied as
a remedy aggravated the evil, and their number every day increased, a regular ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... But this the apostle saw was dangerous, and therefore censureth such, as in a state
of condemnation (Romans 3:8). Thus he served Adam; he put the desirableness ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

part ii
... and to-day." [696] It is not said without reason: "He that giveth to the poor shall
not lack." Indeed, up till now the Lord has only increased my temporal ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Resources
What does it mean that God is merciful? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of federal headship? | GotQuestions.org

Does the Bible teach mortal and venial sin? | GotQuestions.org

Condemnation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Condemnation

Condemnation of the Wicked, an Example

Condemnation: According to Men's Deserts

Condemnation: Apostates Ordained To

Condemnation: Chastisements are Designed to Rescue Us From

Condemnation: Conscience Testifies to the Justice of

Condemnation: Increased by Hypocrisy

Condemnation: Increased by Impenitence

Condemnation: Increased by Oppression

Condemnation: Increased by Pride

Condemnation: Increased by Unbelief

Condemnation: Inseparable Consequence of Sin

Condemnation: Saints are Delivered From, by Christ

Condemnation: The Law is the Ministration of

Condemnation: The Law Testifies to the Justice of

Condemnation: The Sentence of God Against Sin

Condemnation: Unbelievers Remain Under

Condemnation: Universal, Caused by the Offense of Adam

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Condemnation: Increased by Hypocrisy
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