The term "untoward generation" is a biblical expression used to describe a group of people characterized by moral corruption, disobedience, and rebellion against God. This term is notably found in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts, where it is used to admonish and call individuals to repentance and salvation.

Biblical Reference:

· Acts 2:40 : "With many other words he testified, and he urged them, 'Be saved from this corrupt generation.'"

In this passage, the Apostle Peter addresses the crowd on the day of Pentecost. After delivering a powerful sermon about Jesus Christ and His resurrection, Peter exhorts the people to separate themselves from the prevailing moral and spiritual corruption of their time. The term "corrupt generation" in the Berean Standard Bible is synonymous with "untoward generation," emphasizing the moral decay and deviation from God's righteous standards.

Characteristics of the Untoward Generation:

1. Moral Corruption: The untoward generation is marked by a departure from God's commandments and a lifestyle that embraces sin and immorality. This includes behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to the teachings of Scripture.

2. Rebellion Against God: This generation is characterized by a willful rejection of God's authority and a refusal to submit to His will. Such rebellion often manifests in idolatry, injustice, and a general disregard for divine truth.

3. Spiritual Blindness: The untoward generation is often spiritually blind, unable to recognize the truth of the Gospel and the need for repentance. This blindness is a result of hardened hearts and a preference for darkness over light.

4. Influence on Society: The influence of an untoward generation extends to the broader society, leading to widespread moral decay and a culture that normalizes sin. This societal impact underscores the urgency of the call to repentance and transformation through Christ.

The Call to Separation and Repentance:

The biblical call to be saved from an untoward generation is a call to repentance and a turning away from the prevailing sinful culture. It is an invitation to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which offers forgiveness, redemption, and a new way of living in accordance with God's will.

Throughout Scripture, God consistently calls His people to be distinct from the world, to live as a holy and set-apart community. This call is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15).

Historical and Theological Context:

In the context of the early church, the term "untoward generation" reflects the tension between the nascent Christian community and the surrounding pagan culture. The early Christians were called to stand firm in their faith and to resist the pressures to conform to the moral and spiritual laxity of their time.

Theologically, the concept of an untoward generation underscores the reality of human sinfulness and the need for divine intervention through Jesus Christ. It highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls individuals out of darkness and into the light of God's kingdom.

Conclusion:

The term "untoward generation" serves as a sobering reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the continual need for repentance and renewal. It challenges believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to live as witnesses to the truth and grace of God in a world that often stands in opposition to His ways.Acts 2:40
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... For God to justify a wicked man,[1] &c., would far more disparage his ... here, as I
have said, you glorify your errors also, with names and titles that are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... at the mean duration of a human generation, thirty years ... added to these a long list
of names in Egyptian ... sea, and the stumbling-blocks with the wicked; and I ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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