Topical Encyclopedia The affections of the wicked, as depicted in the Bible, are characterized by a profound misalignment with the will and nature of God. These affections are often rooted in self-interest, worldly desires, and a rejection of divine truth. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature and consequences of such misplaced affections.Nature of Affections The affections of the wicked are primarily centered on earthly and temporal matters rather than on God and His eternal purposes. In Romans 1:21, the Apostle Paul describes how those who reject God become futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts are darkened. This darkening of the heart leads to a distortion of affections, where the love for God is replaced by a love for created things. The wicked are described as those who "exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator" (Romans 1:25). Manifestations of Misplaced Affections The Bible provides vivid descriptions of how these affections manifest in the lives of the wicked. In Psalm 10:3-4, the psalmist notes, "For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God" . This passage highlights the pride and self-centeredness that characterize the wicked, leading them to prioritize their desires over God's commands. Furthermore, the affections of the wicked often lead to moral corruption and injustice. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists behaviors that are detestable to the Lord, including "a heart that devises wicked schemes" and "feet that are quick to rush into evil" . These actions stem from affections that are not sincerely set on God but are instead driven by selfish ambition and malice. Consequences of Misaligned Affections The Bible warns of the dire consequences that befall those whose affections are not sincerely set on God. In Galatians 6:7-8, Paul writes, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" . This principle underscores the inevitable outcome of living with affections that are contrary to God's will. The ultimate consequence for the wicked is separation from God. In Matthew 7:23, Jesus warns that He will say to those who practice lawlessness, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness" . This separation is the result of a life lived with affections that are not aligned with God's righteousness and truth. Call to Repentance Despite the grim portrayal of the affections of the wicked, the Bible consistently extends a call to repentance and transformation. In Ezekiel 18:30-31, God implores, "Repent and turn from all your offenses, so that sin will not be your downfall. Cast away from you all the transgressions you have committed and fashion yourselves a new heart and a new spirit" . This call emphasizes the possibility of redemption and the reorientation of affections towards God through sincere repentance and faith. The affections of the wicked, when not sincerely set on God, lead to a life of spiritual darkness and eventual judgment. However, the Scriptures also offer hope for those willing to turn from their ways and seek a heart aligned with God's will. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 58:1,2Cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 33:31,32 Luke 8:13 Library The Eternal Punishment of the Wicked Reconciled with the Goodness ... The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God Repentance John Chapter x. 13-Nov The Carnal Mind Enmity against God "Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?" A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ... Of the Character of the Unregenerate. The Need and Nature of Conversion Behold all Ye that Kindle a Fire, that Compass Yourselves About ... Resources Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is spiritual adultery? | GotQuestions.org Affections: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints Affections: Carnal, should be Mortified Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate Affections: should be Set Upon Heavenly Things Affections: should be Set Upon the Commandments of God Affections: should be Set Upon the House and Worship of God Affections: should be Set Upon the People of God Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God Affections: should not Grow Cold The Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God The Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted The Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God The Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of The Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints The Affections: Carnal Affections should be Mortified The Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In The Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ The Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate The Affections: should be Set: Upon Heavenly Things The Affections: should be Set: Upon the Commandments of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the House and Worship of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the People of God The Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God The Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God The Affections: should not Grow Cold Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) |
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