Topical Encyclopedia Presumption in reviling God is a grave sin that reflects a heart of arrogance and a lack of reverence for the Almighty. This sin is characterized by an audacious disrespect and irreverence towards God, His nature, and His commandments. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings against such behavior, emphasizing the importance of humility and reverence before the Creator.Biblical Examples and Warnings 1. The Israelites in the Wilderness: The Israelites frequently demonstrated presumption in their relationship with God during their journey through the wilderness. Despite witnessing God's miraculous works, they often complained and rebelled against Him. In Numbers 14:11, the LORD said to Moses, "How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?" This presumption led to severe consequences, including the denial of entry into the Promised Land for that generation. 2. Korah's Rebellion: In Numbers 16, Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and others, presumptuously challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron, which was ultimately a challenge against God's appointed leadership. Their rebellion was met with divine judgment as the earth opened up and swallowed them, demonstrating the seriousness of reviling God's established order. 3. King Saul's Disobedience: King Saul's presumption is evident in 1 Samuel 13 when he offered a burnt offering without waiting for the prophet Samuel, as he had been instructed. Saul's actions showed a lack of trust and reverence for God's timing and commands. Samuel rebuked Saul, saying, "You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you" (1 Samuel 13:13). This act of presumption contributed to the loss of his kingdom. 4. The Blasphemy of Sennacherib: In 2 Kings 19, Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, reviled the God of Israel, boasting of his conquests and mocking the LORD's power. In response, God declared through the prophet Isaiah that He would defend Jerusalem for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David. That night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 in the Assyrian camp, demonstrating God's intolerance for such presumption. Theological Insights Presumption in reviling God is rooted in pride and a failure to recognize God's sovereignty and holiness. It is a direct violation of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive worship and reverence for the LORD. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" . This sin not only incurs divine judgment but also leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God. The New Testament continues to warn against such attitudes. In 2 Peter 2:10, the apostle Peter describes false teachers as "bold and arrogant," who "do not tremble when they blaspheme glorious beings" . This presumption is contrasted with the humility and submission that God desires from His people. Practical Implications Believers are called to approach God with humility, recognizing their dependence on His grace and mercy. James 4:6 reminds us, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" . Reverence for God should be reflected in our words, actions, and attitudes, acknowledging His rightful place as Lord of all. In worship and daily life, Christians are encouraged to cultivate a heart of gratitude and obedience, avoiding the pitfalls of presumption. By doing so, they honor God and align themselves with His will, experiencing the fullness of His blessings and protection. Nave's Topical Index Malachi 1:6,7,12A son honors his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is my honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? said the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, that despise my name. And you say, Wherein have we despised your name? Nave's Topical Index Malachi 3:7,8,13 Library Psalm LXIX. The Letter of the Synod to Pope Celestine. Before Annas and the Court of Caiaphas Making Light of Christ Paul Before the Council. Order and Argument in Prayer V. ... Index of Subjects. The Seventh Book Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. Resources Are the demons the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.orgWhy didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? | GotQuestions.org What are the strengths and weaknesses of the pre-wrath view of the rapture? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |