Topical Bible: Truth: The Evil People: Punished for Want of

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In the biblical narrative, truth is a fundamental attribute of God and a cornerstone of His relationship with humanity. The Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of truth, both in the character of God and in the lives of His followers. Conversely, the absence of truth, particularly among the wicked, is met with divine judgment and punishment.

God as the Source of Truth

The Bible presents God as the ultimate source of truth. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life." This statement underscores the divine nature of truth, rooted in the very being of God. The psalmist affirms this in Psalm 31:5, "Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth."

The Call to Truthfulness

Believers are called to embody truth in their lives, reflecting the character of God. Ephesians 4:25 instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Truthfulness is not merely a moral obligation but a reflection of one's relationship with God.

The Consequences of Rejecting Truth

The Bible warns of severe consequences for those who reject truth. In Romans 1:18, the apostle Paul writes, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness." This suppression of truth is a hallmark of evil, leading to divine retribution.

Examples of Punishment for Lack of Truth

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals and nations punished for their lack of truth. In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah laments the deceitfulness of the people of Judah, stating in Jeremiah 9:5-9, "Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth... Should I not punish them for these things?" declares the LORD. "Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?"

Similarly, in the New Testament, the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 serves as a stark warning. Their deceit regarding the sale of their property results in immediate divine judgment, illustrating the seriousness with which God views the absence of truth.

The Role of Truth in Judgment

Truth plays a critical role in divine judgment. Revelation 21:8 lists "all liars" among those who will face the second death in the lake of fire, highlighting the eternal consequences of living in falsehood. The absence of truth is not merely a temporal issue but one with eternal ramifications.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative is clear: truth is an essential attribute of God and a requirement for His people. The absence of truth among the wicked leads to divine punishment, both in this life and the next. The call to truthfulness is a call to align with the very nature of God, avoiding the dire consequences faced by those who reject it.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 9:5,9
And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
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Hosea 4:1,3
Hear the word of the LORD, you children of Israel: for the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
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Library

The Present Recompense
... Therefore his people return hither; and waters of a full cup are ... But that the text
speaks truth I do not doubt. ... but causing His sun to shine on the evil and on ...
/.../all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxix the present recompense.htm

The Death of Christ for his People
... of the dire character of evil, yet never ... added thereunto, must preserve his people,
even unto the ... Calvinistic, Augustinian, Pauline, Christian truth,"there is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/the death of christ for.htm

Appendix: Polemical Fragments
... His compassion, having no regard to the evil which is ... in you, grant us all grace
that truth may not ... People who do not keep their word, without faith, without ...
/.../pascal/pensees/section xiv appendix polemical fragments.htm

The Bible the Great Civilizer
... very opposite; and the article speaks plain truth when it ... one of us of our own nature
inclined to evil. ... business, the words and notions of the people with whom ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon viii the bible the.htm

That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in ...
... this is come upon us for our evil deeds, and ... destruction is to be feared, when a
people, after great ... my own exoneration, that so necessary a truth want not the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iv that it is.htm

National Sins and Miseries
... People and Priest lie drown'd in sin ... Instantly flee from sin, from every evil word
and work, as from ... found in your mouth: Speak to every man the truth from your ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 130 national sins and.htm

Drunkenness.
... their souls to prevent me from telling the truth. ... States says the representatives
of the people, the lawmakers ... When will the drink evil cease in our country? ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/ii drunkenness.htm

The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed ...
... with others, either in person or through other people. ... to death, in dying for the
truth they would ... soul who obeys willingly Christ's word, "Resist not evil.". ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter i the doctrine of.htm

The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the ...
... the message of their Lord, the rest evil entreated, and ... invited guests were the ancient
Covenant-People - Israel. ... Another prominent truth is set forth in the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the third day.htm

Silent Christians
... the use of your saying that you are Christian people if, in ... they said, 'If we be
silent, some evil'"or, as ... tend to lose its possession of the truth, and that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/silent christians.htm