Topical Bible: Rebellion Against God: Promises to Those Who Avoid

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Topical Encyclopedia

Rebellion against God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often depicted as a willful disobedience to His commandments and a rejection of His authority. The consequences of such rebellion are severe, yet the Scriptures also offer numerous promises to those who choose to avoid rebellion and remain faithful to God.

Biblical Context of Rebellion

Rebellion is first seen in the narrative of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), where their disobedience led to the fall of humanity. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently rebelled against God, despite His continuous guidance and provision. This rebellion often resulted in divine judgment, such as the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 24:20).

Promises to the Faithful

1. Blessings and Prosperity: Those who avoid rebellion and walk in obedience to God are promised blessings and prosperity. In Deuteronomy 28:1-2 , it is written, "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God."

2. Peace and Security: Faithfulness to God brings peace and security. Isaiah 32:17 states, "The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever." This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and assurance in God's protection.

3. Divine Guidance: Those who avoid rebellion are promised divine guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

4. Eternal Life: The ultimate promise for those who remain faithful is eternal life. In John 3:16 , it is declared, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This promise underscores the eternal reward for those who choose obedience over rebellion.

5. God’s Presence: A life free from rebellion ensures the continual presence of God. James 4:8 assures, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." This promise highlights the intimate relationship available to those who seek to live in accordance with God's will.

6. Strength and Support: God promises strength and support to those who avoid rebellion. Isaiah 41:10 offers comfort: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Conclusion

The Bible consistently contrasts the consequences of rebellion with the blessings of obedience. Those who choose to avoid rebellion against God are assured of His favor, guidance, and eternal rewards. These promises serve as both encouragement and motivation for believers to live lives of faithfulness and devotion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 28:1-13
And it shall come to pass, if you shall listen diligently to the voice of the LORD your God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command you this day, that the LORD your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 12:14
If you will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both you and also the king that reigns over you continue following the LORD your God:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"The Eternity of Hell-Torments"
... those once glorious spirits for their rebellion; how can ... unalterably pronounce this
dreadful sentence against all that ... From which unhappy state, may God of his ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the eternity of hell-torments.htm

Thoughts Upon Striving to Enter at the Strait Gate.
... and live so long in Sin and Rebellion against the great ... Case; for they that never
strove against their Sins ... sake, to hope on nothing but God's Promises, and to ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon striving to enter.htm

Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
... not to punish this sin; but the rebellion which was ... you, and say all manner of evil
against you falsely ... Yea, God hath "given us exceeding great and precious ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon viii moses prayer to.htm

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... and mercy, yet, when they persist in rebellion, he will ... true, I would heartily join
with thee against any that ... thou art one of the people of God, this doctrine ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm

Letter ii. The Importance of a Thorough Knowledge of the Doctrines ...
... we may be found in open rebellion, while we ... you find supported by the word of God,
however contrary ... But when objections arise in your mind against any doctrine ...
/.../letter ii the importance of.htm

Sanctification.
... If a man break off from rebellion against God, will it ... hands, and are you more secure
against spiritual pride ... kindred promises, suppose we come to God, and say ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xl sanctification.htm

The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest.
... world could have forced them to sin against their wills ... Never did God offer any good
to my soul ... wilfully and obstinately persisted in their rebellion and were ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter v the great misery.htm

The Arguments Usually Alleged in Support of Free Will Refuted.
... For they produce passages in which God upbraids his ... ask, can such upbraiding be directed
against those who have ... will is the depraved cause of their rebellion. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the arguments usually.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Paul.
... law comes in, inbred sin rises in rebellion against it. ... Having, therefore, these
promises, dearly beloved ... of cleansing by a definite act of consecration to God. ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter vii entire sanctification as.htm

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
... Is nor Treason and Rebellion a Sin ... to Money will enkindle the flames of God's Wrath
against us, yea ... their Trust and Confidences on the Promises of God, who hath ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly riches sect.htm