Topical Bible: The Afflictions of the Wicked: God is Glorified In

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The afflictions of the wicked, as presented in the Bible, serve as a profound testament to the sovereignty and justice of God. Throughout Scripture, the suffering and trials experienced by those who oppose God are depicted as instruments through which His glory and righteousness are revealed. This entry explores the biblical perspective on how God is glorified through the afflictions of the wicked.

Divine Justice and Righteousness

The afflictions of the wicked often manifest as a demonstration of God's justice. In the book of Psalms, the psalmist frequently reflects on the fate of the wicked, emphasizing that their suffering is a direct consequence of their rebellion against God. Psalm 37:13-15 states, "But the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken." Here, the afflictions of the wicked are portrayed as a fulfillment of divine justice, underscoring God's righteous governance of the world.

God's Sovereignty and Power

The afflictions of the wicked also highlight God's sovereignty and power over creation. In the narrative of Pharaoh and the plagues of Egypt, God uses the stubbornness and subsequent suffering of Pharaoh to demonstrate His supremacy. Exodus 9:16 declares, "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Through the afflictions brought upon Egypt, God's power is made manifest, and His name is glorified among the nations.

A Call to Repentance

The suffering of the wicked can serve as a call to repentance, both for the afflicted and for those who witness their plight. In the book of Ezekiel, God expresses His desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and live. Ezekiel 33:11 states, "As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live." The afflictions experienced by the wicked are thus an opportunity for them to recognize their need for God and to seek His mercy, ultimately bringing glory to God through their repentance and transformation.

A Warning to the Righteous

The afflictions of the wicked also serve as a warning to the righteous, reminding them of the consequences of turning away from God. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 1:18 , "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." The visible consequences of wickedness act as a deterrent, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and obedience to God, thereby glorifying Him through their lives.

The Ultimate Triumph of God's Glory

Ultimately, the afflictions of the wicked point to the final triumph of God's glory. In the book of Revelation, the ultimate judgment of the wicked is depicted as a moment of divine vindication and glory. Revelation 19:1-2 proclaims, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God! For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His servants." The final affliction and judgment of the wicked serve as the culmination of God's righteous plan, bringing eternal glory to His name.

In summary, the afflictions of the wicked, as portrayed in the Bible, are multifaceted in their purpose and significance. They reveal God's justice, power, and sovereignty, serve as a call to repentance, act as a warning to the righteous, and ultimately contribute to the eternal glorification of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 14:4
And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honored on Pharaoh, and on all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 38:22,23
And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain on him, and on his bands, and on the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Twenty Sixth Sunday after Trinity God's Judgment when Christ ...
... this and a final judgment of God in which all men, godly and wicked, shall be ... the
tribulations and sufferings of Christians: "These afflictions are the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty sixth sunday after trinity.htm

Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude.
... They know from Scripture that even their afflictions are working for their ... Shame
on our wicked lips! ... If God were glorified in our hearts, and we were thankful ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/knowledge worship gratitude.htm

Book 3
... his children; and may defeat the attempts of the wicked. ... in respect of poverty, contempt,
and afflictions: and in ... rose in our flesh.3. Because God is Almighty. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/book 3.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... The wicked, instead of improving their deliverance for God's ... When, by our afflictions,
we are conformed to Christ ... and with a loud voice glorified God.' Luke 17 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Putting God to Work
... and with all of its sorrows, burdens and afflictions, without any ... and appeals to
the infinite rectitude of God not to destroy the righteous with the wicked. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

The Exaltation of Christ
... In his own personal afflictions his chief anxiety is,"Will ... count that the scoff and
jeer of wicked men are ... "GOD also hath highly exalted him." The emperor of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the exaltation of christ.htm

Meditations for the Sick.
... it is said, that he suffered the wicked sons of ... 9. By afflictions God makes us
conformable to the image ... own state and misery, and God glorified by delivering ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for the sick.htm

The Psalms of David
... way and end of the righteous and the wicked. ... and goodness; or, Our graces tried by
afflictions. ... CM Christ's obedience and death; or, God glorified and sinners ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... Afflictions cannot sanctify us, except as they are used by ... not the vintage, which
represents the wicked that were to ... get to heaven, ye children of God, will ye ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... Persecutions, afflictions, sorrows, called, [3676]506; the godly must suffer ...
3726]483; intercession of, [3727]ib.; wicked, impairs not God's work, [3728 ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm