The world of today is degenerating rapidly into a state similar to that which existed before the flood of Noah. Everywhere there is violence and corruption of every kind, and often to such a degree as to make even hardened unbelievers look on with horror. Many who have little or no thought of God are appalled at what is happening, and frequently the expression is used, “Whatever made him (or her) do it?” Such acts as child molestation, kidnappings, wanton murder, mass shootings of people in public places, and suicide bombings are becoming commonplace, to say nothing of Internet and credit card fraud, identity theft, computer viruses, and financial scams of every kind — the list goes on and on.
As well, the relationships between men and women are becoming more and more degraded, with fornication and adultery almost becoming the norm rather than the exception. More than this, homosexual relationships are becoming common, and same-sex unions are now being legalized in many jurisdictions. The change in public thinking on this subject has been one of the most significant and rapid declines of morality in the history of nominal Christian nations. Again, many are asking why and wondering what has brought about such a pronounced deterioration of public thinking and morality.
The Issue
As always, we find the answer in the Word of God, and it is very simple. When Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, they had the knowledge of God, but subsequently one branch of their family, headed by Cain, chose to “go out from the presence of the Lord” and leave God out of his life. Later still, after the world had been destroyed by a flood, once again Noah and his family had the knowledge of the true God and had seen what His power in judgment could do. But soon their posterity also corrupted themselves and began to worship idols. We read the following in the Book of Romans:
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful. ... Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.
“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves” (Rom. 1:21-2421Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: (Romans 1:21‑24)).
The Result
It is a principle with God that when God gives light to man and man rejects that light, God often allows him to see the results of his choice. If man gives up God, God gives man up, allowing him to see the effect of the path on which he has embarked. We read further that because men “worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator ... God gave them up unto vile affections” (Rom. 1:25-2625Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: (Romans 1:25‑26)). Also, “Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind” (Rom. 1:2828And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Romans 1:28)).
Here, then, we find the reason for the shocking decline in morality in the world and the precipitous rise of violence and corruption on every side. Doubtless this has occurred many times in the past, but it is happening very quickly today. Needless to say, the degeneration has been most pronounced in those countries that had formerly embraced Christianity, for the words of Jude have been fulfilled: “Ungodly men, turning the grace of God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). Peter also reminds us of this tendency, when he says, “It had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. ... The dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that is washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:21-22).
Thus, we should not be surprised at what is happening, although our hearts should surely be burdened, as we see what has happened to that which once professed the name of Christ. Countries that once were bastions of the gospel and from which countless missionaries went out to evangelize the world are now leaders in rejecting the Word of God, and even God Himself. But God has told us that this would happen, and I would suggest that it should have two effects upon us.
Two Effects
First of all, we can recognize that the Lord’s coming is near. We are reminded in Hebrews 10:2525Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25) that we are able to “see the day approaching.” If the day referred to is the day of judgment, then the Lord’s coming for us is even nearer. Our hearts should look up, for His coming must be soon!
Second, we must take even more care in our personal, family and assembly lives. As the condition of the world around us becomes perverted, we must make sure that we are more and more familiar with the Word of God. We must constantly be in prayer before the Lord, walking in fellowship with Him, lest we be overtaken with the thinking of the world in which we live and move. Sadly, an old poem may easily be true of the Christian:
“Vice is a monster of so frightful mien
As to be hated, needs but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then
embrace.”
The Positive Side
We must guard our own hearts, our families, our homes and our local assemblies from all of these degrading influences. But to these two things we have mentioned above, let us add a third. Rather than being only on the defensive, let us go on the offensive! Romans 12:2121Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) tells us, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” The believer who is active in the gospel and who seeks to use his time for the Lord is not nearly so likely to be overtaken with the spirit of the world. The wife and husband who work together in the Lord’s things will not have time to be occupied with worldly things; they have something better. God would have us not only to be kept from the evil in the world, but also to be a bright testimony to it. He will give us the strength, if we look to Him.
W. J. Prost